This is probably the best instructional video I've EVER seen on RU-vid. Right to the point...no horrible music bed... good solid steady video work without a bunch of zooming and effects....AND a great east coast accent, very refreshing here in the land of stoner surfers and valley girls.
As I stated in my comment the likely reason for down votes is no weep hole which will cause future problems of air lock. I've seen pumps burn up prematurely because of this and have made quite a lot of money on people doing these things themselves and not reading the instructions or watching videos where this isn't mentioned. It seems very simple to install a pump and it really is however a small mistake can be costly. If you are going to do this read the instructions I'm pretty sure this is covered in them.
@@katie2920 if air gets trapped inside the pump it will continue to run non stop until the motor burns up. The weep hole allows the air a place to escape. A lot of pumps have them already drilled in the pump itself however they can get clogged up. It can get air locked even if the tank is full and after the pump has been working for years by a cyclone kinda like a tub it just sucks the air down. A check valve is installed so the pump doesn't continue to pump the same liquids over and over as the fall back down however without a weep hole when air gets trapped into the pump it can't escape.
Oh my gosh, thank you so much! Your trick about separating the two plugs and plugging in the pump without the switch was a lifesaver. I was looking at the pump and the pad and my shop vac thinking that vacuum was going in the garbage after this. I’m so grateful for that hack.
Who would thumbs down this video?? That's moronic. It took a lot of effort time and patience to make this video and is EXTREMELY helpful. This guy is a perfectionist that does incredibly detailed high quality work. Thank you so much for your efforts! I appreciate any help I can get from contributors on the web. THANK YOU!!!
Around here that kind of pit is illegal. The pit he is using is made for gray water or what we call a sump pit. A sewage ejector pit is made specifically for sewage . It’s usually wider at the bottom and has to be manufactured with an air tight seal.
A few things I would do differently: 1. install check valve & valve higher, gives more room when servicing pump (nothing better than hitting your head on a "crappy" pipe) 2. cut vent pipe at same height as check valve, and install a rubber coupling w/ hose clamps (for servicing) 3. ALWAYS use pressure PVC fittings on pump discharges, not standard DWV fittings 4. Use Zoeller or Gould pumps (I'm not a fan of the loose floats) Side note: I recommend silent check valves. Regardless, (I don't know if you mentioned it) ALWAYS use check valves with rubber couplings, never the compression type with the big plastic nuts...
Absolutely perfect video. This guy is both a pro who knows all the ins and outs, and ALSO remembers the first one he installed because he answered all the questions a first-timer would have. Many thanks for making this video.
One thing he didn't mention is a weep hole. I've said this a few times so far but if you install one read the instructions! Make sure to drill a 3/8" hole around 6"-8" up the discharge line. Usually somewhere around the waterline. Edit if you do not do this you risk expensive future problems including prematurely burning out your pump!
Great video! Thanks for uploading this, I saved $2,500. My plumber suggested I change my sewer system with a new one. I saw your video, changed the float switch and the lid and the problem was solved. Total expense $75 only!
Been watching YT vids since '05 and have left maybe five comments in that time. You, sir, did an amazing job here: great detail yet concise (tell us all we need to know in the fewest words needed), and you anticipate questions one might ask and answer them, then "tips" are gold. Six year old video but you've got another sub! Thank you!
Dude! You saved me a ton of money and time within the first 3 minutes of this video. Found out my pump still works, just need to see why the float valve is not functioning. Almost called a plumber, but decided to get dirty and tackle it myself. Now I can spend the extra money I would have spent on a plumber, on something for my motorcycle or a new gun...LOL!
This is one of the best, most informative, DIY videos I have seen. I feel like I can absolutely do this job PROPERLY. Thanks for putting this together!
I really want to say thank you. Your advice about the float switch and the two plugs really just helped me determine that my pump is fine and to pump out the water and see what is wrong with the float. Thanks!
