sump pump cover ideas

Need To Cover Your Sump Pump? (5 Great Ideas That Work!)

If you’re sick and tired of looking at your unsightly sump pump, we have 5 clever sump pump cover ideas to remove it from view.

Yes, there is a safe way to hide that sump pump in your basement. Read on to see if any of these cover ideas will work for you.

Why Hide Your Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are designed to keep your basement dry by removing any standing water that might have accumulated. A sump pump is simply a pump that helps remove water from a water-collecting sump basin, which is generally seen in the basement of your home.

Sump pumps, unfortunately, are extremely loud and, if left in sight, can ruin the appearance of your basement. Fortunately, there are ways to conceal your sump pump in your basement so you may enjoy more comfort while keeping your basement dry and protected from water damage. 

plumbing checks before vacation - test sump pump
Hey, we get it. Sump pumps are ugly. And noisy. No wonder you want to hide it from your eyes and ears.

Sump Pump Cover Ideas

Here are 5 simple to complex sump pump cover ideas to keep that ugly, noisy piece of equipment from ruining your peace and quiet.

1. Construct a Closet

Consider building a closet around your sump pump to conceal it. It will also give you more storage space! If you already have a basement with shelving and storage, all you need to do is install a door that hides the sump pump and its storage area.

In addition, a closet is also a wise decision because it will help prevent sound from reaching you. Using a little insulation in your closet will make it even quieter.

sump pump cover ideas - closet
Building a closet around your sump pump is probably the most fool-proof way of keeping it quiet and hidden from view. And it takes the most minimal of construction skills.

2. Conceal it With a Rug

Covering a sump pump with a rug (or carpet) is one of the simplest and easiest methods to conceal it. Without investing much (if at all) additional money, this is a simple and effective solution to try and hide your sump pump.

Make sure that the rug you select fits the design of your basement so that it appears to be a feature of the flooring plan. This will make it appear more “invisible” as you go about your day.

sump pump cover ideas - rug
The creative use of a rug or carpeting can dampen the noise and hide most of the sump pump from view.

3. Cover With Fake Flooring

Fake flooring is one of the most efficient techniques to conceal a sump pump. Lay false wall-to-wall flooring on the ground and then place your sump pump underneath it. Repeat the process with shelves to create a fantastic way to conceal your sump pump without compromising storage space.

Also, consider building a piece of storage furniture (or seating furniture) on top of the sump pump. Just make sure what you build over it provides access to the sump pump.

sump pump cover ideas - fake floor
This is a more elaborate solution than a rug or carpet. And it’s more expensive of course. But it’s a fantastic way to cover up an unsightly sump pump but still have access to it.

4. Use a Sump Pump Cover

Installing a sump pump cover is one of the better and simpler ways to hide a sump pump. Many sump pumps come with stylish covers in addition to functional ones. However, sump pump covers can be expensive. A cheaper option may be to make your own with some plywood.

sump pump cover ideas - plywood
Using plywood is one of the simplest and least expensive of sump pump cover ideas. You can cut the plywood in the same shape as the rounded pit or just place a square piece on top.

5. Install a Curtain

Another option is to hang a floor-to-ceiling curtain across two supports.  This gives the impression that the sump pump is mounted on a wall. If you need to conceal the pump while keeping it accessible at all times, this is a smart option.

Make sure the curtain isn’t placed right in front of the sump pump. When the pump is operating, water will accumulate and leak through your curtain and into your basement. Instead, place your curtain about an inch or two off the ground.

sump pump cover ideas - curtain
It sounds kind of silly, but using curtains to hide a sump pump can be quite elegant. It won’t dampen the sound but it can make your basement look a whole lot nicer.

Caution: Don’t Block the Discharge Pipe

Here’s a caution about concealing your sump pump. Before hiding it, be sure that your solution isn’t blocking the sump pump drain pipe. The drainpipe is meant to remove water that has accumulated in the sump pit. Your basement will flood if you block or clog this drainage system, causing substantial water damage to your home.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve found some of these sump pump cover ideas useful. There should be an idea here for every budget and motivation. The bottom line is this: it’s okay to cover up and hide your sump pump. Just don’t do so in a way that blocks the discharge pipe.

Here’s a video on how to test if your sump pump is working. Try one of these two solutions before covering it up. It’ll only take a minute and it’s super easy.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help inspecting, repairing, or replacing your sump pump.

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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