Sump Pump Basin

A sump is a low lying space that collects undesirable liquids such as sewage, water and chemicals. A common example for a sump is the lowest point of a basement where water tends to accumulate under certain conditions. This generally happens when the water table of the surrounding area is above the foundation of the building or when the bottom level of the building is below sewer lines. Water may leak from sewage lines or drains and seep through into the basement of your home. A sump pump is an effective device that can be used remove excess water if your basement is prone to flooding. However it should be noted that although a sump pump can remedy the problem of basement flooding it will not address the source of your water problem and homeowners should take necessary m in combination with a sump pump basin which is essentially a reservoir located at the lowest point of a basement where water first accumulates. Sump pump basins can be purchased at home centers and are often made of plastic or fiberglass.

easures to solve this problem. A sump pump works

Sump pumps work by collecting excess water and discharging it to a municipal storm drain or a dry well where the excess water will no longer be a problem. A sump pump is a necessary precaution in most homes since even an inch of water can cause considerable damage particularly if the basement is furnished. There are two types of sump pumps. A pedestal sump pump sits above the sump pump basin and is easier to service however it is also more conspicuous. A submersible sump pump is mounted inside the sump pump basin and is sealed in a special housing to prevent electrical short circuits when water collects in the pit. It is harder to maintain than the pedestal type but is less visible and operates with less noise. General maintenance is required as the pump may get clogged with dirt and debris over time.

When installing a sump pump basin it is important to select an appropriate location that does not intersect with any water pipes and is a few feet away from the building foundation. Lay the sump pump basin upside down and trace a square around it 6 to 10 inches wider than the top of the basin. Use a jackhammer to cut along the perimeter you traced and then chip away at the interior of the square until the concrete is removed. Remove the debris and use a shovel to dig a hole for the basin. Once the hole is deep enough set the sump pump basin in place taking care not to leave it against the dirt. Fill the area around the sump pump basin with gravel until it reaches the top and the sump pump basin is secure and level.

Smooth the gravel area around the sump pump basin with a trowel and remove any debris and chunks of concrete. Next apply concrete evenly over the smoothed area and make sure that the top of the sump pump basin is level with the floor. Allow the floor to completely dry before installing the sump pump and plumbing. Be sure to extend the piping to the outside to allow water to drain away from the foundation. Sump pumps are usually hardwired to the homes electrical system while others are battery powered. Some pumps operate using the homes own pressurized water supply thus eliminating the need for electrical power. In any case there should be a backup power since the sump pump basin may overflow if not constantly pumped such as when there is a prolonged power failure.

Overall a sump pump is a worthwhile investment in any home especially in ones prone to flooding. The installation can be costly if a plumber or a technician is hired however the benefits outweigh the cost. In addition the installation can be done by yourself over a few days if you a properly aware of the procedure.