The purpose of a sump pump is to remove water from one location and transport it to another location via PVC pipe. Sump pump motors, unless submersible, require housing that remains above the waterline at all times. A pedestal sump is one solution that assures that the motor of the pump remains above the peak waterline at all times. Changing a pedestal sump pump is virtually the same as changing a standard non-submersible pump. It is simple and takes less than an hour.

Put on rubber boots and gloves. Unplug the existing pump from the electrical outlet. Separate the discharge pipe from the pump. If there is a threaded union or a valve, hold the pipe with one wrench and rotate the fitting counterclockwise with the other until the pipe separates from the union, then twist the pipe counterclockwise to remove it from the sump pump. If there isn't a threaded fitting, make a straight cut through the pipe with a hack saw, then twist the pipe out of the pump with a pipe wrench while leaving the remainder of the existing pipe for future use.

Remove the existing pedestal sump pump. Do not lift the pump by the electrical cord. Lift it by the motor or the neck of the pedestal. Level the bottom of the pit with a shovel or rake once the pump is out of the way. Lower the new pedestal sump pump into the pit. Rest the base of the pump on the bottom of the pit.

Measure the distance from the inside bottom of the threaded discharge fitting, located on the base of the pedestal, to the preexisting discharge pipe. Cut a length of threaded PVC pipe equal to this measurement. Thread the cut length into the discharge fitting on the pump.

Prime the non-threaded pipe as well as the existing discharge pipe. Prime the two holes on the check valve. Glue one of the holes on the check valve and the end of the discharge pipe. Slide the valve onto the pipe. Hold the valve on the pipe for a five count so it does not slip off before the glue sets. Prime the other hole in the valve and the threaded pipe. Slide the threaded pipe into the valve. Again, hold it in place for five seconds. Plug the power cord on the pedestal pump into a power source.