A sump pump is a device installed in a sump pit that is dug at the lowest part of a house to prevent flooding and structural damages caused by water. A sump pit is dug below the ground surface of a basement to collect excess ground water when it rains, or during snowmelt in spring. Sumps are usually dug 2 feet deep and 18 inches wide.
How does a Sump Pump Work?
This device is always inside of the sump pit. It is usually dormant and only functions when water reaches a certain level in the pit. The pump has a floating button which powers it when the water moves the floating button.
A discharge line called an effluent is connected to the device to discharge the water sucked by the pump into a designated drainage. Modern sump devices now have an automatic alarm system that lets the homeowner know when they are active.
Installing one of these devices in your home shouldn’t be a problem as there are lots of companies that specialize in this area. To find the closest one to you, simply run a Google search. For example, someone who lives in Chantilly could simply type sump installation in Chantillyand the closest companies should appear on your screen.
Types of Sump Pumps
Before installing one of these in your home, it is important that you explore the options available to see which fits your preference.
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Pedestal
This type has its pump and motor separate from each other. The motor is placed on a pedestal with a hose connecting to the pump which is placed in the pit. The water is sucked out of the pit to the designated area of deposit through this hose.
They tend to last longer than other pumps since its motor isn’t submerged. Another benefit of having this type over others is that the motor is very accessible for maintenance. The only downside however to this type is that it’ll take up space in your basement.
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Submersible
As the name suggests, this type has its motor and pump completely submerged in the pit. These pumps are quieter and save basement space since they are placed in the sump pit. These pumps also clog less compared to the pedestal. The benefits of having this pump however may not be so impressive considering the fact that they do not last as long as other pumps. Their motors get easily damaged as they are always submerged.
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Battery-Powered
This type is the most efficient for areas where there is frequent rain and storm that could lead to power failure. In the event of a power outagethe device is activated by the battery once the water level reaches the float button. Clickhere to learn more about sump pumps
Installing the Pump in 10 Simple Steps
Although it is advisable to hire professionals to install your sump pumps, installing it yourself is still very much possible, especially if you want to cut down on expenses. If this is the case for you, here are ten easy steps you can follow to have your pump installed and running fine.
Step 1: Attach a check valve to the discharge pipe
If you will be using a glue-in check valve, ensure you prime the inside of the fitting and the lower outer edge of the discharge pipe so that they glue properly. Once this is done, attach the coupling and the pipe before attaching fitting to the pipe.
Step 2: Take precise measurements
Measure the diameter or width of the pit to make sure it is 18 inches wide. This is important because your float switch may get stuck on the walls of the pit if it is narrow. Remember that this switch is what activates the pump.
Once that is done, measure the depth of the pit. It shouldn’t be less than 2 feet deep. Next, measure the distance between the bottom adapter of the check valve and the base of the pit.
Step 3: Attach the adapter to the discharge pipe
After the measurements have been taken and confirmed, glue the male adapter to the discharge pipe. Once they’ve been attached, using a wrench, thread the male adapter onto the female adapter attached to the sump pump. Make sure all ends are well tightened but take caution not to overdo it so you do not crack the fittings.
Step 4: Test the pump and float to see if they work
After attaching the discharge pipe to the pump, test to see if both the pump and the float work properly before lowering them into the pit.
To do this, connect the float button plug to the pump and plug the pump into a power outlet. Flip the float button and allow the pump to run for a few seconds to be sure it works. This device is not meant to run dry so ensure that this test lasts for only a few seconds.
Step 5: Drill a weep hole
A weep hole prevents the damage caused by an air-lock in the pipe which results in the pump running dry. When the weep hole is present, the water under the check valve will not drain back into the pit when the device is running.
To drill this hole, measure about 5 cm above the adapter and drill down creating a downward-facing hole to aid water drainage.
Step 6: Run the discharge pipe out of the house
After drilling the weep hole, the hard part is over. Now run the discharge pipe out of the house through the basement wall and apply a silicone sealant in the hole through which the pipe runs to cover it up, and keep the pipe locked in place. There are different types of silicone sealers made for different purposes, check out https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-choose-right-silicone-sealant-prosper-silicone-sealant-co-ltd- to be sure of the right one to use.
Step 7: Lower the pump into the pit
After making sure all attachments to the pump are well connected and firm, slowly lower it into the sump pit.
Step 8: Extend the discharge pipe further out of the house
Once the device has been lowered into the pit, add more pipe to the discharge pipe to further extend it away from the house and towards the designated area. It is recommended that this pipe run about 8 feet away from the house.
Step 9: Test your connection
It’s now time to test the system. To run the pump, simply fill the sump with enough water to flip the float button and activate the device. Once you are satisfied that it works. Close the sump and move to the final step.
Step 10: Secure all electrical wire used in the connection
The final step is making sure all the wires are properly secured so that they do not disconnect. This can be done by using a tape to fasten them together and keep them in place.
Conclusion
For houses in regions with high annual rainfall, sump pumps are a must to preserve the structural integrity of the building. To protect against the system failing in times of power loss caused by a storm or heavy rainfall, it is advisable to use a battery-powered pump.