An interesting video for those of us who live in the desert and are unfamiliar with basements, sump pumps, etc. Here in the desert, basements are rare and pumps even more rare. Thanks for all the good footage.
Another great video. I've been doing this sort of thing at our house for 35 years and it's good fun to see you do them and talk to yourself as I do. We have a major ground water problem and although Zoeller is the best, most durable, to move enough water we've switched to Wayne 3/4 HP which pumps twice as much at a 1/2 HP Zoeller at 20 ft water column. If I were a contractor I'd use Zoeller though as it's more dependable. If one gets 2 years with a sump pump, it's fortunate.
I just switched from an old 1/3 HP Liberty to a Wayne 3/4 HP. This thing practically teleports the water out of the sump and is very quiet too! It did get overwhelmed though by a 5 inch rainstorm (2 inches earlier in the day), but it was actually a gripper for our rough-in plumbing popped out and was geysering water from the overloaded sewer system. The basement filled up 4 ft, but once the sewer system stopped, this pump drained our 700 sq ft basement in about 2 hours.
@@Omnip073n77 OMG that sounds terrible. I have a test plug in one of our cleanouts too and I never want to consider that possibility. This Spring I am going to clean up the pipe threads with a rotary brush and screw in a solid plug. The Wayne and Zoeller pumps are solid and dependable. There are others but I really trust those two brands. Liberty and others are supposedly great too but I've never used them and the specifications of Wayne pumps are tops. I can pump over 140 GPM with three 3/4 hp Wayne sump pumps and yet that is just barely enough. These storms lately have been intense and difficult.
Yeah and you can install a new switch. You can completely rebuild those if you have to . Parts are readily available. No need to buy another pump. I've never had a problem with a zoeller pump. Last for years.
I remember as a little kid growing up in Illinois my Dad having to replace the switch on our basement sump pump. The laundry drained into the sump and the waste was pumped into the septic system. When the switch failed there was a small flood that occurred when the washing machine was in use.
i do not play with switches i just change out the hole pump .. i have a few swithces in my truck .if the pump is only a year old them maybe i will do the switch this one was 4 years old
I dont get it. A new pump costs $400 and a new switch is a tenth that price. Why not repair the thing and buy a backup pump and alarm with the cost savings. Even if the motor is only good for another couple years, youre coming out ahead.
Yeah propane is explosive big time,December 27th,1983 in Buffalo,NY an illegal 500 lb propane tank slipped off a forklift and broke the valve,the building filled with gas and found an ignition source,the blast leveled the 4 story building that it was housed in and the blast caused a lot of damages to homes,it was a big mess then,i was a freshman in high school back then.
My mom was the float nurse in the burn unit at Sheehan Hospital that night. 35 years later it' still gives her nightmares. She said they heard it happen and knew it would be bad.
try taking that old zoeller pump , put it in a 5 gal bucket of 1:4 CLR - water for about 3 days and retry. I do this with all my pumps especially if its a sticky float issue.
I have been told by the pump manufacturer, that even though the pump itself has an anti air-lock weep hole. They still want you drilling one in the raiser
Glad to see you have a GFCI cord, it guarantees the protection regardless of the customer's wiring. What's the average age of sump pump that fails? 4 years wasn't long!
Very good job. Hopefully your customer will check her basement periodically in case this happens again! Maybe sell her a warning alarm system for future high level events!
Why didn't you install a new water alarm? You can get one at Home Depot for $9.97 so its not expensive at all. I have an alarm on my sump pit with the sensor just above the "on" level of the pump. That way, when the pump fails I get an alarm right away -- long before the water rises to the floor level. It gives me enough advance warning that I can repair the pump before the water reaches the floor level.
@@trangofast9692 - actually if you go to the Zoeller's classroom videos on youtube, they explain in one of their on-campus classes that best practice is to use a larger pit so that the pump cycles less often, but pumps more water per cycle, to increase life expectancy. This is accomplished by tying the built-in float permanently in the "on" position and then using a separate on/off float switch to turn on and off the pump (or purchase a pump with no built-in float). You plug the pump into the on/off switch power cord, then that power cord into the wall receptacle. This way you could also keep the pump completely submerged under water at all times, which also increases life expectancy even more. I do agree with you that even if you don't take these extra steps, the Zoeller will still last a super long time.
