Water Pump Replacement

Water pump replacement is something which, in most cases, can be done without specialized tools. The exact way in which it is done depends on the type of water pump and what it is used for. Here, you will find a brief description of water pump replacement for three common types of pumps.

Water Pump Replacement Of RV Water Pump

Firstly, the RV needs to be turned off and disconnected from external electrical sources. Furthermore, the electricity from the battery needs to be off - this is easily done by turning off the breakers at the inverter. The water also needs to be turned off.

Then, carefully note the electrical connections to the pump. Usually there will be a red wire for power and a black one for grounding, but sometimes other colors will be used.

Then, remove the hoses from inlet and outlet connections on the pump. Hose clamps will need to be loosened for this; a flat head screwdriver will do the job. Next, depending on whether the water pump is attached to the RV by bolts or screws, remove these using either a socket wrench or a screwdriver. Finally, cut the electrical wires coming from the RV at the place where they are spliced into the built-in pump wires. Now the old pump can simply be lifted out of position.

The new pump can now be put into position and attached to the RV with its bolts or screws. Then attach the electrical wires, and finally the hoses. Ensure that the hoses are well clamped on to avoid leakage. After water pump replacement is completed, turn the RV power and water back on and check that the pump is working.

Water Pump Replacement Of Sump Pump

This water pump replacement is best done on a dry day so that the sump pump pit will not fill up too much during the time the sump pump is being replaced. First, unplug the sump pump from the power source. Locate the discharge pipe (the pipe where the water is pumped up and out) and on it, but not too close to the sump pump, will be a check valve. Disconnect the discharge pipe at the check valve. Then pull out the pump. Save any piping or fittings (if in good condition) for attaching the new pump.

Get the new pump and remove any ties holding the floats. Put the pump in the sump pit. Attach piping and fittings to the new pump and restore the connection at the check valve. Now that the water pump replacement is completed, turn on the power and test the pump - this can be done easily by filling the pit with water and checking to see that the pump automatically clears it.

Water Pump Replacement Of Submersible Well Pump

Unlike the simpler tasks of water pump replacement of an RV water pump, a sump pump or a manual water pump, water pump replacement of a submersible well pump requires a fairly advanced skill level. Good electrical wiring and plumbing skills will be needed. Additionally, two people are usually required for this job and at least one must be capable of managing 40 - 70 pounds of continuous vertical lifting. Therefore, in most cases hiring a contractor for this job is recommended.

Whether a contractor handles this water pump replacement or if you decide to do it, here is an outline of what will happen. Firstly, turn off the power to the pump at the circuit breaker and disconnect the discharge pipe and wiring. Then remove the well head cover. Underneath the cover, the top of the well casing will be visible. This is attached to a long assembly of a pipe and electrical wires which finishes at the pump (at the bottom). This assembly will have to be pulled out of the well entirely.

With the assembly (including the pump) now resting on open ground, the old pump can be removed and replaced with a new one. The electrical wires will need to be connected in the correct configuration, and any additional plumbing connections and fittings also completed. The electrical wire should be taped along the pipe at intervals to avoid snagging it when returning the assembly into the well. The replaced pump should be tested with the power temporarily on before putting it in the well. Then, the assembly with the new pump can be returned underground again in the reverse manner of which it was removed. Your water pump replacement task is completed.

Types Of Skill Level Needed For Water Pump Replacement

The difficulty level of water pump replacement depends on which type of water pump is being replaced. RV and sump pumps may be replaced quickly by anyone with a beginner's skill level and some basic tools, but replacing a submersible well pump is a much bigger job which requires an advanced skill level.