Sump pump advice pelase

[Jess from VA]

Three days of straight rain.  I have changed my sump pump several times over the years (esp after a complete basement excavation new french drain put in about 1996-7).  Last time I went with a higher end, higher power, no external float valve (cannot remember the brand) which I thought would last longer (than maybe 4 years).  Now I check and the sump hole is full and it is not working and the old tap-it-with-the-aluminum-ball-bat is not working either.

I am using an old reliable electric submersible with hose to the back yard, but have to unplug it when it bottoms out.  The sump hole is half under a full size (loaded) fridge and a PITA to get to/work in.

Is there a type or brand that is better than the run of the mill?

Any advice appreciated.

[bassman]

Jess,

I just replaced my sump pump about 3 weeks ago and went with a Liberty brand.  Was torn between
Liberty and Zoeller but after reading a LOT of reviews and ratings I picked the Liberty but could have
picked the Zoeller too.  I liked the magnetic switch feature on the Liberty.  I can barley hear this thing running...MUCH quieter than the one it replaced.  I think the Liberty has a little better warranty as well but don't quote me on that part - better read about it yourself.


http://www.sumppumpsdirect.com/sump-pump-manufacturer-reviews/90-liberty-pumps-sump-pump-reviews.html

http://www.sumppumpsdirect.com/sump-pump-manufacturer-reviews/86-zoeller-sump-pump-reviews.html

Good luck !

[The Anvil]

We had one of these installed last year because we were having severe flooding problems.

TripleSafe Sump Pump Systems by Basement Systems, Inc.

Yes, it's expensive, but worth every penny to me. Also, our basement dehumidifier drains right into it.

[Jess from VA]

I've done some looking, and I believe I have Rigid, with diaphragm switch.  Reading reviews, this switch failed some within three months, sticking on, and running until burn out.  Apparently the float valve is still the best.

[cookiedough]

I have a flotec sump pump and have a need for it every spring/summer otherwise my basement would have about 6-12" of standing water in entire basement live in a low lying area. Everyone has sump pumps in entire subdivision.  Never go below a 1/2 hp sump pump for a crock they burn out after a few years of regular use. 

Here is the product:  http://www.homedepot.com/p/Flotec-3-4-HP-Thermoplastic-Submersible-Sump-Pump-FP0S6000A/100033457

They claim lifetime warranty and had the first one replaced for free after about 12 years of continuous use with several occassions after heavy rains running every 30 seconds for hours on end.  No sump pump will last a lifetime but flotec mfg. is located in delavan WI only about 1 1/2 hours away from me so they do stand behind their products. 

I found a good deal on this 3/4 hp flotec sump pump so bought a few backups.  I'll sell you a brand new one still in box sealed up for 80 bucks plus shipping if interested, just let me know.

[ricoman]

a while back I did a few sump pump installs for customers.
I had very good luck with Dayton pumps from Grainger. The float switch is very important to proper operation. Be sure it has room to move so it can work. The switch that slides up and down seemed to give better service than the ones on a cord.Setting the float switch to the correct height is important too. The sump does not have to be dry, its a sump and will be wet. The sump should be large enough to easily get the pump out for your twice a year check on it's operation.
Also, the typical pump sits 1/2 to 1" off the floor-I always raised them on bricks or made legs to get them up to 2"+, this to be sure there is room for the water to flow well and for crap to settle in the sump. The pumps I used would push half inch pieces through it (leaves, etc.). You probably won't get much trash in a basement though.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/sump-pumps/sump-effluent-and-sewage-pumps/pumps/ecatalog/N-hv7?Ndr=basedimid10071&sst=subset&xi=xi

[Jess from VA]

Thanks guys. 

First, it has to stop raining. 

[Spirited-6]

Man , I wish some one would come up with a pump that will give good service. I have spent about $1,500 in the last 12 years for replacement pumps. Life time Warr. sucks, you / I still have to pay for labor tom replace. I guess this goes with "Life" and it`s up and down movements.

[cookiedough]

Man , I wish some one would come up with a pump that will give good service. I have spent about $1,500 in the last 12 years for replacement pumps. Life time Warr. sucks, you / I still have to pay for labor tom replace. I guess this goes with "Life" and it`s up and down movements.

I complained to Flotec in delavan WI and gave them my model number and showed them it said lifetime warranty.  They sent me a near identical replacement for free including free shipping.  First one lasted 12 years with moderate to very heavy use at times, not bad.  Anyone can replace a sump pump with minor effort.  I use crushed gravel on bottom about 2-3" to wiggle the new pump into level surface.  Hardest part was attaching the white PVC piping and cut to fit exactly right or pretty close anyways.   

[Jess from VA]

I will be crawling down between the fridge and wall and working down in the hole, on my side, to do this myself.

