How To Make A Sump Pump Cover?

So, you decided to install a cover for your sump pump but you don’t want to buy one because of the unreasonably high price. Fortunately, you can make your own sump pump cover that will work just as well.

You can make your own sump pump cover from plywood. The cover should fit the size of the basin and have 3 holes cut in it for the drain line, electrical cord, and for the venting pipe. It is sealed in the ground, and that’s it.

Installing a sump pump cover is a smart decision, but not always necessary. Let’s see if you need one.

Do you need a sump pump cover?

Sump pump covers are mainly used for protecting the house from radon. Radon is a radioactive gas that may cause lung cancer. Some homeowners don’t have to deal with radon but still cover the sump pump because of the smell.

First, make sure that radon gas is present in your area. You can ask around neighbors who have been in the area for a while or ask at your local government.

If radon is a danger in your area, a sump pump cover is a necessity for you. Radon gas is not dangerous in the atmosphere but a serious danger if it’s in your house.

However, if there is no potential danger, you can still live without a sump pump cover. You can still use a cover for protecting your basement from foul smells and moisture.

Either way, if you are interested, stick around for the step-by-step guide.

How to make the cover?

Start with measuring the diameter of the basin, the drain line, and the electrical cord. After you have the right measures, it’s time for a quick run to the store.

The materials you will need are plywood, two rubber gaskets for sealing the drain line and vent pipe, one grommet for sealing the cord, a foam rubber gasket for sealing the plywood cover, a 4’’ inch PVC pipe for venting, and heavy-duty latex paint or any high quality caulk. Here’s a waterproof silicone caulk on Amazon one that I like for this application (affiliate link).

First, make sure what kind of a PVC pipe you will need, to be more precise, decide where you will connect the pipe for venting. Usually, a safe place where the radon can move to the atmosphere.

As I said, your cover will need to have 3 holes cut in it. So, proceed with cutting the right size holes, while making sure that the hole for the drain line is in the right place.

Then, paint the cover with the heavy-duty latex paint. This will prevent the cover from being damaged from the water.

With this last step, you are done with making the cover, you can move on to installing it.

How to install the cover?

Place the cover on the open basin and pull the drain line and the electrical cord through the appropriate holes. After that, seal the drain hole with rubber gasket, and the cord hole with the grommet.

Then, place the foam rubber gasket beneath the plywood cover. The plywood will push the foam rubber into the ground and will close any air gaps. If you want to you can add some nails to it.

You can end this by installing the radon vent. Place the PVC pipe in the hole and close the gap with the rubber gasket. Then, connect the radon vent where you decided to.

That’s all, you can now plug your sump pump and connect the drain line.

Related questions

Do sump pumps increase radon?

No, sump pumps do not produce radon, but they make a path for the radon to reach your house. That’s why you need a sump pump cover.

Will mold grow in my basement if I don’t have a sump cover?

Not necessarily, if your sump pump is good enough the water level in your pit will be very low in the basin. However, even low water levels can make the perfect habitat for mold growth.