2 Main Installation Methods
There are 2 basic ways to install Basepump water powered sump pumps. However, every basement is slightly different, and Basepump can be adapted to many different situations, including offset suction pipes, sealed radon covers, long discharge runs, and crawl spaces. If your questions aren’t answered on this page, feel free to call us.
The 2 main installation methods, independent outdoor discharge or connection to your primary pump’s discharge, are depicted in the diagrams below. Given the choice, the manufacturer recommends independent outdoor discharge, as this is a good risk-reducing practice. Make sure that you comply with your town's plumbing code while performing your pump installation.
Also, any Basepump models with vacuum breaker backflow preventers (RB750-AVB, HB1000-AVB, and CB1500-AVB) MUST be installed with an independent discharge that self-drains to the outside of the house. They CANNOT be connected to your primary pump's discharge – this is to prevent water from spilling out of the vacuum breaker.
That said, for pumps without vacuum breakers, it is possible to connect the Basepump to your primary pump’s discharge, as long as your town’s plumbing department allows it and you are comfortable with the higher risk of this configuration. If you do connect the Basepump to your main pump’s discharge, make sure that there is a good quality, well-functioning check valve in the main pump discharge, below the tee-in point that you create. This is to keep the water powered pump from sending city water down through your primary pump, causing a basement flood.
Video: Basepump RB750 Water Powered Sump Pump Installation
The video below shows the basic installation process for the Basepump RB750 pump. Please note that the model shown in this video does not have a Vacuum Breaker backflow preventer. Although the basic installation process is similar for all the Basepump models, as mentioned above, the models with vacuum breakers must be discharged independently outdoors.
Examples of Common Installation Configurations
Standard Configuration: Mounted on the side of the ceiling joist, discharging straight to the house’s exterior.
Under Joist: Mounted under ceiling joist, with flexible discharge hose sloping up and through outside wall.
Perpendicular Discharge: Mounted perpendicular to ceiling joist, with discharge at right angle from the pump, through a hole in the joist, to the house’s exterior.
Offset Suction Pipe Discharge: Offset the suction pipe with 2 elbows (45 or 90 degree), in order to get around obstacles.
Installation for Pumps with Vacuum Breaker Backflow Preventers: The discharge must be independent (CANNOT connect to primary pump discharge) and self-draining to the exterior. Any connection to an outside drain MUST have an air gap to keep back-siphon or blockages from occurring.
Installation Instructions PDFs
- Basepump models RB750, HB1000, and CB1500 installation instructions (pdf)
- Basepump models RB750-AVB, HB1000-AVB, and CB1500-AVB installation instructions (pdf)
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This article is intended for informational purposes. Before beginning any construction project at your home, please ensure that you take necessary safety precautions and consult construction professionals whenever necessary.