How to Replace A Sump Pump? [A Beginners Guide]

Replacing a sump pump involves few basic steps.

  • First of all, you need to unplug the old pump and disconnect the discharge line.
  • Measure the PVC connecting pipe and attach it to the new pump.
  • Lower the newly attached pipe and sump pump into the pit.
  • Attach the discharge line and check the float switch as well.
  • Check if the pump is working fine or not. 

Detailed Guide on How to Replace A Sump Pump:

In case your sump pump is causing problems, you need to follow this detailed step-by-step guide to replace it. 

Unplug the Old Sump Pump; Shut off all electricity from the old pump. Remove the cover over the basin and unplug the sump pump.

You might not want to go to the replacement process directly. It is better to reset the sump pump once to be sure that it really needs replacement. Don’t be very optimistic, but your sump pump might start working in some cases.

how to replace a sump pump infographic

1. Examine the PVC Pipe Connecting the Old Sump Pump to The Discharge Line

Choose a length of PVC pipe that will give you some mobility while installing the new pump, and cut the pipe with a saw.

Now you have to pull the old sump pump out of the pit. Measure a replacement length of PVC pipe to attach to the discharge line. 

2. Measure the Length of PVC Connected to The Old Pump

In most applications, 1 1/2 or 1 1/4-inch PVC pipe is employed. Cut yourself a replacement length of PVC to connect to the new sump pump.

Remember, you’ll always reduce pipe that’s too long. If you narrow the pipe too short, you’ll need to obtain an array of adapters to attach the pipes.

3. Connect the Pipe to The New Sump Pump

Attach the length of pipe you’ve just moved the pump employing a male adapter. To make sure the seal is watertight, use purple primer and PVC glue to bond the male adapter to the PVC allow it to dry.

4. Lower the New Sump Pump into The Pit

Check if the pump isn’t leaning against the walls of the basin, entangled in wiring, or too deep on the corner of the backup sump pump or its float switch.

5. Make Sure the Pump Is Level

You don’t want your pump to be rocking on the bottom of the basin. Use a level to make sure the pump is fixed against the concrete floor. If needed, place shims beneath the pump to stay at the level.

6. Check the Float Switch

Confirm the float switch is free and is positioned at an appropriate height. If the switch is just too low, the pump will run constantly. If the switch is just too high, the pump won’t start in time to stay up with the rising waters.

7. Connect the Discharge Line

Connect the new pump to discharge. If you removed the check valve while extracting your old pump, you need to connect it back to the check valve.

This may prevent the water from going back into the basement after it’s been pumped out. Otherwise, use a union connector to fuse the 2 pieces of pipe.

8. Test Your New Sump Pump

Restore electricity to the new sump pump. Check to make sure the pump’s capacity to handle the incoming water. Fill a bucket with five gallons of water and pour it into the sump pit.

This can pretend the amount of water a storm would bring in. Ensure that the pump removes the water and, therefore, the discharge line carries the water to the designated drainage location.

When is the Time to Replace the Sump Pump?

The answer to this question is simple. When the sump pump is near the end of its lifespan, it will start causing problems when you need to replace it. Some of the common problems you will encounter are:

  • Old pumps which already completed their estimated life
  • Noisy sump pump
  • No water in the sump pit
  • Sump pump running too much.
  • Clogged pump and switches

Few things to Know about Sump Pump!

If you are going to replace the sump pump, you need to understand few terms as well. 

Maximum Discharge Pressure:

The maximum discharge pressure is the maximum value of the pump outlet pressure.

Maximum Discharge

The maximum discharge is the flow the pump is designed to generate. This value is dependent on the pressure head or system the pump must enter.

Discharge Size

Size of the pump discharge or outlet connection.

It’s All About the Maintenance:

Don’t get us wrong; you can’t avoid all of those problems with maintenance. Let’s be honest – it’s a mechanical piece of kit, and mechanical parts fail.

It happens. But with little maintenance, you can avoid many of those issues. Maintenance also provides an extended lifespan to the equipment.

At the very least, follow these maintenance tips once annually. Some experts will even recommend that you simply do that every two months.

Quarterly maintenance is perhaps the norm. It takes just a couple of minutes and may avoid some serious pains in the future.

  • A vinegar solution is often run through the suction pump to wash it.
  • The pump will become free from tiny particles and debris, allowing the pump to run much cleaner.
  • The homeowner can do this, and unless there’s a significant problem, you’ll need to call an expert.
  • Make sure the sump pump float switch isn’t restricted in any way. If it is, it’ll cause the sump pump to not automatically kick on just in case of a flood.
  • Lastly, clean all vents and air holes for max effectiveness.

That’s its maintenance super easy and keeps your home protected from water damage. Make this a routine of your regular home improvement plan, and you’ll surely save money in your pocket by either suspending the need for a replacement sump pump for some years or by avoiding a costly water damage situation.

Final Thoughts:

Having a sump pump is a basic need, but its replacement on time is also important. If your house has a sump pump, you should be able to replace it on your own. It takes few simple steps to replace a sump pump, and it requires very little effort for maintenance. 

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