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How to Replace Your Sump Pump

Tools and Materials

Tools

Level

Materials

Water Pump, Paver or Pump Stand, Plastic Shims, Check Valve (Standard Swing or Spring Loaded), PVC Pipe (Optional), Male Fitting, Custom Sump Pump Cover

How to Replace a Sump Pump

A sump pump protects the lower levels of your home from flooding and water damage. Sump pumps are investments that add value to your home and create a better atmosphere in the areas where they’re placed. For example, in basements, they improve the air quality and reduce mold, mildew and fungus. A sump pump needs to be maintained properly and replaced once it’s reached the end of its life. Here’s a guide for understanding the things to look for in a sump pump and instructions on how to replace one.

Determine if You Need a New Sump Pump

Monitoring and maintaining your sump pump are key to preventing water problems from getting worse. Understanding the sounds and cycling speed helps you to identify any abnormal functions. Pumps are designed to cycle on and off. You may be able to adjust the float switch or free a jammed float switch to stop the continuous cycling. If your sump pump is still constantly running, it’s time to replace it.

If your sump pump is making loud noises, that may also be a sign that it’s time for a replacement. A loud motor means that the sump pump is close to the end of its life. You should replace your sump pump every seven to 10 years.

A loud sump pump could also indicate that there’s something clogging it. If the impeller is damaged, it’ll rattle as the blades are pulling water through. You can tell there’s a clog if it makes a screeching sound. An improperly installed sump pump will be very noisy. It’s vital that the discharge line is as straight as possible. Otherwise, the water will make a clanging noise when moving around the various angles.

Purchase a New Sump Pump

The amount of horsepower you’ll need in your new sump pump will depend on the climate and environment you live in. Check your old one to see its amount of horsepower.

A 1/3-horsepower submersible pump generally works well for the average home, but if your home is in an environment that’s prone to flooding, you should go with a 1/2-horsepower sump pump. If you choose a sump pump motor with weak horsepower, it won’t be able to get rid of the water efficiently or in a timely manner. A motor with a high horsepower might cause the sump pump to run continuously and exhaust the motor before its life is up.

There are different types of sump pumps to consider. Pedestal sump pumps consist of iron or thermoplastic. They can’t handle small debris and are louder than a submersible pump. An easy fix for this is to add a custom sump pump cover to muffle the noise. Plastic pedestal pumps give you more bang for your buck in terms of horsepower and affordability. However, they don’t have as long of a life cycle as an iron pedestal pump.

Submersible pumps are quieter and can handle and expel any debris. Like the pedestal pump, the submersible pump is made of either iron or thermoplastic. The cast-iron pump will last the longest. It can support a much stronger motor and use the water already in the basin to cool itself off during large-volume cycles.

A battery backup sump pump is vital in areas that get a lot of thunderstorms. Storms can cause power outages, which means even your sump pump will stop working properly. The backup pump runs on a battery and takes over for your main pump. It’s able to sense when the float switch is too high and provides the pump with the support it needs to handle any overflowing.

Remove the Old Pump

In order to replace your sump pump, you have to remove the old one — and removing the old pump is easier if the water level is low.. First cut the power at the circuit breaker. Use a noncontact circuit tester to ensure the power is off.

Next, unplug the pump and disconnect the discharge line. Once you’ve disconnected the pump from all the power sources, break the connection around the pipe by loosening the clamp on the check valve.

Finally, remove the old sump pump along with its connected discharge pipe.

Install the New Pump

Follow these steps to install the new pump. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for more information.

Instructions

Step 1: Center and Align the New Sump Pump

To install your new sump pump, you have to center and align it. You can place it at the bottom of the pit on top of a paver or pump stand. Use a level to make sure the pump is level in the pit. If it’s not, use spacers or plastic shims to even things out. Once it’s level, make sure that the float can move freely. It shouldn’t be touching the sides and should be centered. Keep in mind that the motor of a pedestal pump will hang above the water even though the pump will be in the water.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your pump. The installation will be a little different depending on the type of sump pump you’re replacing.

Step 2: Connect the Discharge Line

Connect the discharge pipe to the new pump. You can use the old discharge pipe if they are an exact match, but if you need a new one, you can cut a piece of a PVC pipe to your desired length.

Once you have your discharge pipe, you can insert a male fitting into the discharge opening. Then, take the pipe and screw it into the fitting. Once that’s done, fasten the discharge line.

Be sure that the arrow on the pipe is pointing up. This ensures that the water will flow up and out of the pit. Next, connect the outlet pipe to the main discharge line. Do this by tightening a pipe union or by putting on a rubber fitting and tightening the hose clamps.

Step 3: Plug In the New Sump Pump

Once you have everything assembled, turn on the power. Start by restoring the power at the circuit breaker, then plug in the pump to a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

It’s important that you test your new sump pump to make sure it’s working appropriately. Fill the pit with water until you see that it’s activated. While you’re filling the pit, the float should rise simultaneously and activate the switch. It’s important to watch the entire process. Monitor the pump as it’s processing the water. Once the water level drops below the float, it should turn off. If you notice anything irregular, cut the power before trying to troubleshoot.

Step 4: Cover the Sump Pit

Put a lid on your newly replaced sump pump. It muffles any noises and keeps kids and pets out of the pit. The pit cover will have a cutout for the line and wiring.

With the proper maintenance, your new pump can last a decade. Make sure you monitor its progress and understand how it processes the water. A sump pump can help keep your basement free of mold and mildew smells and keep the foundation intact.