After a while, that sump pump that you’ve had in your basement for years may completely quit working for you. You don’t want your basement to flood so I’m sure you’ve decided to go get a new one. Here’s what you need to do to be out with the old and in with the new sump pump.

1) Electrical Disconnect
Here’s a simple math equation for you: You + sump pump that still has power going to it + water = You getting electrocuted. Let’s avoid that last part. Before you start tinkering with anything, make sure that your sump pump doesn’t have a power source connected. If you don’t, you could be in for quite a shock.

2) Actual Disconnect
Now that you’ve gotten the power source straightened out, you can disconnect the unit from the drainage. The drainage will most likely be plastic tubing that can screw right off or rubber hose that comes off with a clamp. After you take the tubing off, let everything drain and remember to keep whatever fitting you removed in a good place. You may need them later.

3) Take a trip
Take you pump to your local hardware store so they can help you with selecting your next one. They will help you with mating up the new pump with the existing drainage you already have, along with the right horsepower that you will need. While you are there, if you had a pipe that you screwed off, buy some Teflon tape if you don’t have some already. You’ll need this later.

4) Reinstallation
Put the sump pump back in the hole just like it was, putting all of the fitting in the same place. Remember that Teflon tape you bought if you had threads on your piping? Tightly wrap that around all of the threads to help ensure that there aren’t any leaks.

5) Test
After your plug tour new sump pump back in, test it by pouring some water in the sump pit. If it works you have a success!