On a scale of 1 -10 how hard is it to change a sump pump?

abefroman

On a scale of 1 -10 how hard is it to change a sump pump?

Anything I should know?

On the one I have now, it looks like the sumppump is designed to work with the watchdog battery system and monitor, and it has a special cord, or special plug on the cord that plugs into the watchdog, do all/most sumppumps have that or should I look for a special model?

Thanks in advance!

Bob Mariani

not all have them but should. for a DIY project it is a scale of 1. (easy)

abefroman

Thanks!

Actually, the pump with that cord looks like its the backup pump and probalby came with the watchdog.

The watch dog is giving a battery error now too, and when I tried cleaning the connectors, on of the leads broke off.

Is there anyway to replace that? It is connected right to the electronic display box. Can I just strip the end of the wire and connect it like that?

Is the watchdog+backup sumppump typically independant of the main sumppump?

Thanks again for the help.

Scuba_Dave

This can depend upon the existing plumbing too
Mine has a check valve in line
So it was really easy to remove the old pump & install a new one

abefroman

Thanks, I have the check value too.

Bob Mariani

if one does not have a check valve then it will just fill up again with the water in the discharge and fill again. Just cut PVC below check valve and connect new pump with a fernco coupling. The two pumps should work in tandem. If one fails the other will be used. The connections can be made directly as you suggested.

abefroman

Thats a good idea, the one I have looks like its suppose to unscrew though, I couldn't turn, but will try with a bigger pair of channel locks. If not I will cut a couple inches below it and use the coupling.

abefroman

Well, I stripped that wire, and I am still getting a red light for the battery, although if I unplug the watch dog, the battery still is able to turn on the backup pump.

I wiped the terminals off with a rag, is there I solvent I can use that would work better?

The water light wasn't on, but I topped it off anyway.

Is this likely a problem with the battery, relay in the watchdog electronic box, or terminal?

TIA

Scuba_Dave

Battery error might be low charge/old - need to be replaced

abefroman

Sheet! The battery is almost as much as a whole new watchdog.

JonC

Take the part number or the Volts/Ah rating from the battery as well as it's size height/width/dept and call a local battery shop like Interstate. If it's a Pb or Pb Gel type (lead acid) battery you can usually get it at a much better price than ordering a replacement from the manufacturer of the electronic device.

Also the terminal you broke off, you can usually get a crimp tool with a bunch a variety of connector ends from an automotive store. Many mid-size battery terminals are flat spade or bolt/stud type connectors which you'll find in that assortment. It's best to not twist wires directly to a battery terminal as the connection is more likely to corrode over time and lead to thermal issues under load (smoke, melting, fire, etc)

Wethead

I would say on a scale of one to ten, about a 4

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