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5 STEP ZOELLER SUMP PUMP INSTALLATION
INTRODUCTION
Are you thinking you need a plumber to install your new Zoeller M53 Sump Pump? Think again! This is something you can do! If you are adventurous, like to try new things, like to follow instructions, do not like to schedule and wait for a plumber, want to be more self sufficient, follow the steps below and you will succeed. If this is your first attempt, wait for a sunny day so you will not be under pressure to perform. If you get stuck call Zoeller support. They are very helpful.
Several years ago, we thought only plumbers could and should install sump pumps. One day we decided to try it ourselves. We discovered it is not hard. We no longer rely on a plumber. This saves us money and gives us great flexibility.
Step 1 - Preparation
Preparation involves taking inventory of existing components
Make sure electrical wiring and protection meets National Electrical Code and any other applicable state and local electrical requirements.
Make sure a new check valve is available to replace the existing one. Ideally check valves should be replaced everytime a new pump is installed.
Heed Tips for Check Valve Installation
Check Valves should be installed preferably just above the basin to allow easy removal of the pump for cleaning or repair. The ideal is to use a Union connected Quiet Check Valve for easy discharge pipe release.
A union requires screwing the union to loosen the valve. A Quiet Check Valve is recommended because it greatly reduces the water hammer sound when the pump shuts off.
Placing a ball valve above the check valve can provide additional protection for preventing water from flowing back into the pit if there should be a flood at the location where the discharge pipe leaves the house.
A ball valve has a handle which can be turned to close the discharge pipe off from water flow.
Have a cover to place on top of the basin to prevent debris from falling into the basin, to prevent accidental injury, and to reduce odors which may come from the standing pit water.
Use a basin that meets applicable codes. A standard size is 18 inch diameter and 20 to 24 inches deep. Note: Most basins decrease in diameter at the bottom (for an 18 inch basin top diameter, the bottom narrows to around 16 1-2 inches which makes it difficult to fit both a primary and battery backup on the basin floor.)
Use 1 1-2 inch diameter discharge pipe.
Do not use an extension cord; instead have another electrical outlet on another circuit installed.
Tools to make installation easier: plumbers purple PVC primer, clear PVC cement (liquid), hack saw, electrical tape, measuring tape, screw driver, and PVC piping and gloves.
Step 2: Remove Old Sump Pump
Unplug the pump from the wall socket.
Remove the basin cover.
Loosen the check valve connection so pump can be removed from the basin. Be prepared, water may flow from the bottom of the check valve.
Remove pump from basin. Be prepared, the pump will have some water in it. A portion of the discharge pipe will still be attached to it.
Unscrew the discharge pipe from the sump pump. Clean the weep hole (small hole drilled into the side of the removed discharge pipe.
Clean pea gravel and debris from the basin bottom. It may be easiest to remove remaining water in basin.
Step 3: Install New Check Valve
Remove old check valve from piping. Be prepared for water running from the pipe during removal.
If the new check valve is same height as old one, installing the new one will be easy. If there is a height difference, addtional piping length may need to be added or some removed when new pump with its piping is placed in the pit.
If there was a lot of noise like water hammer, when the old sump pump shut off, now is a good time to install a quiet check valve. They truly are quiet.
Attach the top of the check valve to the discharge piping which leaves the house. Mke sure the check valve arrow is facing the right vertical direction.
Step 4: Evaluate New Sump Pump
If the new pump is the same model, the remaining steps in this section can be bypassed.
Is the height of the discharge pipe on the old pump and the new pump the same? If it is, the unscrewed discharge pipe should be the correct length.
If it is not, the discharge pipe which is screwed into the pump port may need to have a PVC extension added or a portion removed.
Step 5: Place New Pump in Basin
Screw the proper length of PVC discharge pipe into the new pump discharge port. Length needed can be determined by screwing in existing pipe from old pump.
Set the new sump with pipe into the pit and determine if more PVC must be added or the pipe needs to be shortened. Add the necessary piping or remove the excess. A hack saw cuts through the piping very easily. Plumbers purple primer and clear cement easily secure an added piece.
If new piping is added, remember to drill a 3-16" (5 mm) diameter hole in the discharge pipe even with the top of the pump so the pump does not become air bound.
NOTE: The hole will shoot water out so make sure it is below the basic cover and cleaned periodically.
Place the pump level on the basin floor and make sure the float mechanisms have plenty of room on the sides of the basin so they do not get hung up.
Check the location of the float switch. The place for the “off” point is above the motor housing and positioned 180° from the inlet. Never put “off” point below discharge port of the pump. This will cause the pump to run dry and burn out the motor. Use a Zoeller Pump Stand (10-2421) under pump to provide a settling basin if there is concern about movement. Make sure the basin is clean and free of debris after installation.
Connect the check valve with its piping to the pump and its piping.
Secure the power cord with electrical tape to the discharge pipe and out of the way for the float mechanism.
Plug the power cord into the wall socket. Water should be prevented from reaching the wall socket.
Add water to the pit to cause the new pump to run.
Check for water leaks. If the pump works and there are no leaks, you are done. If you have some leaks, check the fittings.
Make sure they are really tight.
Watch the pump work during heavy rainstorms and relax.
Watch A New Sump Pump Installation
Many times it is easier to watch how an installation is done. The Zoeller M53 Sump Pump Installation video by Atlantic Drain shows the basic steps of any Zoeller Sump Pump installtion.
Zoeller Pumps Do Require Maintenance
Two Parts Of A Zoeller Sump Pump Requiring Maintenance After Installation
The two weakest parts of a Zoeller Sump Pump installation are the float switch and the check valve. Most likely the float switch and the check valve will fail before the motor and its housing fails. Learn how to increase the life span of the switch and the check valve.
Float Switch
Switches require maintenance. They will last three to five years or longer if the pump is not used frequently. Replacement Switches are easy to buy and easy to replace; however, there is a much longer lasting switch which has no moving parts, attaches to the discharge pipe and thus takes no additional basin room and does not require removal of the sdump pump rom the pit to install.
We installed the HC6000 electronic switch in 20011 and it has never failed. We like the fact that we installed the switch without removing the M53 from the pit. The HC6000 Sump Pump Switch works so seamlessly with the Zoeller Sump Pump. We highly recommend it.
Check Valve
The traditional flapper gate check valve will wear out sooner than a Quiet Check Valve because the quiet check valve has a one-half pound spring which controls the movement of the gate rather than the flapper gate which closes when the water rushes back down the discharge pipe and hits the gate when the pump shuts off.
We installed the Quiet Check Valve in 2011 and have been so happy. The valves are still working and the water hammer noise is gone.
Zoeller Provides Installation Manuals.
Placing a copy of the Installation Manual in a water proof bag where the sump pump is installed is extremely helpful.
Conclusion
Installing a new Zoeller Sump Pump is easy. The above steps along with the video make it easy. If you try your first install on a sunny day and you allow six hours to learn all the details you should be successful. The second time you do this it will go much much faster.
Be adventurous, give yourself schedule flexibility rather than wait for a plumber, be prepared to install a new pump in emergency situations.
