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Sump Pump Installation
 Most basement waterproofing systems rely on a sump pump to remove water from the basement. If the pump fails to operate for any reason, the system fails and the basement gets wet, despite the investment made to dry it. Therefore, if a basement waterproofing systems is going to rely on a sump pump to keep it dry the pump must be reliable.
Despite stories that circulate about homes getting wet because of sump pump failures, today's sump equipment is better and more reliable – that is if you have the right equipment. With the wrong equipment, you'll be the one telling tales of woe about your pump failing and causing your basement to flood one day.
Besides the pump itself, a sump pump system is comprised of many other elements that are very important for optimal functionality.
A sump pump that sits in a muddy hole in the basement floor has a chance of becoming clogged. And a pump in a 5-gallon bucket that doesn't hold a lot of water will “short cycle” (go on and off very quickly). The best situation is a sturdy liner that holds enough water, keeps the pump out of the mud, and protects the pump.
Pump manufacturers do not offer lifetime warranties on their pumps -- so beware of contractors that do. A lifetime warranty offered on a sump pump, does not make the pump any better. Some contractors sell their pumps with a lifetime warranty (or many years) – the pitch is: “free replacements forever” – to entice homeowners to purchase their entire solution. This is irresponsible. Simply ask the question, “How do I know when to call to get my free replacement?” Answer: when the pump has failed and the basement is flooded.
The sump should have an air-tight lid to prevent water from evaporating out of the sump hole into your basement, to stop stuff from falling in that can clog the pump or switch, and to quiet the system. Depending on the cover, it can also make the installation look good too. Instead of a necessary evil in your home, you have a thoughtfully engineered system.
When you have a plumbing leak and the water floods out onto the basement floor, you'll want to use your sump hole to drain the water away. A sump lid with a floor drain is the answer.
A “CleanPump Stand” elevates the pump off the bottom of the sump liner, allowing sediment, mud, debris, or gravel that washes into the sump liner to settle to the bottom of the sump liner without clogging or otherwise affecting the pump. It also keeps the check valve and discharge pipe clean.
How would you know if your sump pump has failed and you were in danger of being flooded? Unless you have an alarm, the answer is, when your basement is already flooded. A battery-powered alarm that automatically sounds off when the water reaches a level above the point where the pump(s) should normally turn on is essential.
What if my pump fails? What if the power goes out?
You need to plan on...
• The power going out one day – which usually happens in a big storm with rain
• The pump coming unplugged
• The circuit breaker tripping
• The primary pump failing
• The primary pump not being able to keep up with the amount of water in a very heavy rain
Remember all the stories of woe people have told you about the sump pump failing and them getting flooded? These are the reasons they were talking about. You don't have to go through that if you get the right equipment.
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A Sump Pump should Warn of Impending Flooding