Homemade Sump Pumps

A wet basement is a common problem for homeowners. Foundations are rarely waterproof and even well-built basements can eventually experience water leaks. Sump pumps are essential in maintaining water levels and preventing water damage in basements. Hiring a professional to install a sump pump can be expensive. A homemade sump pump is a cost-effective alternative and can be installed for the cost of a pump and materials, saving a homeowner thousands of dollars.

Stones, egg-sized
Flue liner
Concrete mix
Submersible pump
Concrete block
Piping
Digging equipment

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a hole 30-inch by 30-inch in the basement floor. Make the hole 30 inches deep and place 5 inches of stones at the bottom. The stones should be the size of an egg. Center an 18-inch by 18-inch flue liner on the stone. The top of the flue liner should be 1 inch below the existing concrete floor.
- 2
  Insert egg-sized stones around the flue liner to fill the space. Using the top of the flue liner as a form, patch the concrete with concrete mix. Slope the patch down toward the flue liner to allow the sump to handle large amounts of water.
- 3
  Install a submersible sump pump with high capacity. Use the correct diameter pipe and include a foot valve as a pump outlet that runs straight up to the ceiling. Attach a horizontal run with a slight drop to the outside through a band joist. Place a concrete block directly under the discharge pipe to prevent erosion.

Problems With Sump Pumps

Main Causes of a Wet Basement

Flood Damage