If you are looking for an inexpensive and easy way to protect your home from flooding, consider doing a DIY sump pump installation. These devices are easy to install and can prevent extensive damage to your foundation. Listed below are some important tips to keep in mind before beginning. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re unsure of how to proceed. Moreover, these devices are surprisingly easy to maintain. You can perform basic maintenance yourself or contact a qualified professional.
Installing A Sump Pump Is A Simple DIY Job
If you’ve ever wondered whether or not installing a sump pump is a good idea, you’re not alone. Many people decide to do this DIY job on their own because it’s inexpensive and can be completed in a weekend. However, if you’re unsure about your plumbing or handyman skills, you should leave this job to the professionals. This project requires some digging and working with concrete, so if you’re not comfortable with these tasks, a professional should install it for you. Installing a sump pump is a relatively simple job, but you should never try it unless you’re comfortable with the basics of home improvement. You should also avoid damaging your home’s foundation with a DIY job, and you should not install it near water or sewer lines.
While it’s tempting to purchase the cheapest sump pump on the market, remember that a cheaply made model usually means it’s a cheaply-made model or a company that’s cutting corners to make a profit. Checking online reviews for sump pumps before buying is a good way to ensure that it’s working properly. Make sure that the pump’s float arm hasn’t jammed when you’re working.
It Protects Your Foundation
A sump pump is a mechanical device installed in your basement to remove excess groundwater. Oversaturated soil can cause your foundation to move and buckle. Especially during colder months, water can freeze against your foundation, causing even greater damage. A sump pump will collect the excess groundwater and divert it away from your home. This will prevent water from contaminating your basement, keeping your foundation secure and safe.
A sump pump is a necessity to prevent water from damaging your home. Water can enter your home for many reasons: melting snow, heavy rain, compromised municipal sewer mainline, and even plumbing leaks. It may take up to two or three days to manually drain the water from your home, which could cause damage to your floors and walls. If you don’t have a sump pump, you should consider investing in one.
It Is Cost-Effective
The cost of a sump pump installation is typically a few hundred dollars. A sump pump can save you a significant amount of money if you have a basement floor that is not made from cement. The installation is more difficult if the foundation is a thick cement slab, so you may want to save money by having a basement floor that is not made from cement. A plumber can also lay piping for your sump pump, which will add to the labor cost.
While you may be able to save money on labor if you choose a rural area, costs in urban areas can be higher than in the country. Although rural areas often have cheaper rates, there are still fees associated with long-distance travel. A typical sump pump installation requires hammering and concrete floor work. The cost will depend on the size of your basement, but an 18-inch basin can handle up to one gallon of water. A 24-inch basin can store two gallons of water.
It Is Easy To Do
If you have a clogged sump pump, you can easily install a new one by following the steps below. Before installing a new sump pump, make sure to read the owner’s manual of the existing one. It will tell you which parts to use and how to install the new one. Once you have read the manual, disconnect the power and check valve from the old one. Disconnect the electrical cord from the old pump and remove any visible debris.
Before installing the sump pump, it is important to check exterior drainage around the home. You need to make sure that your gutters are clear of debris, and you have enough downspout extensions to extend at least four feet beyond your foundation. Also, the soil within three feet of the foundation should slope away from the house. You should not be able to see the pump itself, as it sits inside the sump hole.
