Although sump pumps are rather loud and ugly, they are necessary to keep the basement dry and free of mold. As more homeowners start to remodel their basements, they try to find new ways in which they can hide the sump pump in their basement. Selecting good sump pump cover ideas will be determined by how the sump pump is plumbed.
Although most sump pump installations have discharge pipes situated some distance away from the basement wall, in some cases, they are right on the wall, while others have been built into the wall. There are sump pump cover ideas suitable for each of these scenarios.
Table of Contents
The #1 Choice of Sump Pump Cover Ideas
Sump Pump Pipes Can be Hidden in A Closet
Putting a sump pump in a closet makes it easy to access the sump pump when required.
A closet is also very good to muffle the loud noises a sump pump makes.
An additional benefit is that closet shelves add much needed storage space.
A sump pump closet will also keep children, pets, and dirt from damaging your sump pump system. Keeping your kids and pets safe should also always be a priority.
Ceiling To Floor Curtain Sump Pump Cover Ideas
A ceiling to floor curtain is one of the easiest ways that can be used to hide a sump pump in a basement. Curtains are also very easy to install and relatively inexpensive.
The curtain shouldn’t touch the floor if the floor is bare concrete, as this will prevent the curtain from being damaged by the rough concrete.
A curtain could also absorb moisture from the concrete if it touches the floor. Even when concrete seems to be dry, it may be due to air circulation evaporating the surface moisture. When the curtain however touches the concrete, it might become damp. This is due to the curtain hindering air circulation where it is in contact with the concrete.
It is also possible to install storage shelves behind the curtains. Curtains will however not keep pets and children safe from a working sump pump.
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Placing Shelving Over the Sump Pump
This solution is most suitable when the discharge piping is situated inside a wall. It could however also be acceptable when the pipes are right next to the wall. The sump pump pipes will however still be visible unless the shelving comes with a solid backing.
When this sump pump cover idea is used, ensure that the bottom shelf is high enough so that the sump pump is still easily accessible. This may mean that you might want to install a curtain or door below the bottom shelf to conceal the sump pump.
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More Ideas to Hide a Basement Sump Pump
Although the following ideas are most suitable when the discharge pipes are hidden inside a wall, they could also be used when the pipes are exposed.
Use a Carpet to Cover the Sump Pump Cover
Sump pump covers are not always flat or flush with the surface of the basement floor. Using carpeting can however be an excellent way to hide the sump pump in your basement.
You’ll need to make sure that the sump basin cover is sealed properly as this will prevent moisture from collecting under the carpet and causing mold.
When used to cover a sump pump, carpeting will definitely reduce the normal noises a sump pump makes.
Hide the Sump Basin Cover with Plants
As live plants may cause dirt to get into the sump pump basin, artificial plants are a better option. Artificial plants are also easier to move when you need access to the pump.
Plants can be placed around or on top of the cover. Although taller plants will create a better screen than short plants will, short plants normally work well under shelving mounted to the wall.
Big Stuffed Couch or Chair
A big stuffed chair may be placed in front of a sump pump pit if it is in the basement corner. It may also be possible to place a couch or chair directly over the sump pump cover.
When doing this, make sure that the basin cover is airtight to prevent the chair from getting wet. Larger furniture will be more difficult to move when access to the sump pump is needed.
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Use Solid Flooring
Basements that have a sump pump system normally don’t use solid flooring as it doesn’t permit moisture to escape. Raised flooring is used instead as this allows air to circulate under the floor. The air circulation prevents various problems including mold growth.
Moisture in a concrete floor will result in directly applied floor tile popping off and making floor paint bubble and peel.
Using A Raised Floor or Cabinet
This is possibly the second best choice of the sump pump cover ideas. When the cover is removable it provides much easier access than a cabinet would.
A raised floor is simply a bigger version of the cabinet idea. Although they can be more useful than cabinets, it is however potentially more expensive.
A normal bathroom or kitchen cabinet can be used to hide a sump pump while still permitting easy access. That is assuming the cabinet is large enough. This base cabinet should cover nicely.
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I hope these sump pump cover ideas have inspired you to hide that sump pump in the basement.
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Author at Best Sump Pumps
The first time I helped to install a drain tile and basement sump pump system was 1978.
Since then I have worked for a city water utility where I worked with and maintained pumps.
My rental properties and personal homes all needed sump pumps.
As a modular home dealer/builder, those new homes needed sump pumps.
I put that experience to good use by providing reliable, useful, and practical advice on buying, using, and maintaining sump pumps.