@@trangofast9692 My first thought was this was a good idea and now I read your comment. I am afraid one word replies radiate more heat than light- would you mind giving a brief explanation to help me make an informed decision? Thanks
That check valve is up way to high! I always put them right above the floor. Excessive amount of water will fill up the pit prematurely, and put undo stress on the switch. *just my 2 cents
Man, you had me rolling when you were trying to get that pipe off... Cuts to the next scene, "well, I got a new pipe, that one had a hole drilled in it and you dont need that." Aka, you broke the pipe...
The pump didn’t needed to be replaced you float was just stuck and possibly needed to be replaced. It would also be a good idea for an alarm to be added to.
The check valve on that pump is way too high, should be just above the pump so it doesn't drain the whole column of water back down into the pit when pump shuts off. Can't fix 'em all though, as long as it's working!
steven lavimoniere Wow! The hot water heater and the boiler were spared? This is a miracle, for I believed that the water was so high that at least the thermocouple would be affected.
I am pretty sure code states that the furnace/boiler and water heater have to be tossed if water infiltrated the interior of the units. Why people don't have a water sensor is beyond me. You can have one monitored by an alarm company or just a local one that beeps for about $20. That float may have been faulty. It may be worth getting pumps with internal floats. People really should maintain their pits annually.
I've installed a few hundred zollers and they all say drill a weep hole on the box. I've seen a dozen or so fail due to vapor lock due to no weep hole. Tisk tisk tisk.
Probably targeted video because I was looking at sump pumps... Zoeller's switches are going downhill. What are your thoughts on liberty pumps or little giant?
There should be an inline check valve right at the pump and then another above the well. Too much water is backflowing into that pit when the pump runs.
No connected w Zoeller, but I just got four estimates from four different plumbers over eastern Mass., no restrictions, give me the most reliable thing you know and install, and each one went w Zoeller, and not only the 98. I even asked one about alternatives or superior competition and he said essentially meh, not his experience. Of course it is true you need only one to fail and you have a vivid memory and something to post; see Amazon for each manufacturer....
Steve, any reason why you did not put two pumps, at different levels, in that basin and use higher horsepower pumps given the pumping distance? It has been six years, maybe you can call her and recommend the two pump system before this pump fails.
i have installed liberty pumps also ,but i always go back to zoeller.they pump more water .but draw more amps ,,, i can get liberty pumps if i want them .they fail also i know from experience
Whatever is best for the situation I guess. Glad to see you taped that cord up. We see a lot around here that look like crap after a guy puts one in and leaves everything a mess. Nice work.
Hello Steve, can I ask why you didn't install a new check valve? Not knowing old the original one is, wouldn't it make sense to replace it for the homeowners' piece of mind? I mean, the part is $14 at the big box stores. I'm sure you could had charged $30-$55 for the part/install and the customer would have been fine.
She got real lucky with only having to replace the sump pump , I can't believe that pressure switch is working after being under that water and most likely cycling on and off.
I do have to say this, Hydromatic pumps last WAY longer than Zoeller pumps, and the diaphragm switch is way better. We have the D-A1 and the diaphragm switch still works after 10+ years and it pumps the same when we first bought it.
Rodj I had a Zoeller M53 last a little over 12 years in an enclosed basement. The pump came on during the slightest sprinkle of rain and seemed to cycle about every 30 to 60 seconds until the rain stopped. When it finally gave out, I came into the basement to find the pump smoking from the switch being stuck in the on position. I ended up replacing the entire pump, but was initially able to get away with only replacing the switch until I scraped together a couple of bucks to get the new pump.
I made a mistake when I posted this comment, the pump was actually 16 years old when I posted this. No pump should not die out under 15 years. New Zoeller pumps will give out in under a year now. The only Zoeller pump I would even SLIGHTLY look at is the M63 since it has a better switch in it. And I found out that if the diaphragm does turn off at a lower level than normal and sucks in air, you simply just push in on the diaphragm about 10 times and it is back to normal.
Steven, is the water from the heavy rain we had back on July 4th? Did she just open the door to the basement this week for the first time? Wow, that's a lot of water!!
