How to Remove an Old Sump Pump
If you open the door to your basement to find it full of water, it might be time to remove your old sump pump and replace it with a new one. Sump pumps are used to pump out excess water. In the United States, they are used in basements to help drain water and keep the basement dry. The pump sits in a depression or pit, and has a float valve that triggers the pump into action when water rises to a certain level. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Turn on the old sump pump and pump out any water currently in the sump pit.
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2
Turn off the power for the sump pump. If the sump pump isn't hard wired into the electrical system, you can simply remove the sump pump plug from the outlet. Otherwise, you will need to cut the circuit for the sump pump at the main breaker.
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3
Remove the sump pump pit lid, if present.
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4
Disconnect the sump pump from the discharge pipe. Crawl down into the sump pit in order to reach the pump, if you cannot reach it by hand. The pipe may be held to the sump pump with a hose clamp, which must first be removed.
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5
Cut away the discharge pipe if it is cemented or otherwise held in place on the sump pump. PVC pipe can be cut with a hacksaw or rotary tool. Use a rotary cutting tool with a metal cutting blade for metal pipes.
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6
Remove the old sump pump from the sump pit.
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Tips & Warnings
Never work alone in a deep sump pit. Always have an assistant there to help you.
Wear proper safety equipment, including long-sleeved shirts and long pants as well as safety gloves and goggles when removing an old sump pump.
References
- Photo Credit Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
