When it comes to keeping your basement or crawl space dry, having a functioning sump pump is essential. A sump pump works by removing water from the sump pit during heavy rains or if the water table in the surrounding soil rises too high. Over time, sump pumps may experience problems like clogs, wear and tear on the motor, or float switch issues. In such cases, it’s important to replace the old sump pump with a new one. Installing a new sump pump is not as difficult as it may seem, especially if you follow this step-by-step guide.
Necessary Tools and Materials
There are several tools required for sump pump installation, including a drill, screwdriver, adjustable wrench, hacksaw, PVC saw or pipe cutter and wire strippers. It’s important to have a tool kit with all the necessary tools before starting the installation.
Additionally, some materials required for sump pump installation include PVC pipes, elbows, couplings, and fittings, check valve, discharge hose, and clamps. The PVC pipes connect the pump to the discharge point, so it’s important to choose the right size pipe for your sump pump.
Preparing for Installation
Before installing a new sump pump, you need to make sure to switch off the power supply to the old pump. This is a critical step to prevent any electrical accidents during installation. Once you have done that, you can remove the old sump pump from the pit.
The next step is to clean the sump pit of any debris or dirt that may cause clogs. After cleaning the pit, measure the dimensions of the sump pump and sump pit. This will help ensure that the new pump fits snugly in the pit.
Finally, make sure to choose the right-sized pump for your sump pit. An undersized pump may result in insufficient drainage, while an oversized pump may not fit in a smaller pit or waste electricity.
Installation
Now that you have all of the necessary tools and materials, and you have prepared for the installation, you can begin the actual installation process. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Install check valve and adapters: Attach the check valve and adapters to the pump according to manufacturer instructions. The check valve ensures that the water flows in only one direction out of the sump pump.
2. Attach PVC pipe for discharge: Connect the PVC pipe to the check valve and use clamps to secure it. The pipe should be routed to a location that is at least 20 feet away from the foundation of your home.
3. Hang the new pump in the sump pit: Place the new sump pump in the pit and secure it in place with the brackets provided.
4. Connect the discharge pipe to the pump outlet: Attach the discharge pipe to the pump outlet using couplings and fittings. Tighten securely with the adjustable wrench.
5. Install the float switch: Install the float switch according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The float switch will turn the pump on and off based on the water level in the sump pit.
6. Plug in the pump and test for proper functioning: Plug the pump into an electrical outlet and test it to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Post-Installation Maintenance
After installation, make sure to check the pump regularly for proper functioning. It’s important to check the pump occasionally to ensure there are no clogs or debris in the pump that could impede its functioning. It’s also important to clean the sump pit periodically.
Replace the sump pump if it is not working properly. The average lifespan of a sump pump is around 10 years, so make sure to replace it as needed. To avoid any water backing up, ensure that the pump is working properly and there are no signs of malfunctions. Installing a new sump pump is not a difficult task. While it might seem daunting at first, by following the above guide, you can install a new sump pump with ease. Remembering to carry out the necessary maintenance will help to keep your basement or crawl space dry, and save you from costly future repairs. Thank you for choosing to follow this step-by-step guide.
