Hi, we have a gravity drain in a pit in our basement. We are putting new carpet in the basement and are considering putting in a pump as we had a bad storm a while back and the gravity drain just couldn't handle the amount of water. Will it be possible to somehow have the pump extract the water through the drain that's already there or will we need to run a discharge pipe through the wall? I have no idea where the gravity drain actually "goes". I guess a plumber could figure it out. Thanks in advance.

You will have to install dedicated pipe, connected to the pump and discharging on its own to the exterior. You cannot run it utilizing existing floor drain run off pipe.

Wow, that was quick! Thank so much Milo.

Sure, no problem...

Let us know if you need us to lead you throughout the project. It is relatively simple installation. You can purchase all materials in local Home Depot and do entire project yourself.

Get out! I would TOTALLY love to think myself and the other half could do this ourselves. The part that makes me nervous is the whole putting the pipe through the wall bit. So, yeah, I'd love some info on doing it. Thanks again.

Paulamma1: if you have framed wall, so just carefully drill hole with wood drill bit about 1/8" larger in diameter than the pipe you'll be using for discharge. If you have masonry wall, than rent Roto-Hammer from Home Depot for 2 hours with masonry bit. Also, the bit should be 1/8" larger. Drill it yourself. It is not hard. It is actually lots of fun to do.

Let us know how you did...

If it's cinderblock, the wall is mostly hollow. I've used a stud detector to figure out where the partitions are.

Sleaveing is actually the best way to drill through any wall. This is where a piece of PVC is used where the discharge pipe will pass through it. That one is more permanent than the tube that it caulked through it.

Sump pumps are not supposed to mix with sewage water.

The sump pump usually sits in a pit with a cover. I've used an automotive radiator hose to dampen vibrations. Some pumps like check valves, others do not. Some like a weep hole, others do not. Read the sump pump instructions.

I install a union, so that the pump can be removed for service.

I can't believe it's almost a year since I first posted re the sump pump! This weekend I'm going to install it. I've been recommended to use a Zoeller M53. I'll be goinging through the basement wall which is block (I'm assuming cinderblock). Trust it'll all work out! Thanks for your previous advice, will be using it.

Those that want to do a professional install, can rent a core drill and bit to get a nice clean round hole. http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/Core-Drill-Bits

You can sleave it if you would like. A small piece of PVC pipe flush to the wall where the pipe would pass through and then caulked.

You can go to an auto part store and get a radiator hose for a small piece of flex hose. Mine is a little over a foot long.

Using a union allows one to remove the pump for servicing without cutting.

Good luck!

KeepItSimpleStupid: Thanks so much! I'll be taking your suggestions. I'll let you know how I get on.

Do you have the radiator hose running from the pump through the wall or do you have PVC from the pump through the wall and then the radiator hose running from the hole in the wall to the outside?

Thanks in advance.

It goes:

Pump
Short length of PVC
Union - easily disconnects
Short length of PVC
About 12-18" of radiator hose
Another length of PVC
Elbow
Length of PVC through wall

The hose isolates the vibration of the pump. The union allows easy servicing.