The Liberty submersible sump pumps are worth learning more about. They are quiet and fast. The vertical float switches fit into small sump pits. The floats magnetic trigger works flawlessly in an up and down motion and has no chance of getting hung up on the wall of the pit. Thermoplastic is not used for housing. They are built to last. Liberty Pumps also 9offers manual pumps and those with tether float switches.
The following review is written to help you understand the Liberty submersible sump pump model similarities and differences and why Liberty is a good primary sump pump solution.
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Liberty Pumps offers six sump pump series - The 230s, 240s, 250s, 280s, 290s, and 450s.
Each of these six series offers four model options.
- The Models 230, 240, 250, 280, 290, 450 are manual (To operate they must be plugged and unplugged. They can be automated by installing a piggyback float switch.
- The Models 231, 241, 251, 281, 291, 451 have a wide angle float (tether) with a quick float disconnect.
- The Models 233, 243, 253, 263, 293, 453 have a wide angle float (tether) with a series (piggy back) plug.
- The Models 237, 247, 257, 287, 297, 457 have a VMF (vertical magnetic float).
- The Crawl Space Sump Pump Kits include the sump pumps listed above. (eg. The Kit CSP-237 includes the 237 sump pump; The Kit CSP-257 includes the 257 model; the Kit 457 includes the 457 sump pump.
- The 230 Series base is removable so water can be pumped down to 1/8 inch.
Specification Differences By Model Comparison
Pump Housing
Cast Iron is used on four Series Models - 240's, 250's, 280's, and 290's. Aluminum housing is used on two Series Models - 230's and 450's.
Solids Handling
To prevent clogging, a vortex impeller is used on the - 230's (can handle 3/8 inch solids) and 250's (can handle 1/2 inch solids). The 280's and 290's have a bottom screen; however they can handle solids up to 3/4 inch in diameter. The 240's have peripheral ports which are located about two inches from the base and have no bottom suction.
Horse Power and Pumping Capacity
The 240's are 1/4 horse power with 1380 GPH pumping capacity at 10 foot vertical height. The 230's (with 1800 GPH pumping capacity at 10 foot vertical height) and 250's (with 2160 GPH pumping capacity at 10 foot vertical height) are 1/3 Horse Power. The 280's (with 3300 GPH pumping capacity at 10 foot height) and 450's (with 2520 GPH pumping capacity at 10 feet) are 1/2 Horse Power. The 290's are 3/4 Horse Power with 4260 GPH pumping capacity at 10 feet.
Pit Diameter Size Required
The models with the tether float (ending in xx1, xx3) require 14 inches of pit diameter. The models with the vertical magnetic float (ending in xx7) require 10 inches of pit diameter.
Energy Saving
The 230's, 250's, 280's and 450's are known as the energy saving models.
Shut Off Head
The 280's are known for their high head. It shuts off at 37 feet. The 290s shuts off at 47 feet; The 450's shut off at 33 feet. The other models shut off between 20 feet and 22 feet.
Cord Length
The standard cord length for all Liberty Submersible pumps is 10 feet.
-The following models can be purchased with a 25 foot length cord. The 233-2; 250-2; 251-2; 253-2. 257-2, 283-2, 287-2, 290-2 and 457-2. The addition of the suffix -2 indicates a 25 foot cord.
-The following models can be purchased with a 35 foot length cord. The 250-3; 251-3; 253-3, 280-3, 283-3 and 290-3. The addition of the suffix -3 indicates a 35 foot cord.
-Model 250 can be purchased with a 50 foot length cord length. The 250-5, 280-5 and 290-5. The addition of the suffix -5 indicates a 50 foot cord.
Pit Diameter Size Required
The models ending in xx1 and xx3 (tether wide angle floats) require a 14 inch pit diameter. The models ending in xx7 (vertical magnetic floats) require a 10 inch pit diameter. 237 and 247 can operate in a 9 inch diameter sump pit.
Discharge Port Size
All models have a discharge port size of 1 1/2 inches. If your discharge piping system is 1 1/4 inches, a discharge reducer can be installed though pumping capacity is reduced.
The material used for the housing and impeller make a difference.
The Housing
The Liberty 240, 250, 280 and 290 series are very well built.
The pump housing is cast iron. Cast iron has superior strength compared to aluminum or thermoplastic. It is difficult to destruct. Cast iron also has the following beneficial characteristics: it withstands the motor temperatures of a pump that runs continuously for an amount of time; it is wear resistant; it is not destructible and is not weakened by oxidation (rust). The cast iron has a durable epoxy powder coat finish which increases the toughness of the iron.
The Liberty Model Series 230 sump pumps use aluminum housing. Aluminum does not dissipate heat as well and is not as strong as cast iron.
