DIY: Sump Well

Turn the sump basin upside down in the area in which you are installing it. You should position the sump pump at the lowest part of the basement. This will allow the water to naturally drain toward the sump pump. Use a piece of chalk to trace the entire basin.

Remove the concrete where the sump pump will go, using a jackhammer. Start in the middle of the circle and move toward the chalk line. Once you have broken through the concrete -- which is typically 4 inches -- shovel the pieces of concrete, soil and gravel out of the hole.

Place the sump liner in the hole. The sump liner is a plastic tub with several holes in the sides. If needed, continue digging the soil and gravel out until the liner fits in the hole. The typical sump liner height is 24 inches. Set the sump into the sleeve. Position the sump in the center of the sump sleeve.

Attach the recommended discharge pipe to the pump. Typically, the discharge pipe is a PVC pipe that has a diameter of 1 1/4-inches. Refer to the sump pump manufacturer’s recommended instructions. Use PVC pipe adhesive to attach a check value on the discharge pipe somewhere between the sump pump and where the discharge pipe drains.

Drill a hole in the header or rum joist large enough for the PVC pipe to fit through. Run the discharge pipe from the sump pump, up the basement wall and through the hole.

Plug the sump pump into the nearest electrical outlet and check to make sure the pump is working properly.