How to Install a Basement Drain

A house with no drain in the basement could potentially become a huge problem to a home owner. Water may infiltrate through the concrete walls in the basement if the yard outside is not properly drained. Large amounts of rain, or a fast snow melt in the spring could flood your basement. Understand that installing a basement drain into your home is a major job that could be costly but necessary to avoid even more expensive damage caused by mold and more flooding problems.

• Sump pump with a liner

•  Crushed stones

•  Concrete mix

•  PVC pipes

•  Electrical wire and connectors  

•  Shovel

•  Pliers

•  Wheel barrel

•  Levels and straight edges

•  Trowels

Steps to Install a Basement Sump Pump                                                                                                                                       

1. Level the Basement Floor

The first thing to do is to level the basement floor at an angle so any water will run down all to the same place. The floor should be higher around the room near the walls and lower in the place where the drain will be installed.

2. Install Your Drainage Conduit

A water conduit will have to be installed all around the inside of the basement wall so if there is any infiltration coming from the walls, the water will run down the conduit to the drain. Use crushed stones to bring the conduit to the right elevation. The conduit should include some water guard ports, also called inspection ports, which is a trap in the middle of each conduit that protrudes above the finished concrete floor and allow you to make sure the system is working well.

3. Install the Sump Pump

A hole large enough to receive the sump pump will have to be made. Cover the bottom with crushed stones before placing the pump in the hole. Set the included floor drain at the height of the finished floor and connect the wires from the pump directly into the house wiring.

4. Install Discharge Pipes

Connect at least one discharge pipe running from the pump to the outside to drain the water. Make sure the discharge pipe has ice gaurds installed on it. Ice guards will prevent water from backing up into the house during the winter months.