How to Build a Sump Cover

Sump pumps are installed in areas that accumulate standing water, such as basements, garages and other low-lying areas of the home. The pumps sit inside a floor pit and pump out the excess water via tubing that runs outside to a drainage area. It is important to cover the sump pump pit to prevent objects from falling into it. It also prevents gases from rising out of the pit. Building a sump pump cover requires only a trip to the hardware store for supplies and some basic DIY skills.

Tape measure
1/4-inch plywood
Protective eye wear
Circular saw
Hole saw bit
Power drill
Vinyl weatherstripping
1/4-inch masonry bit
1 1/2-inch masonry screws

Instructions

- 1
  Stretch a tape measure across the width of the floor pit to determine the dimensions then measure the length of the pit as well. Add 1 inch to both measurements to allow the cover to overlap the edges of the pit. Many sump pump pits are square but measure both dimensions to ensure the proper fit for the cover.
- 2
  Lay a piece of 1/4-inch plywood on a work surface and outline the dimensions noted in Step 1 with the tape measure and a pencil.
- 3
  Put on protective eye wear then cut out the outline from the plywood with a circular saw.
- 4
  Measure the location of any hoses that emerge from the sump pit and transfer them to the plywood. Cut out the holes with a hole saw that is the same diameter as the hoses.
- 5
  Apply vinyl weatherstripping along the bottom edge of the plywood by peeling off the protective backing and pressing it into place. The weatherstripping creates a seal with the floor.
- 6
  Place the cover over the sump pump pit with the weatherstripping face-down to the floor. Temporarily disconnect any hoses and thread them through the holes in the cover. Insert a 1/4-inch-diameter masonry bit into a drill and make four 1 1/2-inch pilot holes in the floor at each corner.
- 7
  Insert 1 1/2-inch masonry screws into each hole with a power drill until the weatherstripping compresses and the cover does not feel loose.

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