Sump Pump Installation in Northern Pennsylvania and Western New York

Step 1:  Installing a Drain to the Sump Pump

The floor around the edge of the basement is jackhammered, and a layer of clean stone is set down.

A perimeter drain is installed on top of the drain, and a second layer of stone is placed on top.  The purpose of this drain is to direct water from the basement wall-floor joint to the installed sump pump.

The drains installed by Waterproofing Specialties include a wall flange that extends up the basement wall to collect water that may leak from the walls.  If your home has concrete block walls, holes can be drilled in the blocks to drain trapped water into your perimeter drain.

Step 2:  Installing a Liner for the Sump Pit

A sump pump pit is also excavated for the pump to be placed in.  It’s important that the sump pit is large enough, but not too large.  When placed in a small pit, a sump pump can pump water out faster than it can fill the liner, causing them to turn on and off quickly and burn out sooner.  Sump pits that are too large tend to go too deeply into the ground, pulling up water far below your home, causing unnecessary work and electricity usage.

The sump pump is always installed in the lowest point in the basement.  This way, if your home experiences a plumbing failure, the water will naturally flow towards the sump pump and be pumped away.

Step 3:  The Sump Pump Installation

A line of PVC pipe is run from the perimeter drain to the sump pump system, and clean gravel is used to fill the empty space around the sump pump system.  This gravel discourages mud and debris from settling up against the sump pump.

We will place your sump pump in a stand inside the liner, keeping it off the bottom, where dust, mud, and debris can settle.  An airtight sump pump liner keeps odors and humidity from rising out of the sump pit while keeping out the sound of the sump pump running.  If you have two pumps installed in the pit, we use two discharge lines to ensure that the pipes can handle the volume of the water being sent through them,

Step 4:  Test the Sump & Drainage Line

A few days after the installation is complete, the entire system is flood-tested to ensure that your waterproofing system is working properly.  Dust is sprayed off the floor with a hose, and the discharge line outside is inspected to ensure that the water is being discharged to an appropriate location.

To allow for future testing, our professionals install several "ports" in the perimeter drain where a hose or dehumidifier drainage line can be inserted.  During annual checkups and sump pump maintenance, this allows for additional flood testing.

Step 5:  Finishing Touches

To complete the sump pump installation, the concrete is cemented over, covering the drain over for a clean, attractive look.  Unlike some other waterproofing systems, we do not leave a gap in the floor’s perimeter that can collect dust, debris, and other particles that could clog your waterproofing system.

Outside of your home, the discharge line is buried under the ground.  The installer is careful to remove sections of the lawn in whole pieces before excavating to cause minimal damage to your landscaping throughout the installation.

Step 6: Upgrade your Basement 

Once your basement is protected from flooding, it’s a great idea to take advantage of the space and create a cleaner, drier, more attractive area. 

Be sure to ask us about our battery backup sump pumps as well as our waterproof basement wall coverings,energy efficient dehumidifiers, waterproof basement flooring, and downspout extensions, and solutions for common home plumbing failures.  We can also seal your crawl space, and many of our dealers can even finish the basement with waterproof products!