The sump pit, Installation – Flint & Walling 3CD User Manual

Page 2

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THE SUMP PIT

1. The sump pit should be large enough to prevent frequent

cycling of the pump. A sump pit of not less than 12” in
diameter and 18” deep is required. On submersible type
pumps, unit must be submerged to activate the switch.

2. The sump pit should have a hard bottom. Do not place the

pump directly on clay, earth or sand surface. Make sure
there are no small stones or gravel in the pit which may
become clogged in the pump.

3. The sump pit may be constructed of tile, concrete, steel or

plastic. Check local codes for satisfactory materials.

INSTALLATION

1. WARNING! DISCONNECT POWER AT THE MAIN

ELECTRICAL BOX BEFORE INSTALLING OR SERVICING
THE PUMP. DO NOT PLUG IN UNIT OR CHANGE FUSES
WHILE STANDING ON WET OR DAMP SURFACES,
AND DO NOT TOUCH ANY OTHER METAL SURFACES
WHILE PLUGGING IN PRODUCT OR CHANGING FUSES.
CHANGE FUSES WITH ONE HAND WHILE KEEPING
THE OTHER HAND FREE.

2. Clean any debris from the pit and set the sump pump in

place. The solid bottom of the sump will prevent clogging of
the pump from sand and dirt.

3. LOCATE THE PUMP IN THE CENTER OF THE PIT SO

THAT THE PUMP HOUSING AND ANY FLOAT CONTROL
WILL NOT COME IN CONTACT WITH THE SIDE OF THE
PIT AND CREATE OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS.

4. Connect the discharge piping and run it to the nearest sewer

or surface outlet. Sump pumps can be piped to discharge
into the house drainage system, to a dry well or splash block,
or to a storm drain, depending on local plumbing codes.
Always use a check valve when connecting discharge line
to sewer lines. The discharge piping should be as short as
possible to reduce pipe friction losses. It is recommended
that the discharge pipe diameter be equal to or larger than
the discharge size of the pump. Smaller pipe diameters will
restrict the capacity of the pump and reduce performance.

5. Always install a union in the discharge line, preferably just

above the sump pit, to allow easy removal of the pump for
cleaning or repair.

6. For installations where the piping is long, the vertical

discharge is above 7 or 8 feet, or a small sump has been
provided, use of a check valve is recommended to prevent
backflow of water into the sump and to reduce cycle
frequency.

7. DO NOT ALLOW THE CORD TO INTERFERE WITH THE

FLOAT CONTROL MOTION OR TO DRAPE OVER THE
PUMP MOTOR. With electrician’s tape, secure the cord to
the discharge pipe. This will provide protection for the cord
and make a neat installation.

8. On submersible pump models with the mechanical float

switch, first plug the float switch cord into outlet. Then plug
the power cord into float switch cord.

9. After the discharge piping is complete and the sump cleaned,

connect the pump cord to the electrical outlet and run water
into the sump to test the pump. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
OPERATE THE PUMP WITHOUT WATER -- SEALS AND
BEARINGS COULD BE DAMAGED.

10. Fill the sump with water to the normal turn-on level and allow

the pump to remove the water to the normal control turn-off
point.

11. Install a sump cover. A cover will prevent solid matter from

falling into the sump, prevent odors, and guard against
accidental injury.

WARNING! NEVER TOUCH THE SUMP PUMP
OR DISCHARGE PIPING WHEN THE PUMP IS
CONNECTED TO ELECTRICAL POWER AND
WATER IS PRESENT IN THE SUMP. ALWAYS
DISCONNECT THE PUMP FROM THE POWER
SOURCE BEFORE HANDLING.

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

SUBMERSIBLE PUMP W/FLOAT SWITCH

Piping or
flexible hose

Union for easy
removal

Iron or plastic
pipe

Check valve

Discharge

Power cord

Sump pit

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

SUBMERSIBLE PUMP W/MAGNETIC SWITCH

IL0317