The Impeller
The volute intake plate, rotor shaft and fasteners are made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is strong, corrosion and heat resistant. 304 grade steel, the most commonly used grade of steel, is found in the 240 series pumps. 416 grade steel is used in the 250, 280 and 290 series pumps since their pumping capacity is higher and thus they work harder.
The width of the sump pump makes a difference because fitting both a primary and a backup sump pump side by side in the basic can be challenging. The Liberty pumps are built to accommodate two pumps side by side in an eighteen inch basin.
The vertical magnetic float switch requires very little room. It moves up and down with no chance of getting hung up on the pit wall. The float itself is very narrow.
The 237 and 247 can operate in a 9 inch diameter pit. The 257, 287, 297 and 457 require a 10 inch diameter pit.
The Liberty sump pumps have a one-piece cast iron housing. This is unique for submersible sump pumps since other models have two places where there are seals - top and bottom of the housing.
The Uni-body of the Liberty pump eliminates the need for the bottom seal and the lower seal ring and consequently the potential of bottom ring seal failure.
Non Clog Impeller
The Liberty sump pumps are designed to prevent a clogging impeller. Every sump pump has some debris or pea gravel that collects in the bottom of the pit. When the impeller gets stuck the pump will not work; therefore a non-clogging design is important.
Liberty 230's, 250, and 450 Model non-clogging design includes a 8 vane, glass reinforced thermoplastic impeller. The more vanes the more protection from clogging. In addition these models do not rely on bottom suction.
240's have peripheral-port inlets which are 2-3 inches from the bottom of the pump. There is no bottom suction. This pump is designed to handle 1/4 inch solids.
280's and 290's have bottom screens; however they are built to handle 3/4 inch solids. The pumps are raised slightly by legs so do not sit directly on the basin bottom.
The Liberty sump pumps have a one-piece cast iron housing. This is unique for submersible sump pumps since other models have two places where there are seals - top and bottom of the housing.
Detachable Replaceable Power Cord
A detachable replaceable power cord is a common feature of all Liberty submersible sump pumps. This feature allows you to quickly disconnect the cord without breaking motor seals. Liberty makes replacement cords should you need one. This is truly a unique feature. For all other manufacturers brands of sump pumps the power cord cannot be replaced without breaking the motor seal.
Long Lasting Float Switch
The vertical magnetic float switch requires very little room. It moves up and down with no chance of getting hung up on the pit wall. Notice how close the float switch is to the pump.
The vertical magnetic float switch works differently that other float switched. The VMF float rises as the water rises. When the float reaches a pre-defined height, the magnet inside the float closes the circuit causing the pump to begin operation.
The float 'on' height for the tether models is 13 inches and the 'off' height is 7 inches. The float 'on' height for the vertical magnetic float switch is 9.5 inches and the 'off ' height is 4 inches.
The Liberty submersible sump pumps provide pumping capacity (performance) choices.
The 230s -1/3 horse power, can pump 30 GPM or 1800 GPH at a 10 foot lift; The shut off head, maximum foot head lift before the pump will not operate, is 21 feet.
The 240s - 1/4 horse power, can pump 30 GPM or 1800 GPH at a 5 foot lift; 23 GPM or 2,360 GPH at 10 foot lift; 15 GPM or 900 GPH at 15 foot lift. The shut off head, maximum foot head lift before the pump will not operate, is 20 feet.
The 250s - 1/3 horse power, can pump 45 GPM or 2700 GPH at a 5 foot lift; 37 GPM or 2220 GPH at 10 foot lift; 27 GPM or 1620 GPH at 15 foot lift. The shut off head maximum foot head lift before the pump will not operate is 23 feet.
The 280s - 1/2 horse power, can pump 62 GPM or 3720 GPH at a 5 foot lift; 55 GPM or 3300 GPH at 10 foot lift; 47 GPM or 2820 GPH at 15 foot lift. The maximum foot head lift before the pump will not operate is 37 feet.
The 290s - 3/4 horse power, can pump 77 GPM or 4620 GPH at a 5 foot lift; 71 GPM or 4260 GPH at 10 foot lift; 64 GPM or 3840 GPH at 15 foot lift. The maximum foot head lift before the pump will not operate is 37 feet.
- The warranty for all models is now 3 years. Recently it has increased from 2 years.
- The motor is hermetically sealed and bearings are permanently lubricated.
- The 257 model is most energy efficient running on 5.2 amps. The 247 model motor runs on 6.0 amps. The Liberty 287 model motor runs on 8.5 amps. All of the model motors have 3450 RPM (revolutions per minute).
- All models have a built-in air lock hole.
