My husband and I have finally agreed that the sump pump is dead and we have to replace it. OUrs is a submersable, and it looks like you can just slide the pipe off of it and lift it out. We are planning to purchase a new one. Is there anything that I should consider when going to buy one? I don't really want to spend alot of money, but I want us to make sure that we get what we need.

Any suggestions?

 

When you remove the old pump there should be a tag on it that lists the horsepower, voltage, model number, etc. If the old pump worked ok, then replace it with a comparable model. There are many different manufacturers of sump pumps, but a good pump house will be able to cross reference your pump into a different brand, if necessary.
The only real criteria to go by is that you get what you pay for. Buy the best that you can afford. You'll be better off in the long run.
Ron Peeks
R.L. Peeks Pump Sales
www.peekspump.com

 

How many years should we expect a sump pump to work? This one was 4 years old.

 

There's so many variables that it's hard to predict the life of a sump pump.
It all depends on how often it runs, how dirty the water is, is the water acidic, etc.
Four years probably ain't to bad.
Ron

 

Thanks so much for your help.

 

4 year life for a sump pump????????I think that that is way too short (Unless it was running constantly during those 4 years). I use Zoeller sump pumps. I have one that is 17 years old and runs pretty much everytime it rains.

 

I thought that was kinda short too, but this one did get stuck running quite a bit. We're not sure why.

 

Again, predicting the life of a pump is nearly impossible. Pumps, like autos, your house, or anything else that requires maintainence, will last longer if it's properly taken care of. I get calls all the time from people whose water pumps have quit working. When I inquire about symptoms before it quit, I get..."Well, it's been acting funny for the last 5-6 weeks, and this morning it won't work at all........is it serious?" I tell them..."it is now!"
I think the biggest mistake people make when purchasing pumps is buying on cost rather than dependability and making sure they're using the right pump for the job. I realize that cost is a serious factor for alot of people.
Like Cgar, I like Zoeller pumps, have installed a number of them, and haven't had any problems. You increase your chances for longer pump life when you use a quality pump.
I've also seen where even the best pumps won't hold up in certain conditions. Predicting pump life is purely a guessing game in certain situations.
Ron

 

Ok, I have another sump pump question. Yesterday my husband and I went down to try to remove the old sump pump from the pit. It appeared that the pipe could just be slid off of the pump and slid onto the new one. Well, the pipe doesn't slide. What do I do now? It is PVC pipe and it must be glued onto the pump somehow. Any suggestions??

 

More than likely there is a PVC adapter threaded into the pump discharge. Cut the PVC pipe where you can easily couple it back together. Once you cut the pipe, you should be able to lift the pump out of the sump. You can reuse the piping, or make a new piece. There should be a checkvalve located somewhere right above the pump. Be sure to reinstall it. Also, there should be a small hole, about 1/8" or so, in the pipe between the pump discharge and the checkvalve. Make sure that hole is clean, or if there isn't one, drill one into the pipe. This hole allows air to escape so that the pump doesn't become airlocked. Some water will squirt out of the hole when it runs, but it won't hurt anything.
Ron
www.peekspump.com

 

Put a union in the discharge line when you reinstall the pump. I always put them in from the start.

 

What is a union. Keep in mind I'm an unknowing wife who thinks she can do anything and fix anything, but you gotta tell me in terms that I know. Can you explain it a little more for me?

 

A union is a fitting that alows a joint to be made without rotating either side. It has two sides and a rotating collar. The collar pulls the two sides together to make a seal. If you have a PVC discharge pipe you are in good shape. These are typically a white plastic pipe. After you cut the discharge pipe take it to any plumbing house, or even Evil Orange, and ask for a union that fits the pipe. Buy purple primer and cement for PVC pipe. Cut out enough pipe to fit the union in. Probably about 2 inches. Glue the union to each piece of pipe. Unscrew the large 'nut' on the outside of the union and the pieces of pipe will come apart. Attach the piece back to the sump pump (along with the check valve), position the pump in the pit and screw the collar on the union back to pull the joint closed.

 

I did it I did it!!!!! We had to cut the pipe to get the old pump out, but Evil Orange as you put it, told me exactly what fitting I would need and gave me the right glue.

We got it all put together, and voila, it pumped all of the water out of the pit!!!! Yeah!!!! How gratifying.