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andydp
Member
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Joined: 23 Sep 2003
Posts: 8122
Location: Upstate NY near Albany
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 Posted: 08/13/04 - 16:16 Post subject: I've got 90% of this *&^%) project done
Background:
I have and extremely active sump pump in my basement. (For those with no basements, a sump is used if your home is situated on a wet part of your development, it keeps the basement from flooding out.) If our power goes out for more than 30 mins I have to start bailing. Actually, many years ago I set up a battery powered backup. Problem is after a while the battery dies out and then you're stuck. Anyway, you get the picture.
About a month ago I bought a Canadian product called the "Sump Buddy" it uses the pressure in the municipal water system to create a vacuum and suck out the water in the sump if the power fails. Right away I think: WOW no power needed and nothing more to worry about if the power does go out.
We buy it. Right away I find you need some parts like PVC pipes (OK I knew that) joints for the PVC Pipe (angles elbows etc etc.) You also need to connect copper pipes to the water system (OK I knew that). BUT and again BUT... after reading the manual I found out buried in the instructions you have to install a ball valve in the water connection. OK so the water is set; now you have to connect the drain -
BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE !!! If I connect the PVC drain pipes like they say and the sump pump breaks down, I won't be able to replace the pump without cutting the drain pipes. So I go to Lowe's and speak to a retired plumber. We came up with using a coupling so I can unscrew the drain pipes and change the pump when needed.
I'll be writing a letter to the manufacturers after this thing is emplaced. I plan on telling them they need to revise the instruction booklet to include:
o Listing a ball valve and fittings in a list of items needed.
o Review the installation to provide for the use of a coupling.
o Explaining you can't install the on/off valve until after you have soldered the feed line to the water supply - but... by necessity it winds up being near the discharge so you have to install it AFTER you take the sump pump out and install the new drain pipes...
Meanwhile, my wife is wondering why its taking so long.
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