- These pumps are made in the USA. Liberty is a privately owned American company proud to make the best possible sump pump. They are family and employee owned and headquartered in New York.
Is A Liberty Submersible Sump Pump Right For Your Water Needs?
Here's a list of questions to answer to find out.
Do you have a small pit and have concern about float hang up? The VMF (vertical magnetic float) moves up and down so all models will fit in a 10 inch pit. The 237 and 247 fit in a 9 inch diameter pit.
Do you want a pump that is built to last? The pump housing for the 240's, 250s, 280s and 290s is made of cast iron. Stainless steel is used for the volute intake plate, rotor shaft and fasteners. The power cord is replaceable. The VMF lasts a long time if you do not have an abundance of calcium carbonate in the water. For those with calcium carbonate in the water the float rod and float should be cleaned with a vinegar solution periodically. A lot of buildup on the float causes it to either not engage the switch or gets caught in the ON position. There is no lower ring seal to break or leak.
Do you want a pump that has a non clog design? Each model handles the non-clogging potential differently; however each model is designed to prevent clogging.
Do you want an energy efficient model? The 257 model is most efficient and has good pumping capability. The 230s, 280s and 450s models are also known as energy efficient.
Are you looking for a pump made in America? Liberty Sump pumps and their parts are made in the United States. They always have been.
Are you looking for a pump that is competitively priced? The Liberty sump pumps are very competitively priced for their quality features. Go and check them out now.
Consumers give Liberty submersible sump pumps a good rating. Here's what some customers are saying about the Liberty pump.
Amazing Pump, October 11, 2019, By Steven, (New Jersey)
The Liberty 257 is literally silent. The vertical float keeps the water level low. I really like it. We had so much rain this fall and it did the job. I was so relieved that our basement did not flood during the flooded streets around us.
Great Pump. It had high rating 4.8 out of 5 with 188 reviews April 5, 2020, By Steven, (New Jersey)
The Liberty 257 is great. I bought it based on reviews I read plus it had the features I needed. I am so glad I bought it. It is such a good sump pump. It was very easy to install.
I Like It, September 9, 2020, By George (New Jersey)
The pump is fast and quiet. I have a small pit. The vertical float switch works well in it. It seems to work up and down in a flawless vertical motion unlike others that get hung up on the walls of the pit. I installed it with a check valve so water doesn%u2019t run back in the pit once its pumped out. Liberty makes pumps far superior to what is sold in the big hardware stores and they even cost less.
Another Good Pump, September 6, 2021, by Stan White (North Salem, NY)
With all the heavy rain in the Midwest this fall, our old pump was going off every minute or so. I investigated to see how much water was coming in. There was a lot, but the real problem was we didn't have a check valve so the pump kept pumping the same water after each cycle. Our old pump was around 20 yrs. old. I decided I better put a new one in and use my old one in case I needed it. After lots more research, we decided on the Liberty 257. The Liberty 257 is cast iron and has a vortex impeller. It is also made in the USA.
Good Pump, September 3, 2021, by Mike (South Salem, NY)
I had a Liberty pump before. I had it for 15 years. I decided it was getting old so am keeping it for a replacement pump. I bought the Liberty 257 Model and am very glad I did. These Liberty pumps are good. They are American made.
Quick Shop Liberty Submersible Sump Pump Series Models
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Shop Liberty Pumps by pump type or by primary sump pump model.
Liberty 230 Series 1/3 Horse Power, Aluminum Housing, Vortex Impeller 3/8 In. Solid Handling, 1800 GPH at 10 Foot Lift, 1 1/2 Inch Discharge Port, 3 Year Warranty
Liberty Pump 240 Series 1/4 HP, Cast Iron Housing, Periperal Ports (Up 2 Inches From Pump Bottom On Sides No Bottom Suction No Solids Handling), 1380 GPH At 10 Foot Lift 1 1/2 Inch Discharge Port, 3 Year Warranty
Liberty Pump 280 Series 1/2 HP Cast Iron Vortex Impeller 3/4 In. Solid Handling Range Bottom Screen With Legs to Raise Pump Base, Handles 3/4 In Solids, 4260 GPH At 10 Ft 3 Year Warranty
Liberty Pump 290 Series 3/4 Horse Power, Cast Iron Housing Stainless Steel Bottom Screen With Legs to Raise Pump Base, 3/4 In. Solids Handling 4260 GPH At 10 Foot Lift, 1 1/2 Inch Discharge Port
Liberty Pump 450 Series 1/2 Horse Power, Aluminum Housing Vortex Impeller, 3/8 Inch Solids Handling 2520 GPH At 10 Foot Lift, 1 1/2 Inch Discharge Port 3 Year Warranty
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