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

Things You'll Need:

• Groove Joint Pliers
• Screwdriver Sets

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.

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.

on 8/31/2006 Place check valves close to the outlet on the sump pump, to help keep as much water as possible out of the "pit".

on 7/2/2006 Be careful about the 5-gallon barrel tip; if you have a switch that floats, (called a tethered switch, like the one in your toilet), it must have room to sway from a vertical position up to a horizontal position. If instead it hits the side of the 5-gallon jug, it won't float up and tell the pump there's water to be pumped and you'll flood. This does not apply to pumps that have vertical switches.

on 11/22/2005 When replacing the pump, think about this inexpensive addition to your system to keep debris from clogging your new pump. Cut holes in the sides of a 5-gallon bucket and cover the holes with a screen. Install the pump inside this bucket. Now you can clean around the bucket periodically, instead of waiting for the pump to malfunction.

on 11/22/2005 I found a wrench that is perfect for removing the sump. It is a wrench that is designed for removing car oil filters - not the type with the metal ring. This one is like large metal tongs that wrap around the filter to remove it. Works great!!