Sump pump buying options
Don Vandervort
You can buy a new sump pump through do-it-yourself
retailers, plumbing wholesalers or waterproofing contractors. The
prices range from about $60 to $500 or more, depending upon quality
and features.
First decide between a pedestal and submersible pump. A submersible
is out of sight and earshot, an important advantage if the basement
is used as a primary living area. It's also much safer if there are
children in the house. |
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But pedestal pumps are less expensive and last longer. Because
submersibles sit in water a good deal of the time, they have a life
span of from 5 to 15 years. Pedestals, on the other hand, may
continue to operate for as long as 25 or 30 years. (Because a pump's
life is closely related to the conditions and frequency of its use,
most manufacturers offer limited 1-year warranties.) Pedestal pumps
are also much easier to repair.
Automatic switches come in several types, including floats,
diaphragms and mercury switches. It doesn't really matter which type
you choose--but be sure to choose one of them. By the precepts of
Murphy's Law, if you put in a pump with a manual control, you won't
be home to turn it on the next time your basement begins to flood.
An automatic switch can protect the pump, too. Most pumps burn out
if they run "dry" for too long. An automatic switch prevents this
from happening.
Price is directly connected to a unit's strength. Almost without
exception, the least expensive models are also the weakest. A sump
pump is measured by horsepower--pumps range from 1/6 to 1/2 HP.
But more important is the number of gallons per minute (GPM) or
gallons per hour (GPH) a pump will move. This capacity is a factor
of both the pump's efficiency and the "head" or "lift"--that is, the
vertical distance from the bottom of the sump to the highest point
of discharge. A pump may advertise "2400 GPH" but this may be
measured at a 1-foot head. At a 5-foot head, that figure might drop
to 2100 GPH and at 10-feet, 1800 GPH. Also note whether the pump is
strong enough to pass small solids, such as leaves and twigs.
Materials that make up a pump also affect price. Look for parts and
housings that won't corrode--cast bronze, alloy, stainless steel and
epoxy-coated cast iron housings are favorable; avoid sheet metal.
Polypropylene and related plastics are used in all grades of pumps.
Pay attention to the power cord's length, too. They come with 5, 10,
15, 20 and 25-foot-long power cords. Extension cords shouldn't be
used with sump pumps.Back-up sump pumps
You can also buy pumps that will operate even when the electrical
power goes out--in a thunderstorm, major flood or brownout, for
example. Most of these are intended to be auxiliary pumps--used in
tandem with the primary pump, they kick-in if the main pump fails.
One type runs on a rechargeable 12-volt battery. Another is hooked
up to the house's water system and operates by water pressure.
Whether or not you need a backup really depends on your
situation--the likelihood of a power or pump failure and the damage
such a failure could cause. In some cases, an inexpensive high-water
alarm will suffice. On the other hand, if you're going to lie in bed
on a rainy night and wonder if your new sisal-wool carpet is under
water, a backup may give you more than flood protection--it may give
you peace of mind.
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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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