Sump Pump Problem..

[Warstud]

Got home to find my sump pump acting up. Just pulled it out and noticed the tie down bolts rusted off. These tie down bolts
are 8-9 inch bolts that hold the sump to the base. If I can get a hold of these bolts looks like I'll have to drill out the old ones first since they broke off. Anyone ever replaced them?

Looks like this>>>>
http://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-85992-SP-330D-Horsepower-Submersible/dp/B0015BADB4

 

[fdcg27]

Why does the pump even need tie down bolts?
Mine just sits in the bottom of the well.
It's got a piece of 2" outlet pipe threaded into it, so it's not like it's going anywhere.

 

[Warstud]

You'll have to look at the picture in the link. I think the weight of the base keeps the pump stable while it's running. And the bolts hold the pump to the base.

 

[larryinnewyork]

I have a couple (Spare) Sump Pumps that looks just like the Rigid.

One is made by Wayne, the other made by Blue Angel.
Although mine have a 'Float' to activate the switch.

I have read other people saying those (3) anchor bolts rust.

I looked thru McMasters-Carrs Catalog and could not find them.

When my Pumps were 'new', I painted those bolts with:
Rustoleum Self Etching Primer & Oil Base paint.
This may buy me a little time.

The current pump I'm using is 11 years old and has those (3) anchor bolts.
I checked it recently and the 3 bolts must be zinc plated and are holding up nicely.

If I wanted to purchase 'replacement bolts', I was going to contact the Pump manufacturer.

Edit: If your Sump Pump ever acts up, you should have a Spare ready to put in.
A spare pump with PVC Pipe & Check Valve attached.
This way it can be changed in seconds.

I have (1) back-up pump (45 year old Pedestal) and (2) Submersibles.
This may be overkill, but I sleep better nights.

 

[mmavet]

How about getting some All Thread and securing with a nut the right size?

 

[Rick in PA]

Yeah, I was thinking all thread too. Stainless steel would be nice. McMaster has some, you might even be able to get the correct bolts from McMaster.

 

[dlundblad]

With those bolts rusting and the pump acting up, could there be a seal in there that got disturbed?

Replace it with another one and fix the current one and use it as a spare as others suggested. You can never have enough of those IMO. The parents lake house has 4 ready to roll.

 

[Fleetmon]

^+1.....I would replace the current pump, repair this one and use it as an emergency back-up. A failed sump pump is no fun to deal with.