Hello. I have a finished basement. When it rains the water in the sump pump well fills up very rapidly. My sump Pump runs a lot, even when it is not raining hard. I am always worried that it will burn out. When it does burn out, My luck it will burn out on a Sunday night or at night when every store is closed for the day.I want to replace the sump pump and go with a Hydromatic or a Zoeller. Which brand pumps do You prefer? Once I install a good quality pump in, I plan on using the old pump as a back up. Thank You very much.
how about the basin, Lid and pump? all of it. Can you do it without busting out the floor? It has a 4" inlet. From what I gather the basins are ridged and have no give to slide past the inlet pipe. so you would have to rock it away from the inlet pipe into position, or cut it short and glue past the rubber gasket when its in place. what should I do? What would you do, and yes I'd dry fit the new basin and line it up. I don't want to deal with busting up the concrete and then patching the mess when I'm done. But lining up the hole to the pipe and welding the pipe back together with PVC glue with an extension into a couple behind where you can't see has its problems too. I'm sure either way would work. But what one works better?
so you telling me that most of the houses over there on the East Coast needs a pump because the water comes into their basements something's wrong with that scenario
One of the best reality shows on CZcams
An interesting video for those of us who live in the desert and are unfamiliar with basements, sump pumps, etc. Here in the desert, basements are rare and pumps even more rare. Thanks for all the good footage.
thanks for watching current
@ 3:38 "I'll be back tomorrow, when the tide goes out" Haha good one Steve
My great grandfather worked at Zoeller. I'm 3 minutes away from the factory. Small world. Great Video 👍
Another great video. I've been doing this sort of thing at our house for 35 years and it's good fun to see you do them and talk to yourself as I do. We have a major ground water problem and although Zoeller is the best, most durable, to move enough water we've switched to Wayne 3/4 HP which pumps twice as much at a 1/2 HP Zoeller at 20 ft water column. If I were a contractor I'd use Zoeller though as it's more dependable. If one gets 2 years with a sump pump, it's fortunate.
I just switched from an old 1/3 HP Liberty to a Wayne 3/4 HP. This thing practically teleports the water out of the sump and is very quiet too!
It did get overwhelmed though by a 5 inch rainstorm (2 inches earlier in the day), but it was actually a gripper for our rough-in plumbing popped out and was geysering water from the overloaded sewer system. The basement filled up 4 ft, but once the sewer system stopped, this pump drained our 700 sq ft basement in about 2 hours.
@@Omnip073n77 OMG that sounds terrible. I have a test plug in one of our cleanouts too and I never want to consider that possibility. This Spring I am going to clean up the pipe threads with a rotary brush and screw in a solid plug. The Wayne and Zoeller pumps are solid and dependable. There are others but I really trust those two brands. Liberty and others are supposedly great too but I've never used them and the specifications of Wayne pumps are tops. I can pump over 140 GPM with three 3/4 hp Wayne sump pumps and yet that is just barely enough. These storms lately have been intense and difficult.
Nice job Steve. Those Zoller pumps always fail at the switch.
most do ,,,,,.they are good pumps
Yeah and you can install a new switch. You can completely rebuild those if you have to . Parts are readily available. No need to buy another pump. I've never had a problem with a zoeller pump. Last for years.
Zoller makes a pump in comparison to that! The M96
Wow there was a lot of water in the basement. Glad to see there wasn’t anything stored down there.
Great job Steven. Hard working man.next level.
I remember as a little kid growing up in Illinois my Dad having to replace the switch on our basement sump pump. The laundry drained into the sump and the waste was pumped into the septic system. When the switch failed there was a small flood that occurred when the washing machine was in use.
i do not play with switches i just change out the hole pump .. i have a few swithces in my truck .if the pump is only a year old them maybe i will do the switch this one was 4 years old
Makes sense to change the entire pump. Being the pump was 4 yours old, you'd replace the switch and next month the motor goes bad. ;-)
I dont get it. A new pump costs $400 and a new switch is a tenth that price. Why not repair the thing and buy a backup pump and alarm with the cost savings. Even if the motor is only good for another couple years, youre coming out ahead.
Nice work. Good thing she didn't have a bunch of stuff stored in the basement.
Nicholas CeeA the basement was clear for sure
My third grader watches these for fun. HE IS SO INTO IT.
Excellent work, was fun to watch..
