How to Dig a Sump

A sump is a hole dug below slab level into a basement, to collect water that has drained into the house from excessive rainfall, snow melt or faulty plumbing. A sump pit can help a home stay dry, though many choose to install a sump pump in their pits to ensure a greater likelihood of dryness. These electric pumps automatically turn on when flooded and pump water back out the house above grade. Before making the decision to add a pump, you need to dig the hole out first.

Jackhammer
Shovel
Tape measure
Chalk
Broom
Dust pan
Marble or golf ball

Instructions

- 1
  Find the lowest point in your basement by dropping a marble or golf ball and letting it roll around until it stops. You can also search for the lowest point by finding a dark spot that feels damp or wet.
- 2
  Use chalk to mark a circle with a 30-inch diameter. Make sure the center of the circle is at least 16 inches away from all walls.
- 3
  Turn on the jackhammer. Poke one hole, then tilt the jackhammer at a 45-degree angle, acting as a lever to loosen the concrete. Remove the slabs of concrete.
- 4
  Dig the soil and gravel beneath the slab to approximately 24 inches. Remove all the dirt and debris. Sweep the floor.

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