If your home is equipped with a sump pump, there's usually a good reason for it. The purpose of a sump pump is to collect water from around your foundation and redirect it away. If it fails, you could face thousands in damage, potential foundation issues, and mold if your basement floods.
Another type of pump you might see is a sewage lift pump. This sealed system is used if your basement plumbing is below the main sewer or septic line. We're not covering that type in this article.
It Begins at the Foundation
The adjacent picture shows a foundation under construction. There’s a perimeter drain pipe below the gravel, shown by the blue arrows. Look closely in the red circle — you can see the drain pipe entering the basement. This pipe will be visible inside the sump crock once the basement is finished.
Finished Installation
A typical installation includes a covered sump crock, discharge pipe, and check valve. It should be plugged into a dedicated outlet. Do not use this outlet for other appliances! If you trip the breaker, the pump won’t work. Install a battery backup system if needed.
Types of Pumps
You may see two types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. The submersible sits entirely in the crock and activates via a float switch. Ensure the float moves freely to avoid failure.
The pedestal pump’s motor sits above the crock. A rod connects the float to the motor. Be sure the rod can move freely. These can overheat if used continuously, so keep a spare pump on hand.
Battery Back-Up Systems
For around $250, you can add a battery backup pump. It mounts above the main pump and uses a marine battery. If the power goes out, this system keeps pumping — and alerts you with an alarm. Pricier systems ($800+) are available for long outages.
Check Valves
Check valves prevent water from draining back into the crock. Without one, you could lose efficiency — especially if the discharge pipe runs far from the house.
Look Outside!
Discharge water at least 10 feet from the foundation. Most setups use a flexible hose. Ensure it’s tightly connected and sloped away from your home.
Here's a poor example: the hose was loose and leaking. A tarp didn’t help, and a low spot near the foundation caused water to return...
...right back into the basement. Grade your yard to slope away — 6 inches over 10 feet is the rule of thumb.
Sump Pump Freeze-Ups
If your hose freezes, water has nowhere to go — the pump may dead-head, leading to failure or fire risk. Never use automotive antifreeze — it’s dangerous to pets and children!
Use a wide hose with an air gap for winter. Secure with a coat hanger and clamp. This lets the water fully drain before it freezes. In spring, switch back to your normal hose.