How to Change Sump Pump Discharge Pipes

Remove the Old Discharge Pipes

• 1

  Locate the wall outlet where the sump pump cord plugs in and remove the plug to shut off power to the pump. Remove the floor cover from the top of the sump pit, if applicable, by pulling it up from the floor.

• 2

  Trace the vertical PVC pipe down to where it attaches to the raised adapter coupler near the base of the pump. Cut off the vertical pipe using a hacksaw or a rotary hand tool. If the cords are attached to the pipe with tape, slice through the tape with a utility knife.

• 3

  Trace the other end of the pipe up to where it exits through a wall. Cut the PVC pipe off at the top and then set the loosened pipe out of the way. Walk outside the home and pull the exterior end of the pipe through the hole in the wall.

Install the New Discharge Pipes

• 4

  Examine the 1/2-inch PVC male adapter screwed into the port of the pump. Remove the adapter by turning it counterclockwise with a wrench. Then screw a new 1/2-inch PVC male adapter into the port by turning it clockwise. Tighten it with the wrench another half-turn.

• 5

  Measure the distance between the top of the adapter and the location of the wall opening where the pipe exists the building. Cut a straight PVC pipe to the same length using the hacksaw.

• 6

  Open a can of PVC cement and apply a single swipe around the exterior edge of the straight PVC pipe. Slide the pipe into the male PVC adapter on the pump. Hold it in place for 30 seconds.

• 7

  Pick up a PVC elbow and apply a swipe of cement around the inside edge of one end. Press it over the top of the straight pipe so it points out through the hole.

• 8

  Walk to the exterior or the home and measure the distance from the wall hole to the location where you want to discharge the water. Cut another section of straight pipe to the same length, then push it into the wall hole.

• 9

  Walk back inside and apply a swipe of PVC cement around the outside to the pipe end. Push it into the top of the elbow and hold it for 30 seconds.

• 10

  Plug the sump pump back in and replace the floor cover.