Installing a sump pump is one of the best ways to keep your basement dry and safe from water damage. However, avoiding common sump pump installation mistakes is key to ensuring your efforts pay off. Even small errors can cause big problems, such as frequent pump failures, water backflow, or a flooded basement.
Imagine spending hours on the installation, only to discover your sump pump isn’t functioning correctly during a heavy rainstorm. Fortunately, understanding potential pitfalls can help you avoid these issues.
Fortunately, many of these issues can be easily prevented by taking the time to understand what can go wrong.
In this article, we’ll guide you through these common mistakes and how to avoid them so you can confidently complete the job and protect your home.
Table of Contents
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Sump Pump: One of the Most Common Sump Pump Installation Mistakes
One of the most common sump pump installation mistakes is choosing the wrong type of pump for your needs. Even the best sump pumps won’t perform optimally if you install the wrong kind.
Sump pumps come in two main types: submersible and pedestal. A submersible pump sits underwater in the sump pit, making it quieter and less visible. In contrast, a pedestal pump has the motor above the water level, making it easier to access for maintenance.
If you choose the wrong type, it could affect the pump’s performance and lifespan. For example, a submersible pump is ideal for homes with limited space or noise concerns, while a pedestal pump might be better if you need easier access for repairs.
Understanding the differences between these types is crucial to selecting the right pump for your home.
2. Incorrect Sump Pit Size
The size of the sump pit plays an important role in how effectively the pump functions. Getting this right in regions like Florida or Hong Kong, where typhoons or hurricanes can bring heavy rainfall, becomes even more important.
If the pit is too small, or too large, the pump will cycle on and off frequently, leading to unnecessary wear and tear, which can shorten the pump’s lifespan.
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Caption: Heavy rainfall will expose all sump pump installation mistakes.
Alt tag: View of Trees through a Wet Window During Rainfall
3. Poor Placement of the Sump Pump
Improper placement of the sump pump is another mistake that can lead to serious problems. The sump pump needs to be installed in the lowest part of your basement, where water naturally collects.
Placing it in a higher spot or away from the primary water source can significantly reduce its effectiveness. If the pump isn’t positioned correctly, water may not reach the pump in time, leading to pooling or flooding in other basement areas.
Additionally, placing the pump too close to a wall or in a tight corner can make maintenance difficult.
Because sump pumps run on electricity there needs to be an electrical outlet that the power cord can reach. However, sump pumps can spray water when operating. Also, a leak in the discharge pipe might spray or leak water. So, locate your sump pump away from other electrical items.
To avoid these issues, take the time to assess your basement’s layout.
4. Neglecting to Install a Check Valve
A check valve is a small but essential sump pump component that prevents water from flowing back into the sump pit after it has been pumped out. Without it, water can flow back into the pit when the pump shuts off, forcing it to work harder by repeatedly pumping the same water.
This increases wear and tear on the pump and raises the risk of flooding if the pump can’t keep up. Installing a check valve is a straightforward step, but it’s one that many DIY enthusiasts overlook.
Make sure to install the valve on the discharge pipe just above the pump, and ensure that it’s facing the right direction to allow water to flow out and not back in.
- QUIET OPERATION: Our sump pump check valve has a unique spring-loaded flapper that helps eliminate the water hammer noise that standard check valves produce. The water hammer noise occurs when the discharged water slams the check valve flapper down. This silent check valve can bring a quiet operation to your sump pump.
- CLEAR VALVE BODY: This check valve will provide visibility to water movement. With the valve’s clear body, it’s easy to visually confirm that pumped contents are moving, the pipes are not clogged, and the pump in the basin is fully operational.
- INCLUSIONS: Our silent sump pump check valve comes with stainless steel clamps and Buna-N rubber couplings for quick installation. The clamps and couplings fit a 1-1/2″ Schedule 40 pipe. Fits within a 5-1/8″ gap.
- KEEP WATER OUT: This check valve is designed to keep pumped water within the discharge pipe from falling back into the sump basin. A fully functional sump pump check valve can increase pump life expectancy by preventing water from being pumped twice.
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5. Using the Wrong Discharge Pipe
The discharge pipe is responsible for directing the water away from your home once it’s pumped out of the sump pit. If the pipe is too small, it can restrict the flow of water, causing the pump to work harder and potentially leading to blockages.
Conversely, using a pipe that’s too large may not provide any additional benefit. Also, the increased amount of water in the discharge pipe and can make the pump work harder to push water through the check valve.
Additionally, the material of the discharge pipe matters—plastic pipes are commonly used because they are lightweight and resistant to corrosion. Still, they must be thick enough to handle the pressure of the pumped water.
Proper installation also includes securing the pipe to prevent it from becoming disconnected or damaged.
6. Failing to Test the Sump Pump After Installation
Failing to test the sump pump after installation is a mistake that can lead to unexpected problems. Many DIY enthusiasts complete the installation and assume everything is working correctly without performing a test run. Testing the pump is crucial to ensure it operates as intended and to catch any issues before they become serious problems.
To test your sump pump, pour water into the pit until the pump activates and begins draining. Observe its operation to ensure it runs smoothly and shuts off correctly. Pay attention to any unusual noises or leaks.
If the pump doesn’t work as expected, troubleshoot the issue or consult the manufacturer’s guidelines.
7. Ignoring the Importance of a Backup System
Ignoring the need for a backup system is a common oversight that can leave your home vulnerable during power outages or pump failures. A backup system ensures your sump pump continues to operate even if there’s a power cut or the main pump fails.
There are different types of backup systems, such as water-powered and battery-powered models.
Water-powered backups use your home’s water pressure to keep the pump operating, while battery-powered backups can keep your pump running for several hours if the power goes out.
Choosing the right backup system depends on your specific needs and the typical duration of power outages in your area.
Conclusion: A Job Well Done with Fewer Headaches
Getting your sump pump installation right can make all the difference in keeping your basement dry and trouble-free. By avoiding common sump pump installation mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for success and protect your home from potential water damage.
A little extra effort now can save you from bigger problems down the road. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your sump pump is ready to handle whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
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.