For anyone who may know….
Had to change a sump pump out today. It was a pedestal model, shorted out, pit full of foul smelly water. The old pump stood fine in the pit it seems but I don’t know that for sure. I put the new one into the pit and the unit wants to keep leaning as if something is on the bottom of the pit making it want to sit out of plumb. But nothing is there, it’s just the pit bottom not being level so far as I can tell.
Not only that, when the unit comes on it has so much torque upon startup that it wants to “spin” sorta in the pit. Presently because I dunno why it won’t sit plumb when it kickson the torque is enough it causes it to fall over and lean up against the side of the pit.
Questions: How do I keep the torque from making the unit fall? Also, how do I make it so the torque of the unit won’t spin the unit aroiund? Finally, what is the best way to level out the bottom of the sump?
This sump is molded into the slab foundation, no french drain or anything, old house that happens to have a sump pit.
Replies
Most sump pumps in pits I have dealt with are sitting on a couple of bricks or a concrete block to allow solids to sink to the bottom and the pump inlet to run in clean water. The pit should be cleaned yearly although few really do this.
Is the pump plumbed in with PVC or ABS pipe or are you using the cheap flexy hose you get from the home center. If done in pipe the only flexible point should be the check valve rubber boots and the pump shouldn't move. DanT
Yeah, it was plumbed with the cheap flex pipe all the way to the sewer line. I know, not supposed to be in the sewer line. I just replaced the unit, they didn't want anything else done. I did put a check valve on, right at the pump where you'd normally thread on a fitting, so the check valve is right in the pit. I started to consider, though, that I at least should have plumbed with PVC at least to the point of getting out of the pit. I think I'll do that, but take it up to the ceiling another 7 feet up and anchor it there, I"ll bet that will keep it up as you said.If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
If you have a shop vac;
Force the pump to run as long as it can by holding up the float, then suck out the remaining water and primordial ooze with the shop vac. Then you can see what you are dealing with. Probably needs doing anyways. The ooze will eventually interfere with pump operation.
A submersible pump would be more forgiving of an out-of-level situation. They are usually cheaper as well.
If you have a {WETDRY} shop vac;
Good point, though we know this poster is very intelligent.