5 EASY DIY STEPS TO REPLACE YOUR SUMP PUMP

Sump pumps: the hero of basements nationwide. A sump pump is a crucial component of your home—especially if you live in an area with severe weather conditions like Illinois. So what happens if your sump pump isn’t doing its job? 

Don’t scour the internet for answers. We’ll address all of your sump pump questions right here.

WHAT IS A SUMP PUMP?

A sump pump is a pump located beneath the lowest point of your home. These pumps are designed to drain excess water from your basement to prevent any flooding. However, if a big storm rolls through and your sump pump isn’t working, your basement will start to accumulate water—and you certainly don’t want that.

HOW DOES SUMP PUMP WORK?

Now to get to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how a sump pump works: 

A sump pump sits in a small two-foot-deep basin below your home. When your basement, cellar, or crawlspace starts to take on water, a float attached to the sump pump will rise. Once at its peak, your sump pump is activated and will drain the excess water out and away from your home.

CHANGING A SUMP PUMP: A STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

If your sump pump has finally kicked the bucket, then it’s time to replace it. Before you learn how to replace a sump pump replacement process, you’ll need a few tools. Ensure you have turned off your circuit breaker and that you have these tools handy before starting any work:

• Hacksaw
• Screwdriver
• ABS Glue
• 90-degree long elbow 
• (4) - 45-degree elbows 
• Teflon tape
• 1 1/2″ male threaded end
• 5′ 1-1/2″ ABS pipe

STEP 1: FASTEN THE MALE THREADED END

Wrap the threads of the male threaded end with Teflon tape counter-clockwise. Screw the male threaded end into the fitting of your new sump pump before moving to step two.

STEP 2: SECURE THE PIPE WITH GLUE

Next, you’ll want to glue the ABS pipe into the fitting with ABS glue. This should dry within 15 minutes. 

STEP 3: REMOVE OLD SUMP PUMP

Now it’s time to remove your old sump pump. First, remove the check valve. The check valve is usually surrounded by several pipes keeping it clamped down. You can expect a gush of water to be released. You might want to wear a mask while you remove the excess water, as it’s going to be quite foul.

STEP 4: INSERT NEW SUMP PUMP

Align your new sump pump into the sump basin. Try to keep it off the bottom of the basin by using a stand or flat rock for support. This will help level it out. Don’t let the float come into contact with the basin walls. 

STEP 5: ATTACH THE DISCHARGE LINE

The final step is to attach the discharge line and reattach the check valve. If your new sump pump does not have a new check valve, you might be able to use your old one. Check valves are an important part of your sump pump as they prompt water to flow in a single direction.

AND THAT’S IT!

Now start it up, cover it, and enjoy your new working sump pump. 

STEPHENS PLUMBING SUMP PUMP INSTALLATION SERVICES

If you’re not exactly handy nor are you a Jack of all trades, then you can contact the professionals at Stephens Plumbing. Our team offers expert sump pump installation services in Downers Grove, Aurora, Naperville, Oak Brook, Joliet, and other surrounding areas. Call us at (630) 968-0783 or request an appointment online.