Backup Sump pump Installation

Clamshell · 08-23-2010, 01:47 PM

Getting ready to install a backup sump pump (Basement Watchdog Big Dog). Have read through bit of the manual and have found that there two recommended methods for install are either installing are:

Method 1:Cutting the existing line below the check valve and forking from the main pipe to the primary pump and one leading to the back up.
Method 2:Cutting the existing line above the check valve and forking to a check valve that connects to the primary pump. The other fork would include a separate check valve that connects to the back up pump.

If I had to choose between the two methods above I would probably go with Method 2. However, I have been thinking of running a separate pvc line with a check valve from the backup pump directly to the outside. I think this has a couple more advantages over their methods. The mainline above the fork in their methods could get clogged either related to the check valve or blockage in the line. The other advantage is that it allows me a longer window to install the new backup between rain falls. It's been raining so much here and the ground is so saturated that I am afraid I won't finish between this pit filling up. Can people chime in and let me know if someone has done this or if there are any disadvantages to running a separate line to the outside for the back up pump?

TIA,
Steve

the_man · 08-23-2010, 02:03 PM

2 things: First, storm water should not tie into the sanitary sewer system, and you don't want it going into a septic tank either. It should be piped outside to a hill or gravel drainfield area. Second, regardless of where you pipe it (above or below existing check valve) you'll need to have a separate check valve for the second pump, so that water cannot drain back down the backup drain line

Clamshell · 08-23-2010, 03:00 PM

Wow thanks for the tips. But this didn't answer my question @ all. I believe I stated that I was going with the manufacturers method 2 which included a separate check valve on that second forked line. My question was if I could just run a separate line to the outside with it's own check valve as opposed to using the existing line to the outside.

the_man · 08-23-2010, 03:12 PM

oops

you can do either, if there isn't anything wrong with the existing line, and it does go outside separately, then go ahead and use it and save the extra work of installing a new one too

08-23-2010, 01:47 PM	#1
Clamshell Newbie Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 2	Backup Sump pump Installation Getting ready to install a backup sump pump (Basement Watchdog Big Dog). Have read through bit of the manual and have found that there two recommended methods for install are either installing are: Method 1:Cutting the existing line below the check valve and forking from the main pipe to the primary pump and one leading to the back up. Method 2:Cutting the existing line above the check valve and forking to a check valve that connects to the primary pump. The other fork would include a separate check valve that connects to the back up pump. If I had to choose between the two methods above I would probably go with Method 2. However, I have been thinking of running a separate pvc line with a check valve from the backup pump directly to the outside. I think this has a couple more advantages over their methods. The mainline above the fork in their methods could get clogged either related to the check valve or blockage in the line. The other advantage is that it allows me a longer window to install the new backup between rain falls. It's been raining so much here and the ground is so saturated that I am afraid I won't finish between this pit filling up. Can people chime in and let me know if someone has done this or if there are any disadvantages to running a separate line to the outside for the back up pump? TIA, Steve

08-23-2010, 02:03 PM	#2
the_man Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 601	Backup Sump pump Installation 2 things: First, storm water should not tie into the sanitary sewer system, and you don't want it going into a septic tank either. It should be piped outside to a hill or gravel drainfield area. Second, regardless of where you pipe it (above or below existing check valve) you'll need to have a separate check valve for the second pump, so that water cannot drain back down the backup drain line

08-23-2010, 03:00 PM	#3
Clamshell Newbie Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 2	Backup Sump pump Installation Wow thanks for the tips. But this didn't answer my question @ all. I believe I stated that I was going with the manufacturers method 2 which included a separate check valve on that second forked line. My question was if I could just run a separate line to the outside with it's own check valve as opposed to using the existing line to the outside.

08-23-2010, 03:12 PM	#4
the_man Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 601	Backup Sump pump Installation oops you can do either, if there isn't anything wrong with the existing line, and it does go outside separately, then go ahead and use it and save the extra work of installing a new one too

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Backup Sump pump Installation