How to Replace a Sump Pump
Putting in a sump pump is really no harder than changing a spark plug. You are simply replacing one part for another. Here's how it's done.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Follow these steps to replace a malfunctioning sump pump. If you are starting from scratch and want to put in a completely new sump pump and drain line, you should have a professional plumber do any actual piping unless you have an advaced knowledge of those techniques.
-
2
Locate the sump pump in your basement. Unplug it to avoid possible electrical shock or personal injury.
-
3
Find the place to disconnect the pump from the drain line. This is usually either a screw-together type union or a rubber coupling with hose-clamp fastenings. Both are quickly and easily undone.
-
4
Remove the pump from the pit and allow it to drain for a few minutes. Any plastic piping or fittings that comes from the water outlet opening and goes up to where the pump connected to the drain line needs to be removed and saved to reattach to the new pump.
-
5
Take the pump with you to your local hardware store, plumbing-supply house or home-improvement center. They can help you pick a replacement that requires the same power source and provides the same drain-line hookups and pumping capabilites.
-
6
Reattach any piping and fittings in the same way that they were on the old pump.
-
7
Set the new pump in the pit and reconnect the union. Plug in the pump. You can test the pump by filling the sump pit with buckets of water.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Screw-together joints can be sealed using Teflon tape on the threads. It is inexpensive and not nearly as messy as the pastelike pipe joint compound.
Be sure to undo all electrical connections before starting work on the pump.
Related Searches
Comments
-
I do have a word of caution about lifetime warranties. Even though you have that, be very sure to check the sump pump every season, a couple of times, by pouring water into the pit until the sump pump actuates. If your pump fails for any reason, when it’s really needed, the sump pump would be replaced, but not the damage to your home. This is doubly important if you don’t have a backup sump pump, and three times as important if you don’t have flood insurance. Nuff said? OK.
-
Sheryl Maiorano
Apr 08, 2009
my friend just had to replace his sump pump, I wish I had your article then to refer him too. Very concise and clear instructions -
Becca
Apr 06, 2009
I'm going to be doing this soon and your tips are very useful, especially the easy to read directions that I find to not be overwhelming at all. Thanks a lot!
-
Aug 31, 2006
Place check valves close to the outlet on the sump pump, to help keep as much water as possible out of the "pit".
-
Aug 31, 2006
Place check valves close to the outlet on the sump pump, to help keep as much water as possible out of the "pit".
