Help!! Sump pump won't stop running!

kukubura

well, I got a 1/2 HP Zoeller and all the pieces to make it work but the tightener between the check valve and the pipe is facing the wrong way and is a couple of inches from the wall. I can't loosen it. I tried to be clever by loosening the fastener above the check valve and got a face full of water hehe... Now it's leaking a little but into the hole so I can live with that for now. Any suggestions? If anyone is available to try to talk me through this it would be much appreciated! email me at buskerdog AT gmail. Thanks!

jomama45

You did unplug the old pump, right???

You shouldn't get much pressure if it's unplugged............

kukubura

Are you talking about removing above the check valve? I mean, yeah it was all water from above the check valve, not water that was currently pumping. Pump is unplugged. There's probably a good bit of water in there from the storm. Are you suggesting I let that water in to the hole?

(just to clarify, I think the water was coming down the pipe, not up it, but I could be wrong?)

oh'mike

If the check valve was on top of the pump---it was wrong when that was installed----

check valve is usually above the high water line---often about 2 feet above the pit----

Install the threaded fitting---the new pipe---then---well I need to see your piping to tell you where to best insert the check valve---

__________________
New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

jomama45

The only water that "should" drain back to the crock would be the vertical section of the pipe, usually 5-8 feet. Not more than a gallon or two. The horizontal pipe "should" be pitched away, and already be empty.

I'd loosen up either clamp you can get off, remove the pump, take off the remaining clamp, screw new or existing pipe into new pump, and re-install.............

kukubura

Thanks guys. I could post more pics but honestly on the time frame I have (flying out of the country in the morning) there's no way I'm moving the check valve tonight (still need to pack!) I could try draining the pip above the check valve into the pit and then try to get rid of that water so I can see what I'm doing via wet/dry vac. Gonna try that I guess.

kukubura

Alright I drained the pipe and removed the water. I'm attaching two pics. sumppump1 is above the check valve. The top tightener is the one I loosened and drained but I don't think I gained anything since I think it's glued.

sumppump2 shows underneath the check valve. On the left you see the tightener facing the wall.

Honestly, I'm really frustrated and think I just need to call a plumber and have the housesitter deal with it. I feel like I'm so close but this is installed in such a crappy way that I can't deal with it. Ugh. I hate giving up! Anyone have any final words of encouragement??

Attached Thumbnails

   

jomama45

You've got a ton of option to get it out. It would be rare that the pipe were glued, it's just stuck from being clamped for years. If you can't yank it off, you could cut the rubber boot and replace the check valve (usually under $10) or cut the pvc pipe up higher and simply put it back together with a coupling............

kukubura

Thanks. That's all good stuff. I did give it another shot and I think you're right, it's not glued, just shoved way in there without enough wiggle room to pull it out. Unfortunately I don't have any time to get any more stuff since I need to move my attention to packing. You guys have all been great. Unfortunately this is DIY fail on my part.

gregzoll

Just cut the pipe, then when you reassemble, you can place the Check valve at that point, or use a slip joint to join the two sections together. A Fernco also works in situations like this, when you have to cut.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
: Now listen, Cadet. I've got a job for you. See this button?
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
: Don't touch it! It's the History Eraser button, you fool!
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
: So what'll happen?
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
: That's just it. We don't know. Maybe something bad, maybe something good. I guess we'll never know, 'cause you're going to guard it. You won't touch it, will you?

Rgr

Dear All:
I have a question about sump pit. I notice during hurricane Sandy and the amount of rain we got, around 8in. That my sump pit was filling from bottom and not from the drainage pipes. I am concern is this not normal and if this might put pressure on the basement floor? The drain were dry all the time but the sump was filling every five minutes! Is the drain pipes clogged, I looked and could not see any obvious sign of obstruction. Any suggestions will be great on how to proceed with this issue!
Thank you