If you’re living in an older home that was built with an inadequate basement waterproofing system, you can eliminate or minimize wet basement problems through a pump and sump. Ignoring such a problem may make you lose up to half of your house’s living space. Water collecting in the basement may come from several sources. Fortunately, a sump pump from Ponstar Pumps can help you to correct this problem. This article illustrates how to install a sump pump.
- Unplug The Pump And Check The Bulb
The first thing you need to do when installing a sump pump is to remove it from the GFCI outlet and disconnecting the check valve. That’ll drain out the water. Though you can still use the old valve, it would be advisable to replace it with a new sump pump.
- Inspect The Pit
Once you’ve unplugged the old pump, you need to confirm that the basin is stable and the bottom is levelled for placing the new pump. The pit should be devoid of debris and water, and if anything is obstructing it, a wet or dry vacuum can clean it out.
- Prepare The New Pump
Take the new pump out its box and carefully check its valve. The user manual is handy at this level because it’ll guide you through the installation process. You also need to confirm that the registration information is present.
- Attach The PVC Piping
Before attaching the PVC discharge piping, you need to wipe off any debris or water from it using a rag. After that, apply a glue and primer to the inside parts of the threading union and place it on the discharge piping. Ensure it fits tightly.
- Determine The Piping Length
It’s vital to measure the length of the tubing that you’ll require from the pump to the union. Subtracting the check valve’s size from the piping will help you to know how long your tubing should be.
- Cut The Piping
After determining the length of the tubing, you need to cut the piping into two using a hack saw. In case it has uneven and rough edges, run a utility knife around it to smoothen them. After doing that, attach the necessary fittings and wrap the threads using a plumber’s tape.
- Join The Pipes To The Check Valve
Loosen every check valve clamp using a screw driver to enable you to tightly install the piping onto the check valve’s rubber boot. Before tightening the clams with the screw driver, you need to ensure they fit snuggly. Applying some force will help you fit them tightly.
- Develop Weep Holes
Weep holes are vital because they help the pump not to airlock. Air locking pumps prevent water from flowing. To develop a weep hole, you’ll have to drill a 3/16 inch hole between the check valve and pump.
- Install The Pump
This stage requires you to screw the taped pipe into the pump’s discharge part until it fits well. Next, you should put the pump into the pit and ensure it’s levelled. It would help if you left some space on both sides to allow the float switch to move freely.
Summing Up
Installing a sump pump is simple if you know how to follow the right steps. Doing it yourself will save you money that you could have paid a professional.
