Drain or Sump Pump Installed in Basements or Crawlspaces

Bulk water must be drained from the lowest portions of the foundation (below the interior finish floor level): this is the function of the footing drain, which is in turn drained to daylight or to a sump pit and pumped out (see Figure 1).  The drain or sump (Figure 2) keeps ground water levels below interior floor levels and also drains away any water that has been collected by the foundation wall drainage system.

The outflow from the sump pit must be directed to a storm sewer (if permitted by your local municipality) or a dry well away from the foundation.  Depositing the outflow next to the foundation will result in simply “recycling” water in and out through the foundation drainage system. The sump pit should have an airtight cover for indoor air quality reasons; if not covered, the sump can allow soil gases (including radon, water vapor, herbicides, termiticides, methane, etc.) into the home, which can be detrimental to occupant health. See the guide Sump Pump Cover Gasket for more information about covering the sump pit.

Basement plan showing sump pump location and perimeter drain that empties to the sump pit

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Sump pump installed in the basement or crawlspace floor

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How to Install a Sump Pump

1. Select a location in the basement or the crawlspace.  The sump pump should be located in the lowest spot of the floor, near a wall so the discharge pipe can be easily directed outside and near an electrical outlet to power the sump pump. Select a sump pump with a tight fitting, gasketed cover that is mechanically fastened. Sump covers that permit observation of conditions in the sump pit are recommended.
2. For a retrofit case, dig a hole or remove the concrete floor 6 to 10 inches deeper and wider than the sump liner.  For new construction, the hole should be approximately the same size as the sump liner (see Figure 3).
3. Fill the bottom of the sump pit with gravel and place the liner.  Connect the sump pit to the perimeter drain or the sub-slab gravel field by using a perforated sump pit liner or through-footing pipes that are connected to the perimeter drain.  In a retrofit case, fill the sump pit with additional gravel around the sump liner and place a layer of concrete at the edge of the liner.
    

Install the sump pit liner

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     4. Install the discharge pipe to direct water out and away from the building.  Install a check valve to prevent discharged water from flowing back into 
         the sump pit when the sump pump turns off.  Place the pump in the sump pit and plug it in (Figure 4).  Make sure the float is unobstructed. The 
         outlet may need to be a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) safety outlet - refer to the List of NFPA Codes & Standards.

Install the sump pump

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     5. Place the airtight cover on the sump and connect the last section of the discharge pipe (Figure 5).   See the guide Gasketed/Sealed Sump Covers for 
         more information.

Install the sump pump cover

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     6. If the sump is installed in a concrete slab, caulk around the outside edge of the sump pit liner where the liner meets the concrete (EPA 1994). If the 
         sump is installed in a crawlspace with a dirt floor covered by a polyethylene vapor barrier, ensure that polyethylene covers the ground around the 
         sump pump and is taped to the rim of the liner.