How to Dig a Water Cistern Pump

Determine the size and depth of your trench by measuring the water cistern pump you are installing. The cistern should fit easily into the trench, supported by 6 to 8 inches of concrete and surrounded by a tiled wall.

Dig a trench using either shovels or a professional trench digger. The trench should be far enough away from the home so as not to interfere with pipes and lines under the ground. Contact the local planning commission or property development department for any regulations that you need to follow. Dig your trench 6 to 8 inches deeper and a few inches wider than needed for the cistern. This will give you enough room for the concrete base and the tile walls for your cistern.

Level and grade the hole as you dig, making sure the hole angles slightly away from the house. Check the rise and run of the grade periodically using the level to ensure the angle. The hole must be the same size all the way down, so just imagine you're making a large rectangular hole in your yard.

Mix and then pour finished concrete into the hole until the bottom is completely covered. Set concrete or steel reinforcement bars along the edge of the spread concrete from corner to corner to hold the concrete in place. Measure the tile width and then set more reinforcement bars starting from the bottom and working up to ground level at the sides of the hole, leaving the tile width between each bar to provide a base for the tiles. Allow the concrete to dry completely before continuing.

Place the drainage tiles in stacks in between the reinforcement bars, using concrete to hold the tiles in place, and continue stacking the tiles between the bars and adding concrete until the tiles reach ground level.

Spread waterproofing agent specifically for concrete along the floor of the hole, and then follow with similar waterproof material for the tiles. The floor and walls for your water pump cistern are now ready for installation of the unit.