Always nice to see a helpful RU-vid video! You provided all of the information in a clear, concise, and chronological manner. Your explanations of the components, included "Where they are to be installed" ... "Why they need to be installed" ... "How they are correctly installed" ... and ... "How they operate." The video also included helpful suggestions, wherever possible. Your presentation takes the average DIY homeowner, from "Confused" to "Confident" in just 16 minutes. Great job! Much appreciated.
I just had HEP Plumbing in Chattanooga come out and diagnose that my pump was bad and it would be almost $7000 to replace it. So I started watching videos. Saw the tip about the pump plugged into the float valve, so I went downstairs and directly plugged in the pump and the pump worked! So I have a bad or stuck float valve, something I might be able to handle myself. At the very least, I now know how to get that gross tank empty before taking the lid off of the tank. Thank you!!!!
Love this video, I have a sewage pump in my basement that flows to the septic system. No issues with it so far this video just shows that you can change the pump yourself if needs be without calling a plumber save yourself money 💰
Perfect! .. My pump quit this weekend and this video made it look easy for sure. I'm going to replace the pump myself and save about $350. ... Nice work!
I am a two-year apprentice I took on a side job replacing a sewer ejector pump in Nassau County Long Island I would love to say you save my life thank you
Excellent video. I wish working on these was ever this clean and non-gross. Scary to see this type of installation in a basement. We've had a pump outside our home for 20 years and have witnessed many failure modes. The worst problem is if the float switch fails to start the pump, which often and easily happens, then sewage will overflow the pit and flood the basement with sewage. Our 1st pump was 24 years old before it failed. It was a Goulds. The replacement was a Zoeller and lasted 3 years before its integrated float switch failed. Its amazing how these systems are not designed to be very reliable yet they consequences are very bad if they fail. There was no testing to see if the system was working at all. Would be an awful time to find out the pump is defective. Or find out that the float switch is getting hung up on a cable or pipe. Float switches only last a few years. The way you may find out its failed is when it overflows. Even if the float switch is still good, toilet paper can weight it down and prevent it from starting the pump. If or when the pump fails, replacing the pump will be an exciting challenge with all the solvent joined plumbing blocking access to the pit. Even if its just toilet paper preventing the float or needing to replace the float switch in 2-3 years, its hard to imagine how to do it with all the plumbing solvent joined in place. - There should be an easier way to remove plumbing attached to the pump, such as having a union on sewage and vent sides. - There should be an overflow alarm wired in to alert when level gets too high indicating pump or switch failure. - Mechanical float switches last only a few years best case. Electronic switches are available which are much more reliable. Look at Hydrocheck. Built in float switches are the worst. At least the Everbilt has an external switch so you can replace the switch without having to replace the pump.
I have both lift station on my septic field and basement sewage ejector pump. My experience with Zoeller is that despite their reputation, their pump only last 3 years. Yup, the float switch fails just about in 2 to 3 years. This is really bad design from Zoeller and I've learned this by using them for over 20 years. Do not use Zoeller pumps. You would think the Zoeller would notice this and fix it in their pump but they are not for whatever reason. As to this basement sewage ejection system goes, there must be a better design. When the pump fails sewage just floods the basement floor. Perhaps have an alarm system in place and design the pump to be placed outside the pit or something....
thanks man. Your suggestion to use just the pump plug worked for me, saving me a call to a plumber. I appreciate you taking the time to put the video together.
I'm currently at the end-stage of building a house with a builder. 16 months of construction has been awful. I'm finally taking over and doing things myself. This helps so much. Thanks, man!
A little trick I learned over the years is to drill a 1/4 " hole in the side of the discharge pipe about 6" blow the cover .... This will prevent the discharge from getting AIR BOUND ..... That problem drove me crazy years ago ....An old timer plumber showed me that trick & never had a problem since ....Great video !!!
Great job on this, man. Nice to see an instructional vid on here that's very thorough, informative, and to the point. Going through this house we bought and fixing all the sloppy, failing "work" the previous owner did, (the plumbing & electrical are trades I have the least experience in) and now this issue came up...of course. And based off your solid info here, he didn't do that job even close to correct, and the damn lid wasn't even gasketed or fastened on!! Infuriating stuff! Not looking forward to this job, but you helped answer the small detail questions I had...so thank you!!!
