Dealing with occasional basement water issues? In this guide, I'll walk you through a straightforward DIY solution to connect two submersible pumps to a single PVC discharge pipe. This cost-effective project requires minimal tools and readily available materials from Home Depot or Amazon.
Why use PVC instead of a garden hose? PVC is stronger and available in wider diameters which will increase the flow rate of the pump. In the past I tried running a single pump through a garden hose but you get a lot less flow from a small garden hose than a larger pipe. I tried moving up to the black corrugated Everbuilt 1-1/4" Discharge Hose but that cracked the last time there was flooding so I wanted to connect my basement pump to a PVC pipe that should be more durable. I have two pumps just in case and at some point I will replace one with a 12V Utility pump on a backup battery.
Connecting 2 Submersible Pumps to PVC
Check the diagram below to visualize how to connect 2 submersible pumps to one PVC discharge.
What You'll Need
Materials
- A (2) Submersible pumps.
- B (2) Sump Pump Check Valves
- C (2) 1-1/2" FPT to 1-1/2" Slip PVC Couplers
- D & G 1-1/2" PVC Pipe, as much as you need.
- E (1) 1-1/2" PVC 90 Degree Street Elbow (or 45 degree fitting if using Y fitting)
- F (1) 1-1/2" PVC Sanitary Tee Fittting (or Y Fitting)
- PVC Primer and Cement Handy Pack
Tools
- Hand saw or other tool to cut PVC pipe
- Tape measure and pencil
Step 1: Connect The Check Valves to The Utility Pumps
Check valves are essential to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction, especially if one pump operates or is stronger than the other. They also prevent water in the pipe from spilling back down after the pump shuts off.
I'm using the Superior Pump 99555 Universal Check Valve for each pump. Each end of the check valve can be connected to either 1-1/2" or 1-1/4" MPT or FPT which will cover most submersible utility and sump pumps.
Screw the check valve onto the pump discharge using the adapter if necessary. Don't overtighten and work slowly so as to not cross the threads. Make sure the FLOW ARROW is pointing in the direction of the water discharging.
Step 2: Attach the Pipe Fittings
To adapt the 1-1/2" PVC pipe to the check valves, use 1-1/2" FPT to 1-1/2" Slip fittings.
Simply screw it on carefully onto the check valve.
Hand tighten each fitting and make sure not to overtighten or strip the threads.
Step 3: Connect PVC Pipes and Fittings
Start by dry fitting the 1-1/2" PVC Tee fitting and 90 degree elbow. There are different types of Tee and elbows so make sure you got the combination that works for you. I was able to get my pumps close together so I got an elbow that fit directly into the tee fitting. If you need to extend the distance between pumps you can get an elbow fitting that accepts a pipe and run a pipe in between the two.
Next cut the short lengths of 1-1/2" PVC pipe (D in the diagram) to connect the pumps to the Tee fitting above. Finally make sure your discharge pipe is cut appropriately.
You can use a hacksaw to cut PVC pipe and then clean up the edges with a utility knife or use a pipe reamer if you have one.
Once you've made sure all the pipe and fittings are correct, the pipe goes all the way into the fitting, you can start gluing them together. For each fitting:
- Make sure the fitting and pipe ends are clean.
- Use the applicator to apply the primer first to the fitting, then around the pipe and then inside the fitting again.
- Within 5 minutes you have to apply the cement. First to the pipe, making sure to go slightly past where the pipe goes into the fitting, next a think coat of cement inside the fitting, finally one more application to the pipe.
- Once the cement is applied quickly slip the pipe into the fitting turning the pipe 1/4 turn as you go. For the Tee and Elbow, make sure they are aligned properly at the end.
- Make sure the pipe went all the way into the fitting and hold the parts together tight for 30 seconds.
The cement should be dry enough to move in about 15 minutes but requires about 2 hours to fully cure depending on temperature.
Step 4: Pump Switch
Some pumps have floats built in that will turn themselves on when they detect water but a lot don't. I use The Basement Watchdog BWC1 to activate the switches if water ever comes in and it's worked well.
With this comprehensive guide, you can effectively connect two submersible pumps to a single PVC discharge pipe, offering a durable solution to basement water issues. If you have any questions, please leave a comment.
