Can I get first-hand information/advice about sump pumps, please?

Question

I'd appreciate any information you can give me (good or bad).

Thanks!

Answer 1

With sump pumps bigger is better.   An underworked large one will be a better investment than an overworked small one, and should you have a large volume of water to move it may handle it.

There are two types, pedestal (motor on top out of the water), and submersible (sits down in the water).

Submersibles are available in larger sizes than pedestals.

The mistake most people make is putting the pumps in too small of a pit, where they cycle on/off too frequently.   Any pump will last much longer if when it pumps, it runs for a few minutes, or better.

A check valve is normally installed at the pump to prevent drain-back from the output side.

Also run the output pipe far enough away that your not pumping the same water over and over.

Look for the pumps GPM (gallons per minute) rating, and if it's got alot of stainless steel parts.

Also >very important< have a ground-fault receptacle installed on a seperate circuit just for the pump.  Never run a pump from an extension cord plugged into the lighting circuit.  Many have gotten electrocuted standing in the water, trying to figure out why the pump isn't working, as they messed with it while it was plugged in.

Here are two examples.  Good Luck

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3...

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3...

Answer 2

I've had several. You don't want this piece of equipment to fail when you need it most, so don't skimp on quality. Also, make sure the discharge pipe it is connected to contains a check valve to prevent the pump from working itself to death. Here's some more info about sump pumps:

Sump Pump diagram

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/...

How to Install a Sump Pump

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,...

Answer 3

i would also install a 12v backup system for your pump  think about it   big rain power out no pump they are not to hard to install and not that expensive