Sump Pump Installation in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Six Steps to Creating a Dry, Usable Space in your Basement
Installing a sump pump and waterproofing system essential if you want a basement that is dry all the time. Not only is it the most effective way to keep a basement dry, it is also the least disruptive.
At Ayers Basement Systems, our basement waterproofing technicians take the following are steps when installing a sump pump system in your home. Our certified basement waterproofers can install a complete sump pump system in just one visit to your home!
For a FREE sump pump installation estimate in Michigan, including Ionia, Big Rapids, Grand Haven, Cadillac, Charlotte, Ludington, Coldwater and other nearby areas, call or e-mail us today!
Placing the Sump Pump Liner
First, a sump pump pit is excavated for the liner and pump to be placed in. This process protects your sump pump from the mud and debris around the pump pit.
The size of the sump pit is very important. If a sump pump is placed in a pit that is too small it will pump water out faster than it can fill the liner, causing it to turn on and off quickly and burn out sooner. Sump pits that are too large tend to be too deep into the ground. This means that the sump will be pumping out water far below your home, causing unnecessary work and electricity usage.
Sump pumps are most effective when they are installed in the lowest spot of the floor.
Your certified waterproofing specialist will determine where that spot is by using a laser level. If the sump cannot be located in the low spot, a PVC feed line should be run through the floor from the low spot to the sump pump location.
Installing a Perimeter Drain System
When installing a reliable sump pump system, it's a good idea to install a perimeter French drain system, like WaterGuard.
The French drain will collect water from the basement wall-floor joint, the basement walls and from under the basement floor. It will then direct the water to the installed sump pump. Our patented WaterGuard Basement Drainage System includes a wall flange that extends slightly up the basement wall to collect water that may leak from the walls.
For the first step, the floor around the edge of the basement is jackhammered, and a layer of clean stone is set down. A perimeter drain is installed on top of the stone, and is backfilled with more clean stone.
If you have one of our basement wall products installed, the wall covering will be tucked behind the flange to direct moisture from the walls into your drain.
If your home has concrete block walls, weep holes will be drilled in the blocks at the very bottom to relieve the water and the pressure from the walls.
The Sump Pump Installation
A special outlet connects the perimeter drain to the sump pump system and clean gravel is backfilled around the sump pump liner.
The gravel helps to keep your sump pump system from clogging due to silt and sediment that could enter the liner.
We use an airtight sump pump lid that includes rubber grommets which go around all pipes and wires. This lid will keep odors and humidity from rising out of the sump pit, while also preventing items and debris from falling in from the basement floor. Another benefit to having an airtight, secure lid on your liner is also excellent in keeping animals and children out of the water!
If you have a secondary pump installed in the pit, an additional discharge line will be installed. This prevents the pipes from being overwhelmed and also ensures the pumps won't pump back and forth between each other. Discharge lines should NEVER be tied together on the inside of your home!
Restore the Floor & Bury Discharge Line
To complete the sump pump installation, the floor is restored flush for a clean, attractive look.
Unlike other sump pump systems, our system does not leave a gap around the perimeter of the basement floor which can collect dust, debris, and other items that can clog your waterproofing system.
Outside, the discharge line is buried underground and an anti-freeze device called IceGuard is usually installed. The installer is careful to remove sections of the lawn in whole pieces before making the trench for the pipe.
We want to provide the least disruption to your landscaping throughout the installation. A special outlet is installed flush with the ground and is safe for lawn mower or lawn tractor traffic.
The Cleanup & Finishing Touches
Our sump pump installation crew will leave your basement clean, neat, and clear of debris for you at the end of the installation.
The Dust is cleaned from the basement floor and the discharge line outside is inspected to be sure that the water is being discharged to an appropriate location.
We remove all debris in which we create, and most times customers comment their basement is cleaner than before we started!
To allow for future testing or inspection, Ayers Basement Systems will install several "ports" in the perimeter drain, where a hose or dehumidifier drainage line can be inserted. During annual checkups and sump pump maintenance, this helps us with testing and inspection..
Upgrading Your Basement
Once your basement is protected from water seepage, it turns into a usable space that is great for storage or living space.
Be sure to ask about our battery backup sump pumps, as well as our basement wall coverings, Energy Star rated dehumidifier, waterproof basement flooring, and other basement products that can add energy efficiency, beauty, and comfort to your home.
Ayers Basement Systems also provides crawl space sealing and encapsulation!
When you decide it's time to waterproof the basement and install a sump pump in your home, we are ready to help! We offer free, no-obligation inspections and written sump pump installation quotes to all homeowners in our Michigan service area.
Ayers Basement Systems services Michigan including Ionia, Big Rapids, Grand Haven, Cadillac, Charlotte, Ludington, Coldwater and the surrounding areas. Call or contact us online today to get started!