Thank you so much for this video. It is amazing, I got a house that has absolutely the same setup and the problem is that it smells sometimes and I have to fix all this by myself. Actually, the lid of the basin is absolutely disconnected and it is patched with some insulation and I also suspect that the vent pipe is bad too. So thank you for showing me all the steps. Greatly appreciated.
Good Video. I'm on my way to finishing my basement. I have had mutiple contractor give me a 5K quote to install a grinder pump. Just bought one from Amazon and doing it my self. Saving me $4000.
Very good video Zimmsjeep. Finally someone doing a video who knows what they are doing and very informative. Others have responded about vent holes and electrical needs and you nailed it by saying read the instructions from the pump system you are buying, these if followed will allow for a great installation. I just bought an old 1940's house in Missoula Montana and this closet application looks almost exactly as mine will be, and yes the Home Depot Everbilt is fine for all applications, as are other manufacturer such as Zoeller. Really a great video, thank you
Excellent, informative, easy to understand video done very well. Thank you, it really helped me understand what was going on before I replaced my sewage ejector pump at our cabin. I feel like I owe you a beer!!
PERFECT ! I will do this to my basement bathroom . I learn almost everything from your video about "How to Install a Sewage Ejector Pump". VERY helpful video. thanks a lot.
Fantastic video... thanks much! It's clean, straight-forwared, direct to the point, and demos a high quality installation. The extras like the gasket inside the bolts, the anti-seize on bolts, very practical point about the pipe bends, (2x 45's instead of a 90, ball-flap valve... We don't often get clear concise practical videos without having to wade through all the music and production crap. This is awesome... very well done!
Thank you! I try to keep my videos simple and detail oriented. I’m not trying to entertain in them like others. It’s a how to video, probably best to stay with showing how to do things...lol
Pretty good video but a few key points overlooked. First, discharge line fittings should be rated for pressure. This is code in a lot of areas. Secondly, if you use a check value, a air bleed hole should be created to prevent air lock. Also, make sure the voltage on your circuit matches the pump.
Thanks for the comment. This pump doesn't call for an air bleed hole as the pump itself releases the vacuum. I believe the NEC calls for a dedicated 20 amp circuit for en ejector pump in which case my install has. I wasn't aware of using sch 40 on the pump discharge. Makes sense but then again the pump isn't putting that much pressure into the line. All the installs I've ever seen have used DWV PVC as I have used. Thanks again for the comment.
@@katie2920 is about a 3/16 hole drilled into section of pipe connected to pump maybe about 12” above pump connection to relieve any air in pipe that might cause air lock if pump is running and not pumping this could be the cause fixed several pumps with this simple addition
Drill a hole near the connection point at the base of the PVC where it connects to the pump so that it sprays the float to keep it clean and also drains the I remeaning water under the check valve.
Would of never thought of checking float switch, upon watching I removed the float plug, water immediately sucked up. Cleaned and removed hair and such from float was all it needed. Thank You
I’ve known nothing about this install but I’m a hands on type guy. This video is fantastic! I won’t be installing this lift pump any time soon but I’m sure with the aid of this video, I will be more confident in doing it myself. Thanks a lot buddy!
when I do these, I always drill a hole to insert the electrode for a water alarm and seal it with silicone. Just a precautionary measure. I also add a GFI with built in alarm (GFI is code in my area for any sump). So if the GFI gets tripped, it will set off a sound so you wont get a messy surprise.
Thanks for taking the time to make a very detailed video. Our new home has this exact pit and we’ve noticed serious sewer gas every time the wife does laundry. Following your instructions we find no seal on lid of any kind. I’ve ordered a jackal seal kit and hopefully this will solve our problem. Thanks!
