Plumbing is a complex system that keeps fresh water flowing into a home and waste out of it. It is regulated by local and national codes, which must be followed in construction.

A plumbing plan shows the layout of piping systems that carry water, air, and waste to and from fixtures. The drawing should include a drain-waste-vent (DWV) elevation, and each pipe should be labeled with its size. Contact Plumbing Express, Inc. for professional help.

Sump pumps require electricity to function, and installing a new pump in your home can be a major undertaking. Your plumber can help ensure that it is done correctly, minimizing costly damage to your property and eliminating the risk of family safety issues like electrocution.

To install a sump pump, first determine where to place it. Make sure that it will have easy access to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet, which provides the power the pump needs while protecting against electrical shock. If there isn’t an existing outlet in your basement, you can hire an electrician to set one up for you.

Next, dig a hole large enough to hold your basin. To do this, rest the basin upside down on the basement floor and mark its location with a marker. Then, using a jackhammer and wearing hearing protection and a particle mask, break through the concrete around the marker, staying away from the foundation footing. Once the hole is large enough, remove the concrete and soil.

After digging the hole, line it with six inches of gravel. This will prevent the pump from sucking dirt or debris into itself and keep it functioning properly.

Then, lay out a length of PVC pipe from the sump pump’s outlet to your home exterior. This pipe will channel water away from the house—never back into it. Between the valve and your home, run either a flexible discharge hose or a span of PVC pipe (with glued joints and elbows) with a check valve.

When you’ve installed the sump pump, make sure it’s level and that its float switch can move freely up and down. Then, plug it in and give it a test run by filling the pit with water until the float rises and the pump turns on.

To prevent flooding and further damage to your home, it’s important to have a professional drain the basin regularly. If you’re not sure how often to drain your sump pit, ask a licensed plumber for advice. They’ll be able to determine how much water is entering your home, and how fast it is draining out, to help you decide how frequently to drain your sump.

Sump Pump Maintenance

The best way to ensure your sump pump is always ready to work is by keeping up with regular maintenance. A professional plumber can help you with this, but you can also do a few simple things at home to keep it in good shape.

During routine maintenance, you’ll need to disconnect the pump from its power source, remove it from the pit and clean the unit itself. The grate should be cleaned, as well as the drainage pipes to make sure water can flow freely. You’ll also want to check the inlet screen on the bottom of the pump and scrub it if it looks particularly dirty. You can use a toothbrush and clean water, or spray it with vinegar to remove caked-on grime.

Once the pump is clean, you can test it by pouring water into the pit. This will activate the float switch, which is designed to rise with water levels. If it doesn’t turn on, there may be a problem with the float switch itself or the electrical connection. A quick test of the circuit breaker and fuse will help you figure out what’s wrong.

You’ll also want to inspect the discharge line, making sure it’s not clogged with debris or too close to your foundation. You’ll need at least 20 feet between the discharge line and your foundation to prevent water from seeping back into the basement.

Finally, you’ll need to flush the pump’s discharge vent multiple times a year. This helps to remove excess minerals and iron that can cause your plumbing system to scale or corrode.

In addition to regular maintenance, it’s a good idea to perform an inspection before heavy rains to make sure everything is working correctly. If it’s not, you can try pouring water into the pit to see if the pump turns on, or you can call in a plumber. In some cases, the pump may just be too old and worn out to operate properly. In that case, it’s a good idea to consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.

Sump Pump Repair

The sump pump is a vital part of the waterproofing system in your home. It is used to prevent basement flooding by collecting excess ground water and redirecting it away from your foundation. However, it is a device that is often neglected by homeowners and will only work properly if regularly checked and maintained. If not, it can stop working and flood the basement, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage.

If you’ve been noticing problems with your sump pump, such as it not starting up when needed or making strange noises, it is time to call a professional for sump pump repair. There are many different problems that can occur with your sump pump, from a faulty float switch to a broken motor. Our experienced plumbers will diagnose the problem and determine what the best solution is for your home.

When you are performing a routine maintenance check on your sump pump, start by checking that the pit and discharge line are clear of debris. You should also remove the cover and pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to see how it works. If the float switch activates and the pump kicks on, it should quickly pump out the water and automatically turn off. If it doesn’t, the float switch may be obstructed or the pump motor is malfunctioning.

Next, check the float switch and impeller to make sure they are clean and free of debris. You should also lubricate the pump bearings, if necessary. Since your sump pump is exposed to a lot of water and bacteria, it can easily be damaged by corrosion. If you notice any signs of rusting, it is important to replace the parts before they are too worn to function properly.

Lastly, make sure the pump is getting the proper amount of electrical current. If the voltage is too high, it can cause the motor to overheat, while too low of a voltage can stop the pump from turning on. You should also test the battery to make sure it is still functioning properly. If the battery is faulty, it needs to be replaced.

Sump Pump Replacement

Resetting your sump pump can be a simple and inexpensive DIY task. You’ll just need a few supplies. First, shut off the power to the sump pump in your breaker box or unplug it. Then, you can safely remove the old pump from the pit. After removing the old pump, clean out the pit to remove debris that can cause a clog. Then, check the float and check valve to see if they’re in good condition. If they’re not, replace them.

Once the float and check valve are replaced, you can install your new pump in the pit. You’ll need to ensure that your new pump is the correct size for your home and the volume of water it will be pumping. Pumps that are too small will constantly cycle and overwork themselves, causing them to wear out more quickly than they should.

Your new pump will come with a discharge pipe attached to it. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to cut a length of PVC pipe and attach it to the pump. Make sure that the discharge pipe is at least 1-2 feet (30-61 cm) up from the floor of the sump pit, which will prevent backflow into the pit and extend the life of your new pump. You’ll also need to add a check valve to your discharge line, which will limit how many times water drains down the pipe and back into the sump pit (thereby extending its lifespan).

You should also ensure that the discharge pipe is routed away from your home. Some cities have building codes that specify where your sump pump can discharge, so be sure to follow these guidelines. Finally, if your current discharge pipe is very noisy, you should consider having your plumber reroute the pipes exiting the sump pit to eliminate the noise.

Once the new pump is installed, plug in the cord and test it by running water into the pit until your float or pressure switch turns on. Then, drain the water to see if your new sump pump performs as intended.