+Mark Elford thanks for the comment
We have the same vintage A.O. SMITH water heater (natural gas) still runs awesome! No issues. oldy but a goody.
Yeah propane is explosive big time,December 27th,1983 in Buffalo,NY an illegal 500 lb propane tank slipped off a forklift and broke the valve,the building filled with gas and found an ignition source,the blast leveled the 4 story building that it was housed in and the blast caused a lot of damages to homes,it was a big mess then,i was a freshman in high school back then.
dklucas1 i am always a little leary of propane .i know its extremly explosive ,a lot more so then natural gas ..
dklucas1 what high school did you go to? I went to McKinley. I remember that explosion, terrible thing!
I was a freshman at sweet home high school
My mom was the float nurse in the burn unit at Sheehan Hospital that night. 35 years later it' still gives her nightmares. She said they heard it happen and knew it would be bad.
Nice job installing the zoeller pump
try taking that old zoeller pump , put it in a 5 gal bucket of 1:4 CLR - water for about 3 days and retry. I do this with all my pumps especially if its a sticky float issue.
I have been told by the pump manufacturer, that even though the pump itself has an anti air-lock weep hole. They still want you drilling one in the raiser
yes because the one on the pump rusts shut very quickly
Hand saw? That Steve Lav is a hard working man mama.
Good thing you had some spare pipe! Nice work Steven!
i always have spare pipe .. that old stuff didn't want to come off for nothing o well we just replace it is all
Glad to see you have a GFCI cord, it guarantees the protection regardless of the customer's wiring.
What's the average age of sump pump that fails? 4 years wasn't long!
i would say if the ger 6 to 8 years that not so bad usally there is no date of install when i replace a pump ,but i do change out a lot of them
Very good job. Hopefully your customer will check her basement periodically in case this happens again! Maybe sell her a warning alarm system for future high level events!
I replace my pump today! You're awesome! New subscriber!
You should have got the raft out and floated to the pump
lol it was like a pond for sure
T&N Services LLC. I would have done that
How about build an Ark?
Enjoyed the video. That was a lot of water on her floor.!
Why didn't you install a new water alarm? You can get one at Home Depot for $9.97 so its not expensive at all. I have an alarm on my sump pit with the sensor just above the "on" level of the pump. That way, when the pump fails I get an alarm right away -- long before the water rises to the floor level. It gives me enough advance warning that I can repair the pump before the water reaches the floor level.
That is a good idea. I just ordered one for my sump pump.
Neil Brookins is there such thing?need one of those our pump gets stuck sometimes when I'm at work and the basement gets a lot of water
pointless
@@trangofast9692 - actually if you go to the Zoeller's classroom videos on youtube, they explain in one of their on-campus classes that best practice is to use a larger pit so that the pump cycles less often, but pumps more water per cycle, to increase life expectancy. This is accomplished by tying the built-in float permanently in the "on" position and then using a separate on/off float switch to turn on and off the pump (or purchase a pump with no built-in float). You plug the pump into the on/off switch power cord, then that power cord into the wall receptacle. This way you could also keep the pump completely submerged under water at all times, which also increases life expectancy even more.
I do agree with you that even if you don't take these extra steps, the Zoeller will still last a super long time.
@@trangofast9692 My first thought was this was a good idea and now I read your comment. I am afraid one word replies radiate more heat than light- would you mind giving a brief explanation to help me make an informed decision? Thanks
That check valve is up way to high! I always put them right above the floor. Excessive amount of water will fill up the pit prematurely, and put undo stress on the switch. *just my 2 cents
Agreed. That pump has to work way harder than it needs to.
Liberty pumps makes a nice high water alarm with battery back up and sends signal to your smartphone
Man, you had me rolling when you were trying to get that pipe off... Cuts to the next scene, "well, I got a new pipe, that one had a hole drilled in it and you dont need that." Aka, you broke the pipe...
The pump didn’t needed to be replaced you float was just stuck and possibly needed to be replaced. It would also be a good idea for an alarm to be added to.
i hated dealing with the public when i was still in the trade. nothing worse than customer who wont shut up or leave you alone to work
The check valve on that pump is way too high, should be just above the pump so it doesn't drain the whole column of water back down into the pit when pump shuts off. Can't fix 'em all though, as long as it's working!