Thanks, it’s actually really funny you posted this yesterday because believe it or not, this very pump decided it was time to quit and I had a nasty job to tackle last night. Unfortunately I didn’t follow my own advice to replace it proactively. I videoed the process and will probably post it this weekend
I know this is an older video (and is well done by the way) but I want to point out one additional option. You mentioned the tank lid will leak and cause flooding should the pump fail. This is true. To minimize or maybe avoid this altogether, what I did was install an alarm. It has its own float that is set higher than the one on the pump. If the pump fails, the water level continues to raise the 2nd float and activate the alarm. Once the alarm goes off, my family knows to immediately shut off the water until the situation can be resolved. The key to getting this to work reliably is to have the alarm plugged into an outlet that comes from a different circuit breaker than the pump. That way if the pump failure cause the breaker to trip, the alarm does not lose power and will still be able to signal you that water is rising.
imagine being a new pump your like yaaaaaa gunna get installed woohoo time to work.. wait wait wait whats that smell sniff sniff oh god nooo noo gurrgleee gurrrgleeee blaahhh pukeee.... no no nooooooo what the hell ahh not again.. 20 years later i giveup
Awesome video. Building a new home and engineers said we need one of these pumps; architect suggested a closet for it, and we wondered why. This video helped us picture the design. Thank you for posting.
3:11 this part helps! I'm about to call a plumber. Watched this video and tried the trick you said. It works! It saves me lots of money and without any mess on floor and wall. Thank you again!
Sir, I think you created a great video that is down to earth and easy for the everyday joe to understand. Thank you! One simple note though, remember, two 45s equal a 90 so it is still making a 90 degree turn in terms of resistance to surface. Absolutely no disrespect intended! Great video!
Thank you so much! It's 11:30 p.m. on a weekend and I thought I had a real plumbing emergency. The basement toilet stopped flushing and there was water mixed with other "juices" coming from the pit. As with all household emergencies, of course I went straight to RU-vid. When you mentioned that there may be separate plugs for the float switch and the pump, I immediately looked for that and found out that the pump still works and the switch is the issue. I think you may have saved me a few bucks. I still need to open everything up and check the float, but that's nothing. My pump is about 10 years old, so maybe I'll have to look into replacement, but at least your video helped me for now. But after viewing your video, I think replacing it myself may be possible. Thanks again!
Great explanation. Quick and to the point. My ejector stopped working and I was in a panic. In the beginning of the video you explained what the 2 plugs were. I unplugged and used the direct power line to empty the pit, plugged it all back in and it is now working great. Thank you!
I won't get to try until tomorrow morning but your tip about activating the pump when the float switch is jammed might save me A LOT of trouble. If that still doesn't work, the rest of this video is super helpful if I have to replace everything. Thanks!
@@fixitwithzim It did! The pump works great, so I ran to the derpot to get a new float switch and a few of the other things I need. Will try to replace it as soon as these kids let me...
@@Rick-tg4oy haha, sounds good. Funny, I originally did this video when my kids were very young. They enjoyed throwing everything and anything down into the pit while it was open… including the sewage main…Good stuff!
Very well done. I searched as many videos as I could till I reached yours. I have to replace mine as a first time homeowner. I feel much better doing this now.
Just replaced this pump last month, one of my kids flushed a baby wipe and it clogged the pump…I filmed the work, just need some time to edit and post. Stay tuned!
Thanks for the video. My pump has a VENT line all the way to the basin bottom submerged in water 90% of the time. Your 3" max below the cover was the best information!!
Thank you for a highly informative instructional video. My pump has failed. I was afraid to DIY before watching the video but am now reasonably confident that I can do the repair!
Excellent video - very well done. Like Terry Sutherland I have the same approach to failed systems. When I checked the pump, it worked. The float switch needed replacement [$31.00 at Home Depot] - about 30 minutes from start to finish to remover and replace failed float switch [including clean up]. Thanks for the video suggestion about testing the pump by plugging the power cord directly to the outlet. You saved me hundreds of dollars. Thanks!!
Appreciate you taking the time to make this video. New (to me) house with an ejector pump in the basement that is leaking at the inlet. Great video, so I know the mechanics of this to see what my problem really is and if it’s more than just a minor leak. Thank you very much!
