If you live in a low-lying area, you may be using a sump pump to keep your basement dry. The pump rests in a pit that is lower than the basement floor. As water enters the pit, a float on the pump rises and triggers a switch that activates the pump. The pump sends the water into the drain system and shuts off when the water level drops sufficiently. Unfortunately, as with any mechanical device, your sump pump will eventually break down. When that happens, don't worry. You can replace it easily. Sump pumps come in different sizes. Unless you replace your pump with an identical model, you'll probably have to use a flexible tube or a piece of PVC pipe to connect the pump to your drain line. Check the owner's manual to be sure you have the proper connectors to attach the pump. Materials:
Phillips- and flat-head screwdrivers
Slip-joint pliers
Measuring tape
PVC saw
PVC pipe that fits your new sump pump
PVC primer/cleaner
PVC cement
Pipe-joint compound
Rubber gloves
Safety glasses
- Unplug the pump.
- Remove the clamp from the hose attaching your pump to the drain line (figure A).
- Lift the sump pump out of the pit.
- Place the new pump in the pit, and measure the distance between the pump outlet and the house drain line. Transfer the measurement to a piece of PVC pipe, and use a PVC saw to cut it to the appropriate length.
Sump pumps use screens to filter out large particles, but you should make sure the pump is on a raised surface so that larger particles will settle below the pump (figure B). - Remove the pump from the pit and the pipe connector from the pump. Clean the inside of the pipe connector and the outside of the pipe with PVC primer/cleaner (figure C). Then spread PVC cement on both surfaces. Slide the pipe connector onto the pipe (figure D), give it a one-quarter turn, and allow the cement to set for approximately 10 minutes. Always work in a well-ventilated area when using PVC cement.
- Apply pipe-joint compound to the threads of the new pipe connector (figure E), then screw it hand-tight into the sump pump. Use a wrench or slip-joint pliers to finish tightening the connector with a one-quarter turn.
- Attach the new pipe to the house drain system. You may need to use a reducer connector (figure F).
Tip: Clean the sump pit four times each year, and test the pump regularly by pouring water into the pit.
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