You didn’t drill a 1/4” or bigger hole at the base of the pump. You need that hole to clear out the debris that accumulates at the base.
Good thing her gas valve didn't go under too on that water heater. She got lucky. Good job Steve.
- Jack
Fireship1 the boiler and water heater were fine ...ther both were up on blocks . just above the water line lol
steven lavimoniere Wow! The hot water heater and the boiler were spared? This is a miracle, for I believed that the water was so high that at least the thermocouple would be affected.
that's some fine work there son...you know what your doing....enjoyed your vid..
I am pretty sure code states that the furnace/boiler and water heater have to be tossed if water infiltrated the interior of the units. Why people don't have a water sensor is beyond me. You can have one monitored by an alarm company or just a local one that beeps for about $20. That float may have been faulty. It may be worth getting pumps with internal floats. People really should maintain their pits annually.
You guys are lucky. My basement was About six inches, exept alot more damage occurred.
I've installed a few hundred zollers and they all say drill a weep hole on the box. I've seen a dozen or so fail due to vapor lock due to no weep hole. Tisk tisk tisk.
Don't pull a muscle patting yourself on the back.
I hate sump pumps ! When I have to install one in a new home, I install two of them with an alternating controller.
Love your four legged co-pilot, she's a cutie.
i love your accent made this video great
I thought I was listening to Denzel Washington.
The joys of home ownership........
Abasement with that water problem should have a second pump for backup.
Probably targeted video because I was looking at sump pumps... Zoeller's switches are going downhill. What are your thoughts on liberty pumps or little giant?
There should be an inline check valve right at the pump and then another above the well. Too much water is backflowing into that pit when the pump runs.
Indoor swimming pool lol !!!! Great job Steve
thanks harry for watching
No connected w Zoeller, but I just got four estimates from four different plumbers over eastern Mass., no restrictions, give me the most reliable thing you know and install, and each one went w Zoeller, and not only the 98. I even asked one about alternatives or superior competition and he said essentially meh, not his experience.
Of course it is true you need only one to fail and you have a vivid memory and something to post; see Amazon for each manufacturer....
One of the older video's when Steve was far less agitated. If I did this kind of channel I would avoid reading the comments 😁
Steve, any reason why you did not put two pumps, at different levels, in that basin and use higher horsepower pumps given the pumping distance? It has been six years, maybe you can call her and recommend the two pump system before this pump fails.
Dude do you just have spare Zoellers layin’ around?
Those Zoeller's fail every time. We install Liberty pumps up here. They work great and the quality is excellent.
i have installed liberty pumps also ,but i always go back to zoeller.they pump more water .but draw more amps ,,, i can get liberty pumps if i want them .they fail also i know from experience
Whatever is best for the situation I guess. Glad to see you taped that cord up. We see a lot around here that look like crap after a guy puts one in and leaves everything a mess. Nice work.
I would use tie-wraps (some call the zip straps) instead of tape.
Hello Steve, can I ask why you didn't install a new check valve? Not knowing old the original one is, wouldn't it make sense to replace it for the homeowners' piece of mind?
I mean, the part is $14 at the big box stores. I'm sure you could had charged $30-$55 for the part/install and the customer would have been fine.
Almost thought the check valve on the pump was bad, had that happen to one of mine
g Good job Steve,
Hey Steve what size pipe wrench did you use? 10" or bigger? Thx
She got real lucky with only having to replace the sump pump , I can't believe that pressure switch is working after being under that water and most likely cycling on and off.
it went under water for sure shill working fine ,,
If that well was running on DC current, that switch would have become victim of electrolysis.
How do you keep your van so tidy Steven ?
another great job
Put a 12”x12”x1” concrete patio paver under the PVC pipe outside of the house and test the new pump work or not before leaving
Stuck in dah muck.
That's where I'm stuck right now! 😢
Curious,.. how much was the cost for this job...
How much did you charge to fix this whole thing?
How would you handle a pump where the discharge pipe flows back towards a pump, where there is a chance of freezing like in MA?
Ray Mansfield i would put a check at pump and just dump it out side so it can not freeze.
I do have to say this, Hydromatic pumps last WAY longer than Zoeller pumps, and the diaphragm switch is way better. We have the D-A1 and the diaphragm switch still works after 10+ years and it pumps the same when we first bought it.