Thanks for the bit on the power plugs. I unpluged the double-plug and plugged-in the pump cord and it worked. I found this video informative and well-done. Thanks.
Thank you for the video. It was very helpful when it came down to fixing my pump (retreating discharge port) and re-piping (partially, moved up off the floor). The challenge was retaping the pump discharge threads and drilling out the 3 bolts that were holding the lid down that broke. I used 1/4-20 well nuts and cut the rubber off 1 and hammered in the threaded shank. Worked like a champ. The other 2 I left the rubber around the threads and epoxy'd them in place. I also used the 2 rubber boots off the old flapper valve. I had to replace the t-nuts (used 3-prong) that hold the flanges in place around the pipes cause the bolts broke off in them. I used ss bolts/washers with some antiseeze for reinstall. I replaced the lower 90's with 45's. Alot better job now than from the idiot who built the house.
I just installed this exact same pump. I hope it lasts. Replacing the dead one was no fun! Nice work in your install here. I'd throw a union on that vent pipe, myself, to make future service easier. Thanks for the video!
Just a tip.....when I did mine I added an alarm that puts another ball float switch down in the basin. Of course it's mounted higher on the two inch pipe. I figured this might avoid a mess. Sure enough, a couple weeks ago my pump finally failed and my kid comes running up telling me that an alarm was going off in the bathroom. Well worth whatever I paid for it!
@@fixitwithzimWill you please explain this in rookie terms? Where do we buy the alarm? I’m getting my cover replaced as the person that “fixed” my pump didn’t do it right and I get a bad smell often. Would love to just include the alarm since they’re already going to work on it. Also- my current pipping doesn’t have the red knob it’s just straight white tube with a flow section (also white). The plumber coming states he can put the red knob with a bubbly white thing under which seems to be Similar to your black attachment. I should go ahead and do it red knob and bubbly piece below❓ My home is from the 50s. They’re supposed to come Sat. Praying you have time to reply beforehand 🙏🏼 Thank you❗️
@@suzp8627you would want one of these: amzn.to/3M5nl0R The float would be installed higher in the tank above the pump. The idea is that if the pump fails, the water will rise up to the alarm float and set off the alarm to alert you there’s a problem. In regard to your other question, yes, have the valve installed (red handle thing your describe). They don’t cost much and are a great thing to have during servicing
@@fixitwithzim Thank you soo much❗️ I didn’t know if this was just being pushed (red knob) and not applicable for older homes. What’s your price estimate for that (pump work) and a replacement to a simple kitchen sink faucet (Tuscany brand) along with the pipe just on the bottom of the sink replaced? I’ve never had to do any of this. Btw we’re in Chicago. Maybe you’re near and should be the one getting hired😆💜 😄
Thank you. Best video ever. Had issues with my pump not working and learned how to fix it. Saved me tons of money and now have the confidence to tackle this with all the parts and knowledge to deal with all the what ifs
Thanks so much for this step by step video where you really get into the details. I’ve been looking for something like this (and your rough in plumbing video) for a while. Hopefully can start my project soon!
Thanks. It helped me understand a lot about what at pain it is to add a shower to an already finished 1/2 bath in the basement. A lot of stuff that could go wrong doing this on a house that was built in 1979. Its epoxied all over the top and also sealed with silicone.
Well done video. Thanks for putting this together. Several things I didn't think of that you pointed out. Makes the prospect of adding a basement bathroom sound less intimidating.
Chad Portenga It’s actually not that hard a process adding a basement bath. Check out my other video. I go over the entire install of a full basement bathroom
You are an excellent super thorough instructor. By far the best how to vid on RU-vid. I love love love the details u gave on every section of this install. Thank you so much sir. God bless. 🙇
Hi, im single mom, thank you for showing me this. I have that plug. My system cam with the house 20 years ago. Now its plugged up a few times an when toilet flushes, it goes into tub. I bet it is the float, full of hair an debri. But the cover was painted over. Alot of spider webs, yuk. You helped me to understand this thing in my basement. Ive had plumbers come in an not know what it was..one said i need to replace plug. Seeing this. It might make sense to replace, if its cheap enough. I SO THANK YOU.i wish i could get you to help me.. lol
Harley RN sorry for the late response but happy to hear the video helped you. Never a fun job working with these but you can save a ton of money doing it yourself. Did you ever get it fixed?
