How To Install A Sump Pump Pit In Basement

A sump pump pit is a hole in the basement floor that collects water from the ground and pumps it away from the house. Sump pumps are important for preventing flooding in basements, especially in areas with high water tables or frequent rainfall. Installing a sump pump pit is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours.

To install a sump pump pit, you will need the following tools and materials:

Sump pump
Sump pump pit
Gravel
PVC pipe
PVC glue
Primer
Check valve
Electrical wire
Wire nuts
Duct tape

1. Start by choosing a location for the sump pump pit. The pit should be located in the lowest part of the basement, and it should be at least 2 feet away from any walls or other obstacles.

2. Once you have chosen a location, dig a hole that is 18 inches wide and 24 inches deep. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the sump pump and the gravel that will surround it.

3. Fill the bottom of the hole with 6 inches of gravel. The gravel will help to keep the sump pump in place and prevent it from clogging.

4. Place the sump pump in the hole and connect the PVC pipe to the discharge port. The PVC pipe should be at least 1-1/2 inches in diameter, and it should be glued together using PVC glue and primer.

5. Install a check valve on the discharge pipe. The check valve will prevent water from flowing back into the sump pump pit.

6. Wire the sump pump to a GFCI outlet. The GFCI outlet will help to protect the sump pump from electrical shock.

7. Test the sump pump by pouring water into the sump pump pit. The sump pump should start automatically and pump the water away.

Once the sump pump is installed, it is important to test it regularly to make sure that it is working properly. You should also clean the sump pump pit every few months to remove any debris that may have accumulated.