Common Sump Pump Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Let’s be real: no one ever thinks about a sump pump until it’s too late. Yep - when your once-cozy basement becomes a wading pool and you’re suddenly googling emergency water removal and questioning every life decision.

A proper sump pump installation can save you from that disaster... but if you're the type who loves a good DIY project, be warned: this isn’t assembling a bookshelf. Done WRONG, a sump pump can fail when you need it most - and it will end up costing more than hiring a local plumber in the first place.

Whether you're taking on a DIY or hiring a plumber, let's look at three of the most common sump pump installation mistakes (and how to avoid them) so you stay dry, safe, and fabulous. If you do need a uniformed and trained plumber, then call or message Texas Rooter to get in touch!

MISTAKE 1: Poor Placement = Poor Performance

One of the biggest rookie mistakes is putting the sump pump in the wrong spot. Some folks just dig a hole anywhere in the basement floor and drop it in. But here's the thing: your sump pump needs to go in the lowest point of the foundation where water naturally flows to.

If it’s not located in the right place, water might be pooling somewhere else while your pump sits high and dry... completely useless. That entirely defeats the purpose.

Avoid It By: Identifying the true low point of your basement. If you’re unsure, then water test it by lightly pouring water and observing where it collects. Better yet, ask a local plumber to do a professional assessment. They’ll know exactly where it should go and how deep the basin needs to be.

MISTAKE 2: Wrong Discharge Setup (aka Water Looping Back In!)

Installing a pump is one thing. But where is that water going?

Believe it or not, some DIYers make the mistake of routing the discharge pipe too close to the home. Worse, they guide it into the sewer system (which is often illegal and dangerous). When water isn’t discharged far enough away, it can easily seep back toward the foundation and repeat the cycle of flooding.

There's truly a lot of legal liability to consider. If your pump discharges near your neighbor’s property or public sidewalk, then you could end up with complaints, lawsuits, or fines.

Avoid It By: Making sure the discharge pipe directs water at least 10–20 feet away from your home’s foundation. Use a solid and properly sloped pipe to carry it away. If you’re unsure, then this is the time to lean on a plumbing company that understands local codes and safe practices.

MISTAKE 3: No Check Valve = Water Falls Back In

Let’s talk the check valve. This is a small part with a big role. The check valve stops water from flowing backward into the sump pit after the pump shuts off. Without it, water left in the pipe simply slides back down. This makes the pump work overtime. That means more wear and tear, more energy use, and way less efficiency.

A missing or incorrectly installed check valve can cause your pump to cycle endlessly. It’s the plumbing version of running on a treadmill - sweating, going nowhere, and eventually burning out.

Avoid It By: Always installing a check valve on the discharge pipe - and making sure it’s pointed in the correct direction (yep, people mess that up too). If you’re not sure what that looks like, then bring in a sump pump installation pro.

Trust the Pros. Call Texas Rooter

Texas Rooter is a locally owned and operation company with deep roots in the industry. Plumbing has come a long way, believe it or not, and our experienced plumbers make sure to stay at the cutting edge.

We regularly trained our plumbers on the latest codes, regulations, techniques, and tech. They are uniformed and dispatch with branded and stocked vehicles.

As a full-service plumbing company, we serve residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a sump pump installed or urgently need plumbing repair service, the dedicated team at Texas Rooter is here to help.