How to Cut Cement for a Sump Pump

Place the sump pump basin on the cement floor upside down in the installation location. For best results, install the sump pump in the lowest area of the basement so the water naturally runs toward the pump.

Trace around the sump pump basin with a piece of chalk. This will mark the area of cement you need to cut. Lift the sump pump basin off the cement and set it aside.

Place a spade or concrete bit into a jackhammer. Put on safety goggles, earplugs and work gloves. Plug the jackhammer's power cord into an outlet.

Set the tip of the bit in the middle of the circle you traced in Step 2. Hold the jackhammer at a slight angle then press the trigger. Once the jackhammer breaks through the cement -- which is typically 4 inches thick in basement floors -- do not pull the jackhammer bit out of the hole. Instead, use the bit to pry the broken cement out of the hole.

Continue breaking the cement floor up. Move from the center of the circle out to the edge. Use a shovel to scoop out the sections of cement, gravel, dirt and other debris from the hole.