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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.