Wow... absolutely AWESOME video! After watching 4 videos now, yours was the only one that mentioned the Male-threaded-adapter; the Direction-of-Flow on the Check Value; and limiting the 90-degree angles in the piping. One thing that was covered in the other videos (but not mentioned here) was drilling a 'Weep-Hole' (on the discharge pipe) at an approx. 45-degree (downward) angle, about 2-3 inches from the pumps outlet to prevent something called Vapor-Lock, which could shorten the life of the pump. Not trying to be disrespectful in anyway... just trying to help. Thanks again for taking the time to do this. It's increased my understanding and made my upcoming job easier.
Thanks for the comment. The weep hole isn't needed for this model pump but others require it. It prevents air lock inside the discharge pipe which could lock up the pump. Thanks for stopping by.
Great how too instructions, however I believe that for future ease of repairs what might have been done was placing a PVC union between the two 45 degrees, and one at the vent pipe. To disassemble, its just a matter of unscrewing the unions. Also when using unions, I found that a light coating of never cease makes the unions separate easier.
Thanks it’s what I needed to see to be able to change mine for the second time and Third Pump. Hope this one lasts and my kids listen this time. Big Like from me 👍😊💯
@@top_secret_deal910 LOL! It was a blackened hunk of poo goo! No way to see a nameplate. I did run into the owner of the plumbing company that installed it while I was purchasing the new one at Home depot. He said ten years was an average life for them. Guess I was lucky!
A great tip about greasing the threads of the bolts which secure the tank lid. If it was me I would probably swap the supplied bolts with stainless steel ones if applicable.
Wow very detailed information, best how to video I have watched. Thanks a lot for sharing. My big take away is the 45 degree elbows as opposed to 90 degree also the shut off valve, I had the check valve however, I never thought about the shut off valve. Thanks again.
Thanks for the video you did a great job with it. My basement office is in a room next to my sewage pump. I've dealt with a smell for the past three years. I hope that your weather-stripping tip will do the trick to better seal the smell. I chalked around the gaskets at both pipes and it didn't remove the smell. I was thinking of adding an inline fan on the vent to hopefully fix but I'll try the weather-stripping first.
Nick Thanks, the weather stripping will solve your problem. Then reseal around the cord, vent, and pump gaskets. Also doesn’t hurt to run a bead around the lid when you get it reinstalled as well.
Hey, great job on the video. I appreciate the code references regarding the venting of fixtures. I was watching to gain knowledge on plumbing into existing venting. You are fortunate to have a stub. I will need to explore local code requirements for an exterior wall vent. One small detail I noticed was the lack of a union in the vent pipe out of the basin. It will be difficult to remove the lid without one.
Thanks for the comment. You could install a union on the vent pipe but I usually just lift the cover up the pipe and stash it up high while working. Most guys if they need to cut the pipe will just use a no hub fitting when reinstalling and that would serve as your point of disconnect for the future.
Wonderful video. I'm going to use this video in reference in helping my retrofit a pump for our shed outside. While we remodel our laundry room I need to install the dryer and washer in the shed. I'll pump all of the sewage from the washer and possible utility sink into the pump and pump it 60-70 feet away on the surface to our clean out 3 inch pipe. I'll install a threaded 3 inch bushing and a short elbow and glue it in. Again it would be temporary. Way better than having all of the wash water flow out on the grass and under the shed. Mud pies. Again thanks for this video. It makes me think of I ever added a little outdoor kitchen someday I could add little pump for that too for a sink. Thanks Jeff Licensed Journeyman Electrician Sunny Central Florida