My new pump (Zoeller) arrives in a week.  After that, if I am not heard from for another week, please send someone by to get me out of the hole.  Thank you.

(during the dry season, the spiders really like it down there)   

[bassman]

I will be crawling down between the fridge and wall and working down in the hole, on my side, to do this myself.

My new pump (Zoeller) arrives in a week.  After that, if I am not heard from for another week, please send someone by to get me out of the hole.  Thank you.

(during the dry season, the spiders really like it down there)    

Good choice...

I'm sure you already know this and not sure if it's in the Zoeller install directions or not but don't forget to drill a 1/8 or 3/16" hole in the discharge pipe to prevent airlock.  (about an inch above where the pvc or whatever pipe screws into the sump pump.)

[cookiedough]

I will be crawling down between the fridge and wall and working down in the hole, on my side, to do this myself.

My new pump (Zoeller) arrives in a week.  After that, if I am not heard from for another week, please send someone by to get me out of the hole.  Thank you.

(during the dry season, the spiders really like it down there)   

never heard of that before.  Doesn't drilling a hole cause water leakage?  Why not just get an anti-backflow check valve that has a flap in it to prevent water doing down back into the pump?  My flotec has a check valve (has a flapper that closes) built right into the top of the pump but I installed another one about 1' above still in the crock itself that attaches to the white PVC drain pipe on both ends really not needed but did it anyways.  Fairly common at most hardware stores plus makes it easier to cut a short 1-3' PVC section that attaches to the pump and then the longer one going up the wall to the outside of the home with the plastic check valve connecting the 2 PVC pieces. 
Good choice...

I'm sure you already know this and not sure if it's in the Zoeller install directions or not but don't forget to drill a 1/8 or 3/16" hole in the discharge pipe to prevent airlock.  (about 3-4" above where the pvc or whatever pipe screws into the sump pump.)

[Jess from VA]

In doing my shopping I thought I saw the Zoeller actually had a small hole in the base of the pump itself to avoid airlock. (Can't find it now)  Check valve already in place in the existing plumbing.

[bassman]

I believe both the Zoeller and Liberty have a pre-drilled hole in the casting.  I've talked to several people at plumbing stores and also read on-line to also drill a hole in the PVC discharge pipe.  I'm NOT a plumber and know very little about plumbing - just relaying what I was told.  Perhaps a "real" plumber with  lots of personal experience can chime in here to clarify??

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_air_locking_on_a_sump_pump

[The Anvil]

Man , I wish some one would come up with a pump that will give good service. I have spent about $1,500 in the last 12 years for replacement pumps. Life time Warr. sucks, you / I still have to pay for labor tom replace. I guess this goes with "Life" and it`s up and down movements.

Did you watch the video I posted???

[Jess from VA]

I believe both the Zoeller and Liberty have a pre-drilled hole in the casting.  I've talked to several people at plumbing stores and also read on-line to also drill a hole in the PVC discharge pipe.  I'm NOT a plumber and know very little about plumbing - just relaying what I was told.  Perhaps a "real" plumber with  lots of personal experience can chime in here to clarify??

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_air_locking_on_a_sump_pump

Thanks for the clarification. 

[wiggydotcom]

Jess, I'll trade ya jobs.I'm working today but when I get home, I get to play Ed Norton and change out my ejector pump.

I had to do it once before and bought one with a lifetime warranty. I might have to ask them how they want to handle the "return". I doubt they want me to plop it on the counter.

For those that don't know, an ejector pump pumps waste from a lower level shower/toilet.

[Jess from VA]

No thanks. 

[Jess from VA]

Well, after a trip to the store to get a new check valve, and some other stuff, I now have a working sump pump.  I checked the check valve with only 6 inches of 1.5" pvc attached, and it leaked right out, maybe with a full five feet of horizontal 1.5" PVC full of water would hold it down, but why have to do the bustard twice?  

As most of my Harry Homeowner and carpentry fubars have resulted from only measuring once, the majority of my time was spent trying to measure all pump and plumbing to have an exact match to my existing drain pipe; there's not a lot of flexibility in this install.  I finally realized the best route was to use the old setup as a guide.... the Zoeller pump stood 3/8' taller than the old one, and the new check valve was 9/8" shorter than the old one.... so, all I had to do was make it 3/4" taller, and voila we had liftoff.  In the words of My Cousin Vinnie.... it was dead on balls accurate.  

http://www.hark.com/clips/cdnwkftbns-balls-accurate

Performing a sump pump replacement requires the Kama Sutra of plumbers body positions.  I guess the ending was happy.  The 4 gallon wet test worked

I thank those that offered advice and assistance.   

Tomorrow we go spelunking for a dead bird in the furnace pipes.