Purchasing A Good Quality Sump Pump
| It is very difficult, if not impossible, to compare
the quality of one sump pump to another. There are no standardized
tests that grade pumps as low, medium, or high quality or which one
will last the longest. However, here are some tips on things to look
for when reviewing the pump your contractor has selected or when
purchasing one yourself. |
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1. Automatic Operation: Always purchase an automatic pump
over a manual pump. An automatic pump is designed to turn on
whenever there is water in the sump pit. Unlike a manual pump, it
does not require any action by the homeowner.
2. Pump Manufacturer Reputation: Look for a well-known
company. Unfortunately, the average consumer is not familiar with
any pump companies, so many do not recognize any company names. A
consumer can check the Internet to see how long the company has been
in business. Look to see if the company is a member of the Sump and
Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association (SSPMA). According to SSPMA,
more than 90-percent of the sump pumps on the market are made by
SSPMA member companies.
3. Warranty: Look for a good warranty. Unfortunately, most of
the warranties are about the same -- one to two years. (We could not
find a sump pump with less than a one-year warranty.) If you find a
pump with a warranty that is less than a year, it may be a “red
flag.”
4. Tested and Made to SSPMA Standards: Look for a sump pump
that is manufactured and tested according to the SSPMA Recommended
Standards for Sump, Effluent and Sewage Pumps. The SSPMA Standard is
voluntary. It is intended to provide some uniformity in determining
pump capacity, to set requirements for labeling information, and to
set requirements for safety and motor overload protection. The
standard does not test for longevity or durability.
We could not find any sump pump that is not manufactured in
accordance to this standard, but in the future, foreign-made pumps
may come on the market and may not be tested to this standard. A
sump pump manufactured and tested according to the SSPMA Recommended
Standards for Sump, Effluent and Sewage Pumps will carry a label
indicating it is SSPMA Certified.
5. Oil-Filled Motor: Most electric pumps are either cooled by
air or by oil. Keeping the motor running as cool as possible helps
make the pump last longer. Some pump manufacturers believe an
oil-filled motor runs cooler than an air-filled motor, which may
indicate that these pumps will last longer.
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What is a sump pump system?
Replacing or installing a sump pump
Sump pump buying options
Battery Backup Sump Pumps: Should You Have One?
Common Reasons Why Sump Pumps Fail and
How to Avoid
Purchasing A Good Quality Sump Pump
Sump Pump Installation for Do It Yourselfers
Frequently Asked Questions About Sump Pumps
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