liner of mud pump

Sump Pump Buying Guide

Sump Pump Buying Guide

Sump pumps are used to collect water from a basement or crawl space and channel it into a house's water waste system. Sump pumps can help prevent mold from forming and prevent your basement from flooding. It's important to find the best sump pump for your home, and this buying guide will help you make your selection.

Submersible Sump Pumps

A submersible sump pump features a motor that is enclosed within a watertight housing. The housing allows the submersible sump to be fully submerged in water. The water surrounding the housing of the pump cools the motor and greatly extends the life of the pump. The housing also protects the motor from dirt, debris, and other contaminants. Submersible sump pumps are also quiet-running because both the housing and water act as a sound buffer and reduce the noise of the pump motor. Submersible sump pumps are the standard in the sump pump industry and the number-one choice of professional installers. They offer the newest cutting edge technology, are the most reliable, and are the easiest to install.

Vertical Float Switch

Certain types of submersible sump pumps feature a vertical float switch. A vertical float switch has a float ball that is attached to a vertical float rod guide. When the water level rises and falls, the float ball floats up and down along the rod guide, automatically activating the pump once it reaches a certain water level. Because the float ball is guided on a rod, it is less likely to get hung up on debris in the basin. Vertical floats work well within small diameter or shallow sump basins. A vertical float switch is able to be fully submerged in water and is either attached directly to the pump or the discharge pipe connected to the pump.

Tethered Float Switch

Another float option for submersible pumps is a tethered float switch. A tethered float switch features an automatic switch fully enclosed inside a watertight, floating housing. This floating housing is attached to a flexible power cord. Once the water level reaches a certain point, the float activates the switch, which turns the pump on automatically. Tethered float switches feature a simple design and are easy to adjust for a greater pumping range. The tethered float switch is either attached directly to the pump or to the discharge pipe connected to the pump.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

A pedestal sump pump features an air-cooled motor that is mounted to a long drive shaft. The drive shaft turns an impeller, which is located inside the pump base. The drive shaft and pump base are the only parts of the pump that can be submerged underwater. Pedestal sump pumps include a float ball connected to a long float rod, which is connected to a non-submersible switch. As the water level inside the basin rises or falls, the float activates or deactivates a switch, which then turns the pump on or off automatically.

Pump Construction Materials

Plastic Construction

Plastic is durable, corrosion resistant, and typically less expensive.

Cast Iron Construction

Cast iron pumps' main advantage is increased weight and superior heat dissipation. The additional weight allows the pump to stay planted inside the basin and makes it less likely to move. The density of the cast iron also offers superior heat dissipation, allowing the pump motor to run cooler. A cooler running motor increases the life of the pump.

Stainless Steel/Cast Iron Construction

For ultimate performance, choose a sump pump with stainless steel and cast iron construction. This style of pump offers all of the advantages in one package. It is corrosion resistant, heavier, and offers superior heat dissipation.

Horsepower

When it comes to sump pumps, more horsepower means that the water will be moved faster. If you are replacing an existing pump, simply match the HP to your old pump. If your current pump is not performing as desired, consider buying a larger HP pump. For new installations, it is recommended that you choose a minimum 1/3 HP pump. A 1/2 HP sump pump is recommended for houses with a higher than average water table, while 3/4 HP sump pumps are best for homes with deep basements or very high water tables.

Sump Pump Maintenance

To extend the life of your sump pump and keep it running, follow these simple tips:

• Periodically check the sump basin for accumulation of mud, silt, sand, and foreign objects

• Clean the basin as needed to prevent damage or clogging

• Check the removable intake screen for obstructions, and clean it if necessary

• Inspect and clean the anti-airlock hole

• Inspect the float switch for any accumulated debris that may inhibit it from operating properly, and clean it if necessary

• Inspect the impeller for signs of wear and obstructions

• Inspect the power cord for signs of damage or wear—do not operate the pump if the cord is damaged or worn

• In applications where the pump may not activate for extended periods of time, it's recommended to cycle the pump at least once per month to ensure the pumping system is working properly

Emergency Battery Backup Sump Pump System

Get peace of mind by adding a battery backup sump pump system to your sump pump. A battery backup sump pump system provides emergency backup water removal during a power outage or primary pump failure. Running off a 12-volt deep cycle battery, a battery backup sump pump system can provide hours of protection until power is restored. Additional optional features on some models include a thermoplastic battery box, alarm, AC charger, low battery alarm, fittings, check valve, mounting hardware, and 24/7 wireless monitoring via text or email alerts.