How To Install Battery Backup Sump Pumps

You’ve decided to be proactive about flood prevention in case your primary sump pump fails, so now it’s time to roll up your sleeves for the installation!

It’s highly suggested that a professional plumber be brought in to complete the installation, but should you be interested in doing it yourself, it’s important to know everything the process entails. Above all, the manufacturer’s instructions should guide you in the installation, but we’ll provide a quick overview on the process. If you have any questions, consult the manual or speak to a representative of the pump’s manufacturer.

What you’ll need for the job

You can purchase or borrow the equipment for the project, but either way, you will most likely use all the items on the list:

• PVC pipes, fittings, check valve, and male adapter
• the secondary sump pump, battery, and electronics to control it
• reciprocating saw, hack saw, and hole saw
• wrenches of a variety of sizes
• screw drivers
• hammer
• channel locks

You can also use protective gear such as gloves and safety goggles.

Disconnecting the primary pump

Step 1

Unplug the main pump, and other exposed electronics in the work space.

Step 2

Using the wrench, loosen the check valve, remove the rubber coupling, and take the pit cover off.

Step 3

Look for the discharge piping and measure the distance from the bottom of the pit to the start of the piping.

Step 4

Using the saw, cut the PVC piping according to the measurements made in the previous step.

Step 5

Glue the adapter to the cut pipe.

Preparing for installation

Step 1

Drill a hole facing downwards in the discharge piping before the water traveling along the pipe leaves the sump pit. This opening is called a weep hole.

Step 2

Install piping into the pump’s body before lowering it into the pit.

Step 3

Tie the sump pit cover down with cord or rope

Completing the installation

Step 1

Affix the rubber coupling, tighten the hose clamps, and cut in the check valve.

Step 2

Glue all the fittings together.

Step 3

Seal the valves with Teflon tape.

Before starting up the primary and secondary sump pump, keep your eyes open for any leaks, large or small. Plug in the primary pump, turn it back on, and listen to make sure that things are running smoothly. For extremely skilled hands, the project should be manageable, but for beginners, you should consider asking a professional for supervision or help along the way. Be sure to keep the manual and other documentation in case you need to use the manufacturer’s warranty.