A submersible sump pump is commonly preferred over a pedestal sump pump for a number of reasons. Submersible sump pumps are typically more powerful than pedestal sump pumps and can handle more water volume.
Pedestal sump pumps are often used in basements where low ceiling heights are a concern, but submersible pumps are recommended for larger spaces. Additionally, pedestal sump pumps can be bulky and noisy, while submersible pumps are compact, quiet and easy to install.
Submersible pumps are also self-priming, which means that they don’t require the addition of any additional liquid to start the pumping process. Finally, submersible pumps can be submerged within the pit itself, allowing them to be better protected from potential damage caused by flooding or heavy water pressure.
Given all of these advantages, submersible sump pumps are usually considered a better choice than pedestal sump pumps.
How long do pedestal sump pumps last?
The typical lifespan of a pedestal sump pump is around five to seven years. This can be extended to up to 10 years if the sump pump is properly maintained. To best maintain the longevity of your sump pump, you should make sure it is installed properly, drained and cleaned regularly, and is lubricated with a non-toxic lubricant.
Additionally, an alarm that will alert you when the water level in the sump pump is getting too high should be installed so that the sump pump can be checked for issues as soon as a problem is identified.
Investing in a lower end model with a warranty is also recommended as this may extend the lifespan of your sump pump by a few more years. If a lasting and reliable solution is what you are looking for, replacing and installing a more expensive model with a proven history of nonstop performance is suggested.
Can I replace a pedestal sump pump with submersible?
Yes, you may be able to replace a pedestal sump pump with a submersible sump pump. However, there are some factors to consider. The size of the sump pit, the type of sump pump, and the water level are all important considerations when deciding which type of sump pump is best suited to your situation.
The pedestal sump pump is typically larger and not completely submerged into the water, while the submersible sump pump is designed to be submerged. The size of the sump pit must be large enough to accommodate the size and type of submersible sump pump, and the water level must be sufficiently low enough for the sump pump to fit below the water line.
Additionally, the type of submersible sump pump must meet your specific requirements for power, capacity and flow. Depending on these factors, replacing a pedestal sump pump with a submersible sump pump can be a viable option.
Can a pedestal sump pump get wet?
Yes, pedestal sump pumps can get wet. While these pumps are designed for use in wet environments, like when installed in a sump basin, they should not be submerged in water. The motor of a pedestal sump pump is hermetically sealed, so it will not be damaged when exposed to water.
However, too much exposure to moisture can impact the effectiveness and lifespan of the pump. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the motor of a pedestal sump pump as dry as possible.
Which type of sump pump is best?
The type of sump pump that is best depends on the application and any specific requirements. Submersible sump pumps are the most common, and work by using an electric motor that is submerged in the liquid, pushing it up and out of the sump.
A pedestal sump pump is also available, which is less powerful but better for shallow sump pits, with the electric motor located above the pit and suspended by a long vertical pipe. Submersible pumps are usually the best choice for most applications, as they are more powerful and are less prone to clogging or other issues than pedestal pumps.
Additionally, since they are fully submerged, they can handle larger volumes of liquid and don’t require regular maintenance, such as lubrication, as a pedestal pump would. Other features to consider when selecting the best sump pump for your application include the capacity, the maximum head or “lift”, and controls such as alarms or automatic shut-off capability.
What’s better 1/3 hp or 1/2 HP sump pump?
In terms of selecting the best sump pump, this depends on the requirements of the specific application. Generally, a 1/3 horsepower (HP) pump will supply the right amount of pressure required for most situations.
It’s important to consider that sump pumps with a higher HP rating will often be physically larger and can require a larger diameter outflow pipe. Depending on the specific requirements for the application, a 1/2 HP sump pump may be worth considering.
If the area of the sump basin is greater than 25 square ft. , or if it’s not in good condition, then a larger capacity sump pump with a higher HP rating might be the most efficient choice. Another factor to consider for selecting the appropriate size of pump is the water flow rate.
