This is not as simple as it sounds. A properly installed one can be the difference between minor water damage and a major catastrophe. For example, do you have a French drain? In addition to a sump pump, a French drain is a very useful water drainage system for your basement. First, you'll need a male adapter. Once you've got your sump pump in working order, you'll need to hook it up to your septic system. But, if your sump pump isn't in top-notch shape, there's a good chance that you could be putting your money into a bucket of water. If it's a unit powered by electricity, you'll need to enlist the help of a professional. This is a line of clay or corrugated pipes that collects groundwater and diverts it away from your home. This also allows you to get back to the more mundane parts of a basement renovation such as painting, refinishing the floor, and installing a new carpet. Fortunately, it's a relatively simple process to retrofit your home. A reputable company can even do it for you.