Need reliable sump pump asap
I hope someone out there can help me select a good quality submersable sump pump (not a battery back-up). I've been researching this for days and continually find conflicting information. I find where a particular brand and model has good feedback, then come across a rating of the very same brand/model with a horrible rating. I'm a single lady, living alone, on social security and don't want to pay a hefty price. However, I do want a good quality, efficient and reliable unit. I can't read the name of the manufacturer on the pump I now have, but I do know it's 1/2 hp. It's been giving great service for over 10 years. I recently had to have a valve replaced on the pipe above the pit, and was told the pump itself could fail at any time. This scares me. My basement isn't finished, but I do have a lot of storage down there and am terrified at the thought of having my basement flood. Please, please, can someone give me their expert opinion on a good quality brand that I won't have to replace every 2, 3, 4, 5 years or so, and won't have to replace parts every year or so. Thank you so much for your help. It seems you find that with everything you want to buy these days. Some people say it's great and some people say it's the worst thing they ever bought. I think if you stick with the major brand names such as Zoeller, Little giant etc. you should be OK. That does not guarantee a trouble free pump however. We still get new pumps that don't work right out of the box. It doesn't hurt to have a 2nd pump around as a back-up. Trying to recommend the best pump is like trying to recommend the best car-it all depends on who you ask. I would have said Toyota, but you know that story!! I can only give you my experience as a homeowner. Stay away from the lifetime guarantee big box store (Home Depot, Lowes) brands, such as Simers, Flotec, Rigid. Try to find a Zoeller, Hydromatic, Liberty brand. They are much more reliable. If you have a pump that has gone ten years, I would consider that brand. I know you said you were not looking for a battery back up, but it only takes one power outage to give your basement a good soaking. Just my thoughts Thanks for your input. I've been leaning toward Zoeller, but then was told that Campbell Housefield and Champion were better!? I wish I knew the brand I've had for over 10 years, but can't read the name on the plate. That would be my first choice, IF I knew what brand it is. Regarding the battery back-up, I've seen equal pros and cons on them. My major concern with them (other than cost), is that I may not be able to maintain the battery properly, since I don't know of anyone who could monitor it for me. Thanks for helping me out with this dilemna. I've been leaning heavily toward a zoeller. Am I correct in that you are recommending I purchase a second pump to keep on hand, just in case? If I were to do that, I would definitely want to purchase a low cost unit that I could use until I was able to purchase a better quality unit. My present pump is working, but could go out at any time. Maybe I should keep it after installing a new pump and have it on hand as a back-up if needed. I understand the Toyota analogy. However, I drive a Toyota Camrey and love it, and would not hesitate to purchase another Toyota product )... Can any of you experts out there tell me what the difference is between a Zoeller M137 and M237? They are both 1/2 hp, which is what I now have and assume is truly the correct hp because my pump runs often. You guys have helped me tremendously with my brand selection, now I need additional info regarding the right model No. I do not want a tether float. Also, in one of your posts, you recommended that I should change the switch that comes with a Zoeller to another type of switch. Why is that, and how important is it? Can you tell me where I can get the best price on one of the above models? Thanks again for your valuable input. The model 137 pump would do the job but is a pretty strong pump for a normal sump pit. It pumps 79 GPM at 10ft lift. The model 53 does about 34 GPM at 10ft. which is more of a normal flow rate . If you have alot of water comming in the 137 will pump it out at a faster rate. I didn't see anything in the posts about changing the switch and you really couldn't on those models anyway as the switch is part of the pump. Didn't see the model M237 on Zoeller's website but it might be a 230V version of the same pump. You can get a maintance free battery for a back-up pump so you wouldn't have to worry about checking the water level. I would keep your current pump as a back-up when you replace it. Your current pump is probably about at the end of it's life but any pump can go at any time. What did the tech base his/her thought that the pump could go anytime? Does it whine, grind, click,growl, or pump slower than it used to, or he she have a car payment coming up? Make sure the pit is clear, the pump screen is clear, the check valve if equiped, is working, and all electrical connections are good, also the pump discharge connection is clear, or otherwise working. Sid I've been making it a point of going into the basement to check the pump to make sure the water level is down where it should be, and it is. I've heard no screeching or whining noises from the pump. However, sometimes it does sound different than it normally does, but that could just be a psychological problem with me. After 10+ years with the pump, I just didn't pay much attention to it, so, it's possible that it's still sounds normal. I did have that valve replaced because of water leakage around it. I have an above average amount of seepage because my house sets lower than the houses on one side of me. I also think there's a possibility that there is an underground spring under the house - can't say for sure, of course. This is my first experience with a sump pump and it was scary, so I bought a generator, just in case power went out. I've never had to use it. This is a 1/2 hp pump and has done a good job of keeping my basement dry. Now I'm wondering if there is another equasion I should consider, other than the hp. I really want to make sure I make the right decision, and can use all the input that you guys have to offer. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help with this decision. Thank you SO MUCH! I usually look at the gallons per minute a pump will do at 10ft. lift. This is a common height for most homes. The pit is 2ft. deep and it pumps up about 8ft. and then outside. Most 1/3hp pumps will pump 35 to 45GPM at 10ft. which is a good flow rate for most homes. Here is a Zoeller pump alot of people use. MIGHTY-MATE SUBMERSIBLE PUMP 3/10 HP 53-0001 ZOELLER CO Thanks Pumpguy. I'm not comfortable with a 3/10 hp because I believe the amount of water seepage into my pit is above average. I don't want to go less than 1/2 hp. I am 99.9% sure I'll get the Zoeller 137 1/2 hp. Could you recommend a good place for me to purchase this unit? In researching costs, they are all over the place. And, of course, most of the retail/estore resources I've found I've never heard of. You have all been extremely helpful and, because of you, I feel very comfortable with my choice of the Zoeller 137. The last step in the process is the actual purchase. Any suggestions for me??? Thanks. One more question. What about energy efficiency? Are some units more energy efficient than others, and, does a 1/2 hp unit eat up more energy than a 1/3 hp? I hate to be such a pest, but I have another question. As I'm looking at the Zoeller M137 models, I find there is an M137 automatic and a Zoeller M137 non-automatic. I have absolutely no idea which type I need. I'm assuming automatic?? Thanks again for helping me out... I can't really recommend a place to buy,shop around and get it as cheap as possible. !/2 hp pumps will usually use more energy than a1/3 hp. An automatic pump is what you want. Hang on to your old pump as a back-up. You are the best!! Thank you for ALL your great help and advice. Now, hopefully, I'm ready to find the cheapest price for that pump and finalize this project
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