How to install a sewage pump

This article is for informational purposes only.  All sizing and installation should be performed by a qualified and experienced professional.

A proper sewage pump installation requires the following components: a correctly sized sewage pump with a float switch, sewage basin, and a check valve.
 

The first step is to install a sewage basin. A typical sewage basin comes with a cover and has 4 holes that are used for inlet pipe, discharge pipe, electric wire and a vent.  The optimal location for the basin is beneath the lowest point of the basement floor.  In order to reduce friction head loss, the basin should be installed as close as possible to the outlet pipe that takes sewage out of the house (either to sewage system or septic tank).  Once the basin is inserted into the pit, it needs to be secured and connected to the pipes.

The next step consists of placing the pump on the bottom of the basin, aligning it with outlet openings in the basin, and connecting it to plumbing pipes and an electric outlet.  A ball valve and a check valve are installed on the discharge pipe to prevent backflow and to prevent pump short cycling. A vent pipe is inserted through the vent hole to allow the gasses to escape and to prevent vacuum from forming inside the basin.

The final step of the installation process consists of setting up float switches and ensuring that they work properly by running a test of the whole system.