What’s involvedSump pump

Replace a sump pump or its battery backup: what's involved

What a sump pump and its battery backup do, the signs one is due, what a plumber does to swap it, and what to have ready. No hands-on steps.

What’s involved

No hands-on steps here: what the job is, what a pro does, and what to have ready.

The sump pump lifts water out of the pit before it reaches the floor. A battery backup takes over if the power or the pump fails.
It hums but doesn't pump, runs without stopping, is many years old, or the backup's battery won't hold a charge.
Photograph the pump, its pipe and check valve, the outlet it plugs into, and any battery box and its label.
They unplug it, undo the pipe, lift the old pump out, set the new one level with its float free, and test it with water.
They set the backup pump higher in the pit with its own check valve, and connect its battery and charger.
Clear round the pit, have a bucket and towels nearby, and know where the pipe comes out outside.
A pump that won't run with water rising: use as little water as you can and ask Handyman for a plumber.

Handyman says: Water rising? I'll find a plumber.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.