Rodj I had a Zoeller M53 last a little over 12 years in an enclosed basement. The pump came on during the slightest sprinkle of rain and seemed to cycle about every 30 to 60 seconds until the rain stopped. When it finally gave out, I came into the basement to find the pump smoking from the switch being stuck in the on position. I ended up replacing the entire pump, but was initially able to get away with only replacing the switch until I scraped together a couple of bucks to get the new pump.
I made a mistake when I posted this comment, the pump was actually 16 years old when I posted this. No pump should not die out under 15 years. New Zoeller pumps will give out in under a year now. The only Zoeller pump I would even SLIGHTLY look at is the M63 since it has a better switch in it. And I found out that if the diaphragm does turn off at a lower level than normal and sucks in air, you simply just push in on the diaphragm about 10 times and it is back to normal.
Holy smokes that was a lot of water!
that why i have boots lol
Hi Steve, who makes a good septic/sewage pump? Love your videos and your dog. Thanks!
love your videos
I have the exact same pair of boots!
I have to void warranties for flooding GAMA (Gas Appliance. Manufacturer's Association) recommendation. That unit looks pretty dry
+Dennis Cat she was lucky this time
Why was the floor poured so far below the footing? No wonder it's a pond down there!
Steven i have only 1 thing to say for your videos ,get a camera goes on your head will be much easier for you to show the videos.Take care
hey esteven, good job man. by the way, what model is that pump?
Your state allows propane appliances in basements ?
Are propane appliances allowed in a basement ?
Certainly
Steven, is the water from the heavy rain we had back on July 4th? Did she just open the door to the basement this week for the first time? Wow, that's a lot of water!!
i think this just happened .she seems pretty good with watching stuff.
What brand sump pump is best long-standing life replacement in this house 🏠 ? Thank you 😊
Silt has nothing to do with it, it’s the switch which is at the top of the pump. The pump is good, switch is bad
Looks like a rusty float
exactly
I like my check valve with in 1 ft of pump
That’s sad, very sad.
How come you have propane in basements?
Some days you know when you really had a bad day mama
The tide's going out!
You’re turning the lights on?????
If i lived somewhere that needed a sump I’d just change it every two years
nice video. but it's not a cieler! It's a cellar.
Hello. I have a finished basement. When it rains the water in the sump pump well fills up very rapidly. My sump Pump runs a lot, even when it is not raining hard. I am always worried that it will burn out. When it does burn out, My luck it will burn out on a Sunday night or at night when every store is closed for the day.I want to replace the sump pump and go with a Hydromatic or a Zoeller. Which brand pumps do You prefer? Once I install a good quality pump in, I plan on using the old pump as a back up. Thank You very much.
lowe308 i would install 2 pumps one higher then the other so if one fails the other will kick in zoeller is what i stock in truck .
Thanks for the fast reply. That's what I will do then for sure. Thank You and have a great day.
She needs a sump back up system.
ytailhunter64 it would not hurt
You got a big bill here
Dam that sucks 8"inch of water almost a foot of water
Why not leave the old pump with the homeowner as a backup pump?
do you replace sewage ejector pumps?
+rick moore29 i have in the pass .
how about the basin, Lid and pump? all of it.
Can you do it without busting out the floor?
It has a 4" inlet. From what I gather the basins are ridged and have no give to slide past the inlet pipe. so you would have to rock it away from the inlet pipe into position, or cut it short and glue past the rubber gasket when its in place. what should I do? What would you do, and yes I'd dry fit the new basin and line it up. I don't want to deal with busting up the concrete and then patching the mess when I'm done. But lining up the hole to the pipe and welding the pipe back together with PVC glue with an extension into a couple behind where you can't see has its problems too. I'm sure either way would work.
But what one works better?
Bunson burner on the wh? Old one. Propane is bad news. Camt remember if its lighter or heavyer than ng?
Why so much water in basement?
Clean that work truck
Zap...oh powers on....
so you telling me that most of the houses over there on the East Coast needs a pump because the water comes into their basements something's wrong with that scenario
Where I live, all new homes are equipped with sump pumps by law.
That New York accent though
Its thick!
Random Guy yeah
Can I buy the old pump?
How hard is it to change the switch in the pump?
I doubt you could do it properly.
good job
thanks nick t