How to Run a Sump Pump Drain Line

Proper installation of a sump pump drain line will get water away from your house efficiently and prolong the life of your pump.

Sump pumps are designed with one purpose in mind, to remove water from one area and transport it to another desirable location. Proper installation of a sump pump drain line is the key to the extended life cycle of the pump and the correct operation of the system. The typical system is easily installed by the average plumber or homeowner with the right parts and a little forethought. The following is a basic guideline for any sump pump installation.

Things You'll Need

• Correct sized sump pump
• Tape measure
• Check valve
• PVC pipe at least 1 1/2 inch in diameter, but it could be larger depending on the pump
• Male x Glue PVC adapter
• Correct number of fittings
• Thumb Gum or another material similar for sealing the wall
• Strap iron
• Drywall screws
• Screw gun
• PVC saw or reciprocating saw

Instructions

Dry-Fit Rough-In

1. Thread the male adapter into the sump pump ejection port.

2. Place the sump pump into the new pit and measure from the male adapter up approximately 3 to 4 feet.

3. Cut the PVC pipe to the measurement just taken.

4. Install the PVC dry (no glue or primer) into the male adapter.

5. Install the check-valve on the top of the PVC pipe.

6. Measure from the check valve to a height that will allow for a slightly down-sloped horizontal pipe to exit the house. The slope, or grade, as plumbers refer to it, must maintain between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch per foot. Slope enables the water to flow with gravity from the high point directly above the pump until it exits the house, taking the work load off of the pump.

7. Drill a hole in the wall to the exterior of the house large enough for the PVC pipe to exit.

8. Measure, cut, and dry fit the pipe down the exterior of the house and far enough away to ensure the water does not return toward the house or foundation.

Installing

1. Disconnect all of the dry-fit pipe.

2. Prime the pipe and the interior of the hub of each fitting to be used per the instructions on the specific primer purchased. Be mindful that the primer should cover the entire surface area of pipe to be covered by the respective fitting.

3. Glue the fittings and pipe per the instructions on the specific glue purchased. Twist each fitting or pipe connection at least one revolution to squeeze any air out of the glue connection.

4. Strap the pipe at regular intervals according to the local, state, and national codes applicable to the specific jurisdiction for the installation.

5. Apply the Thumb Gum or similar waterproof sealant around the pipe exiting the house.

6. Wait for the specific drying time listed on the glue container.

7. Fill the pit with water in order to test the pump in action, the check valve closing properly, and for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• The installation of the check valve, location of the check valve, and the grade/slope of the discharge pipe is all critical to the longevity and proper operation of the pump.

• The discharge pipe diameter should always be at least the same size as the discharge outlet of the sump pump.

• The pump should always be on a hard and flat surface.

• The pit should always be free of loose debris or sediment that could be drawn into the pump and cause damage.

• Always insure electrical connections are properly protected from water exposure.

• Never use an extension cord with a sump pump.

References

• Zoeller FMO447 Installation Instructions 50 series
• International Plumbing Code 2009
• Liberty 250 Series Sump Pump Installation Instructions