The higher HP sump pump will discharge more water than a 1/3 HP pump, so it needs to be matched to your home’s needs. Another element to consider is the delivery lift, which is defined as the height between the sump basin and the location of the water discharge pipe.
If the delivery lift is greater than 8 feet, a 1/3 HP sump pump should be considered. However, if the delivery lift is 9 feet or more, then a 1/2 HP sump pump would be more effective. Ultimately, it is important to assess the specific requirements of the application before selecting a 1/3 or 1/2 HP sump pump.
Can sump pump be submerged in water?
No, sump pumps should never be submerged in water. Because the pump runs on electricity, it can be a safety hazard and could cause electric shock if submerged. Furthermore, exposing the pump to water can wear it down faster, causing it to fail more quickly.
If necessary, the pump should be installed in a basin or pit that is no more than half full of water. A sump pump should be checked regularly to make sure it’s functioning properly, including ensuring it’s dry and not submerged in water.
Should sump pump sit on bottom of pit?
Yes, the sump pump should sit on the bottom of the sump pit. This is because the sump pump needs to be able to collect as much water as possible, and having it on the bottom of the sump pit maximizes the surface area that it can collect water from.
Additionally, in order for the sump pump to be able to push water out of the pit, it needs to be situated lower than the pipe that the water flows out of, which the bottom of the sump pit allows for.
Lastly, it’s important to ensure that water won’t be pooling on top of the sump pump since this could cause it to malfunction. Sitting on the bottom of the sump pit allows for the water to be continuously drained away, keeping the sump pump clear of any pooled water.
Can a sump pump sit on the ground?
Yes, a sump pump can sit on the ground. This is the most common installation option when installing a sump pump. When a sump pump is installed in the ground it should be placed in a sump pit that is at least 18″ deep with a diameter of between 12″ to 24″.
The sump pit should always be lined on the sides and bottom with a heavy plastic to avoid any damage from contact with the ground. It is also important that the ground around the sump pit be level so that the water is able to flow freely.
Additionally, the sump pit should be installed with a suitable lid to prevent items from falling in or animals from entering. After the sump pump is installed, it should be tested to ensure it is functioning properly and no water is leaking.
Should sump pump be below water table?
Yes, a sump pump should typically be placed below the water table, as this is its purpose: to pump away water that accumulates in the area. The water table, also known as the groundwater table, is an underground layer of water where the soil, rocks, and other materials are completely saturated, meaning that water fills all of the empty sub-space.
The water table is often present in areas where rainwater and surface water seep into the ground, or when groundwater seeps from higher layers. Sump pumps are used to pump or remove accumulated water from the area below the water table.
This helps to prevent flooding in basements and avoid other water damage.
Where should a sump pump be placed?
A sump pump should be placed in the lowest part of a basement or crawl space, typically in a sump basin or sump pit. The sump basin should be located in an area away from walls and other obstacles, as this will allow easy access for water drainage and maintenance.
Ideally, the sump pump should be placed close to a dedicated GFCI-protected outlet, as this will allow the pump to be connected directly to a reliable power supply. It is also essential that the sump basin is able to draw up water from below the foundation slab or from the lowest corner of the structure into the sump basin.
If the water levels are too high for the pump to draw up, then you may need to install a sump pit liner that is lower than the foundation slab or increase the depth of the sump basin. Additionally, the sump pump space should be large enough to allow for adequate space for the pump, a heavy-duty check valve, and other components.
How far away from the house should a sump pump drain?
The distance from a sump pump drain to the house should be at least 10-15 feet, but ideally should be as far away as possible. It is important to consider local codes and ordinances when deciding a sump pump drain’s distance from the house, as some require the drain line to be placed at a certain range.
In most cases, if there is the possibility of the drain line freezing in cold temperatures, the line should be placed at least 20 feet from the house. Properly draining the water from the sump pump is important to ensure the foundation of the home is not at risk due to potential flooding.
