If your sump pump discharge pipe is an inconvenient location you may want to relocate or extend it to a better location. Changing the location of your pipe is not hard but does require a few hours of labor. In this guide we will show you step by step instructions plus the tools you need to extend a sump pump discharge pipe.
Required Tools
- A small shovel
- A pipe extension kit
- Sealer for the connection points
- Drain lines for additional distance
Step by Step Directions
Follow these step by step directions and you will be able to extend the sump drain pipes to anywhere on your property.
1- Make a Plan
If your current pipe is in the wrong place you will need a relocation plan or you will end up trying to relocate again. Start by taking careful measurements and reviewing yard drainage and flooding. Moving the pipe can impact water flow and more so it is important to make sure you are not flooding your yard – or the next door neighbors.
2- Dig Area Around Line
After finishing the plan start by carefully digging around the current line. You will need to clear the area around the top 8 to 12″ of the drain pipe. You can start by using a large shovel to break the ground but may need to switch to a smaller hand shovel in order to prevent damaging the piping as you remove the dirt.
If you are laying additional underground drain lines you will need a larger shovel and may even need to call the city so you don’t damage and other underground pipes. Make sure to dig to the line at the right depth.
3- Add Line Extensions
Once all the dirt is out of the way start laying and attaching the drain lines. Make sure to finish all digging and dirt removal – then try to lay the lines as straight and level as possible.
Keep in mind it is difficult to pump water uphill and past 90 degree turns so try to make a path with as little resistance as possible or else you will need a more powerful sump pump.
4- Seal New Drain Lines
After laying the new drain lines and getting them in the perfect position it is time to seal them so they are water tight. Start by screwing the piping together and the joints until they can’t be fasten any further.
Do not over tighten or you risk cracking the lines in cheaper systems.
If you are looking for an even tighter seal you can apply a bonded sealer to the joints – just keep in mind it will bond the pipes in that location forever!
5- Rebury Drain Lines
Repositioning your drain lines will do no good if they are still in an inconvenient spot above ground. After sealing the lines it is time to bury them again and receive the grass. It is a good idea to mark and map where your lines are buried in case you need to dig again future.
Marking Drain Lines
In our experience the easiest way to mark the position of your drain lines is to take a picture with your smart phone at a few different angles. It is also a good idea to make a small mark on the side of your home where the pipes exit and another Mark near the fence if they end near your fence line.
6- Test System
The final step is test the system and make sure everything is working before the next big storm.
The best way to test the system is run a garden hose into the sump basin to add water until the float switch rises and activates the pump. If the hose does not reach you can use a few large buckets of water.
As the water drains from the pit check the exit drains to make sure it is flowing out the other end.
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