How to Cut Channels in Basement Floors to Drain Water

Clear out everything in the basement. Look at the floor area and decide on a location for the sump pump, which is typically a corner near an exterior facing wall. Draw a 2-by-2-foot square on the floor using chalk to indicate the pump hole, which is where the channels drain.

Walk to one of the opposite corners and measure out 12 inches from the wall. Place a chalk line at that location, and have an assistant stretch the line toward the corner on the opposite end of the wall. Have the assistant measure out 12 inches, and snap the chalk line to designate the channel edge. Repeat the process on all walls until you have a 12-inch-wide marked area that leads to the sump pump.

Don ear protection, safety glasses, work gloves and a dust mask. Insert a chisel tip into a jackhammer, both of which are available at hardware and tool rental stores.

Place the tip of the chisel inside the chalk line, and spread your feet to provide traction. Squeeze the trigger to begin breaking through the basement floor. Stop when you see dirt or feel the jackhammer slide down faster.

Move to the next section of the channel and perform the same process. Continue chiseling out the inside of the chalked area until you reach the sump area.

Pick up the large pieces of flooring and place them into a 5-gallon bucket or a trash can for disposal. Carry the material to an outdoor dumpster, and throw it away. Continue until all the loose flooring chunks are removed.

Dig out the channel using a shovel until it is 12 inches deep. Proceed with installing the sump pump and any drain pipes per the manufacturer's instructions.