In this guide, we’re going to learn how to install a sump pump in a crawl space. This is a step-by-step comprehensive guide which will cover the following points:
Several homes constructed decades past may have a small crawl space beneath the house rather than a basement. So, what to do if you have a wet base issue in this scenario? The most likely thing that you would otherwise do — install a sump pump. The installation process will be a bit demanding and time-consuming, but it will be worth it to preserve your home from undesirable damage.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at a few reasons why your crawl space may encounter inordinate dampness, as well as, introduce you to a guide on how to install a sump pump in a crawl space. The first thing you should do is some spy work and make sense of why the dampness or groundwater has begun together in your crawl space and fix that issue.
Why is your crawl space wet?
If you can figure out a fix for the problem causing the water, you might almost certainly keep from installing a sump pump immediately. Nonetheless, if it is a round-the-clock problem even after repairs have been made then maybe the installation of that sump pump is inevitable. Here are a few reasons why there are dampness issues in your crawl space.
- Lack of drainage systems
- Humid Climate
- No dampness barrier between dirt and crawl space
- Leakage in plumbing
- The groundwater level is higher than the floor
So now you may have an interpretation of why the problem has appeared you may be able to minimize the damage before even getting into that crawls space for sump pump installation, otherwise below we’ll guide you through the process thoroughly.
How to Install a Sump Pump in a Crawl Space
You’ll need to gather your tools and get organized unless indeed, you decided to go with an expert. Contrarily, get your toolbox and shovels, as well as, buckets for the dirt removal. Furthermore, your tools should have shovels, hand tools for mounting and drilling as well. Also, it is prudent to have some sort of light source to help you with the visibility in that crawl space. Once you have your tools organized you can begin with the steps below
1. Planning
The first step in installing a sump pump in a crawl space is planning. In this part, you’ll have to find the perfect spot for the sump basin. This location must be central and near an outlet so that you can plug in the pump. Furthermore, another vital thing to plan is where the pipe that is going to carry the water outside will be running. Lastly, you would have to consider where to place the hole for the water carrying pipe.
2. Digging
The second step in the installation process is digging. Once you have everything laid out, you need to start digging. Firstly, you have to dig for the sump basin itself. Secondly, you have to dig a pit for the drainage pipe. As a word of precaution, if you’re doing this as a DIY venture, it is highly recommended that you consult an engineer or a professional so that you do not mess up the foundation of your home.
3. Sump Pump Basin Prep/Installation
The third step is the sump pump basin installation. On the off chance that your sump pump does not have any drainage holes, you might need to bore some in it before dropping it in your hole. Before releasing it in the sump basin, make sure to line the base with gravel and afterward start laying your seepage pipe. When you have everything in order, fill up the rest of the hole surrounding the basin with gravel until you are about 2” from the top of the basin.
4. Installing your Sump Pump
Fourth and the critical step is the installation of your sump pump. In this step, take your sump pump and put it in the basin, and connect all the plumbing that you need. Furthermore, for better water transportation, add a weep hole in the PVC pipe. Ideally, this weep hole should be drilled about 6” from the sump pump connection.
5. Cover and Connect
The fifth step is covering and connecting your sump pump. Before reaching this step you have installed your sump pump, and connections to outlets have been laid out. Now, take the sump pump cover and place it properly. Additionally, you also need to make a connection of the pump to the discharge line. Furthermore, as per the building codes of your area, ventilate the plumbing and connect the power cable to the system.
6. Finish up the Crawl Space
The second last step in the installation of a sump pump is to set up the crawl space. To wrap up the crawl space, swarm the area with some gravel where your sump pump is located and then continue installing the rest of the drainage line out. Subsequently, drill a hole in the wall where the drainage line will run through and then proceed with the installation process. This includes caulking and running the pipe at least 4’ from the house and setting up a water flow system.
7. Connect to Power
Last but not least, it’s time to make the system alive. Plug the cord into the power supply and watch your sump pump get to work. Now you can sleep with relief, knowing that your foundation will be preserved.
After connecting power to your sump pump, you need to know if your sump pump is working fine or not. This is necessary because it will help you detect any fault in your sump pump, and rectify it as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Indeed, even with bounded space, you’re still able to install a sump pump to guarantee the safety of the foundation of your home. The installation process may take extra effort and time, but in the long haul, the reward is far more pleasing and cost-effective.