The drain line should slope one inch per every foot to ensure the water has sufficient gravity flow to be properly discharged away from the house. It is also important to make sure the end of the drain line is well above the highest possible flood line location.
How far can a sump pump push water horizontally?
The answer to this question will depend on the size and power of the sump pump. Generally, smaller, more powerful sump pumps are better capable of pushing water horizontally, although distance will vary depending on the model, age and condition of the pump.
Generally, small submersible sump pumps, typically max out at 40-50 ft of water head pressure, which would equate to a horizontal distance of somewhere between 12 and 16 feet. As the water level rises, the pump must work harder, so the distance will diminish as the head pressure increases.
Larger, more powerful sump pumps are capable of pushing water further, up to 80-100ft in water head, or around 24-30 feet horizontally. Ultimately, the distance a sump pump can push water horizontally will depend on the size and power of the pump, the height and the conditions of the intended release.
Where does basement sump pump water go?
Basement sump pump water is typically drained outside of your home, usually to the side or rear of the property. The sump pump water is most commonly connected to a drain line that moves the water away from your basement’s walls and to an area that won’t be affected by backflow or the negative impacts of excessive water in the area.
Some locations may governmentally restrict or disallow certain methods of dealing with the sump pump runoff, so it is important to check local Guidelines before installing or replacing a sump pump. Some areas may require that sump pump water be directed through a holding tank before being released.
This serves to properly filter the sump pump water of any sediment that could create issues downstream, such as clogging sewage systems, blocking streams or other issues. In other areas, the sump pump water may be released directly into a city sewer system.
How many sump pumps do I need?
The number of sump pumps you will need will depend on the specific requirements of your home. Generally speaking, for a typical residential home, you will need one sump pump located in the lowest part of the house.
However, if you have a larger home, or one with multiple levels, you may need two or even three sump pumps. Sump pumps are typically used to remove water that has entered the home from sources such as rain, ground water, and flooding.
A sump pump can help to keep the area around your foundation dry and free from water damage, and they can also provide additional protection in the event of a flood or other large-scale emergency. You may need more than one pump if your home is prone to accumulations of standing water in different areas, such as a big basement or crawl space, or if multiple pumps are needed to move large volumes of water out of the building quickly.
When determining how many sump pumps you need, it is important to consider the size and the specific needs of your space. You should speak with a professional to assess your home and determine an optimal number of sump pumps to fit your needs.
How do I raise my sump pump?
Raising your sump pump can be accomplished by a few different methods, depending on the type of construction of your home. Generally, raising your sump pump requires either building a replacement sump receptacle that is taller than the existing one, or replacing the existing pump with one that has a longer vertical discharge pipe.
For both of these methods, you will need to consult an expert to determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific situation.
If you are looking to build a replacement sump receptacle, you may need to make structural changes to your home to accommodate the new height of the receptacle. This will likely require the help of a professional who is familiar with building and construction.
Alternatively, you can buy a replacement pump with a longer vertical discharge pipe and install it in the same space as the existing one. This method is often less time consuming and may be more cost effective.
In both cases, it is important to consult an expert to make sure the new sump receptacle or pump is installed properly and functioning correctly to ensure it drains away water from your home effectively.
In addition, you should always check with the local permitting authority in your area to ensure the project complies with local building codes and regulations.
What is the difference between a sump pit and a sump pump?
A sump pit is an underground chamber in a home that collects water and other liquid runoff, such as rainwater, stormwater, and ground water. It is typically located in a basement or crawlspace. A sump pit typically has a built-in pump to collect water, which is connected to a drainage system.
The pump helps prevent flooding, which can occur when water in the sump pit rises above the basement or crawlspace floor.
A sump pump is a device which pumps excess water away from a sump pit and out of the foundation of a building. The sump pump is typically located in the pit and powered by electricity. It is designed to automatically turn on when the water in the sump pit reaches a certain level, providing additional protection from flooding.
The sump pump is usually connected to a water drainage system so that water is pumped away from the sump pit.