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What Parts Cause the Pedestal Sump Pump To Work?

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How To Set Up A Pedestal Sump Pump So It Work

 
Pictured are images of how pedestal sump pump works and looks in pit,
 
 
 

How A Pedestal Sump Pump Works

A pedestal sump pump works when a long rod with a float at the end dangles in the water and rises to close the switches electrical circuit which when closed sends electricity to the motor. When the motor has electrical current, it causes the impeller found in the vertical column to swirl and suck unwanted water through the column base through a discharge pipe to its intended destination.

Unlike a submersible sump pump, the motor and switch of a pedestal pump sit outside above the pit on the top of a long cast iron vertical pedestal also known as a column with a big base resting on the bottom of the pit to keep the motor and switch from getting wet and holding it more stable during heavy pumping.

Pictured is a pedestal sump pump with the motor sitting outside the pit above the top of a put. The long vertical column with its base are submersed in the pit water,
 
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How A Pedestal Sump Pump Works Table of Contents

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What Parts Cause the Pedestal Sump Pump To Work?

Four parts cause the pedestal sump pump to work: the float, the switch, the motor, and the impeller.

1) The float with its long rd with a ball at the end of it is responsible to raise and lower accordingly to the water height in the pit. When the float rises to its preset ON height, it causes the switch electrical circuit to close.
2) The switch is responsible to join its two wires, a positive and a negative, together and send electrical current to the pump motor.
3) The pump motor is responsible to cause the impeller to swirl. The electricity creates the energy to keep the impeller swirling at a high velocity.
4) The impeller is responsible to swirl the pit water so it sucks up the discharge pipe and away from the pit.
Pictured are the four important parts of a pedestal sump pump that are needed to make it work: the float, the switch, the motor, and the impeller.
 
 
 

Four Ways To Make the Pedestal Sump Pump Work Better

Four ways to make a pedestal sump pump work better is to choose the right options for your pedestal pump. The options of choice are 1) The Material 2) The Horse Power 3) The Pumping Performance and 4) The Warranty.

1) Choosing the right material used for the pump parts increases the pumps durability and stability. Epoxy coated cast iron and stainless steel are most frequently used for the pumps column supporting the motor. Both are durable; however cast iron adds weight which stabilizes the pump and gives better results during frequent pumping.
2) Choosing the right horse power is smart because too much horse power causes the motor to wear out prematurely and too little horse power results in pit overflow.
3) Installing a pump with right amount of pumping performance measured by GPM or GPH at a specific height determines if the pump will keep up with the amount of water flowing into the pit during rainstorms.
- Measuring how much pumping performance is needed is key to preventing pit overflow.
4) Choosing a pump with a long warranty ensures the pump is guaranteed to work during a specified warranty period or will be replaced.
 
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How To Prevent Pedestal Sump Pump Failure

Four ways to keep a pedestal sump pump working without failure.

1) Keep the pit clean so debris does not impact the impeller. Clear debris from the pit.
2) Avoid getting the motor wet.
3) Replace the switch every three years or so depending upon how frequently the pump runs. Buying a replacement switch online and installing it is easy.
4) Proper maintenance makes a pedestal pump last several years longer. Discarding a pump just because the switch fails is not Eco-friendly.
 
 
 

Common Questions About The Pedestal Sump Pump And How It Works

Where is a pedestal sump pump placed?
A pedestal pump is designed so the base with a long vertical column, also known as a pedesteal, sits on the floor of the pit. On top of the column sits a motor with switch and a float that hanga down dangling in the pit. The motor sits outside (above) the pit. The motor should not get wet.
 
What about pump stability?
The pedestal sump pump base supports the column that holds the motor and the switch. The base is cast iron to add weight and a brace is attached to the motor to make the motor stable.
 
What kind of float-switch is used?
The switch is a tether-like float switch. The float rod is held in place with a stabilizer. This means the ball at the end of the rod moves up and down as the water in the pit rises and receeds.
 
How will you know if the pump is working?
Unlike most submersible sump pumps, the pedestal pump has a visible light that indicates if it is operating. The light is above the pit in the motor area.
 
How is the motor cooled?
The air circulating around the motor cools it. it is important that the pedestal pump is in an open area so there is sufficient air circulation.
 
How easy is it to change the float switch?
The pedestal pump float switch mechanism is attached to the motor which is outside the pit so does not require removal of the pump from the pit. This makes replacing the switch very easy.
 
Is a pedestal pump noisy? What is the noise level?
Since the pedestal sump pump motor sits outside the pit, it is noisy. There is no pit wall of water to absorb the sound. Once you are used to the sound it blends in with other sounds.
 
Is a pedestal pump safe?
Since the pedestal sump pump motor sits outside the pit, it can be touched by children and pets. It is best to have the pump enclosed in a room that cannot be accessed by children.
 
What is the life span and cost of a pedestal pump?
The pedestal pump has a longer life span since water cannot take its toll on the motor. Pedestal pumps are known to last 2 to 5 times longer and are cheaper than submersible pumps.
 
Can a pedestal pump handle debris?
The pedestal style cannot handle debris. They work well in a clean pit; however if your sump pit contains small pebbles and or debris, a submersible sump pump is the best pump selection.
 
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Pedestal Sump Pump Advantages And Disadvantages

How a pedestal sump pump works sounds simple. But as with any mechanical device it has advantages as well as disadvantages. Discover the pros and cons of a pedestal sump pump.

Advantages
- Easy to Maintain
Since the switch and motor are located above the sump pit, they are easier to access and maintain. Unlike replacing the switch for a submersible sump pump, there is no need to remove the pedestal pump from the pit to change the switch because it sits above the pit at an easy to reach height. This makes repairs and maintenance simpler and pump replacement much easier.
- Long Lifespan
Pedestal pumps generally have a longer lifespan compared to submersible pumps because the motor is not submerged in water. Water entering the motor or switch causes pump failure. They is no opportunity for water to get a pedestal pump motor or switch wet.
- Easy Installation
Installing a pedestal sump pump is straightforward which makes it a good choice for those who prefer a DIY approach.
- Space-Saving Design
The pump's design is compact and doesn't take up much space in the sump pit, leaving more room for a backup sump pump.
- Visible Warning Signs
Because the motor is above the pit, issues or malfunctions are more visible, allowing for quicker identification and resolution.
 
Disadvantages
- Noisy Operation
Pedestal pumps are noisier than submersible pumps because the motor is located above the pit. The pit walls do not absorb the motors noise.
- Visible Design
The pump is visible in the basement, which may not be aesthetically pleasing to some homeowners. A submersible sump pump sits in the basin so is not seen.
- Less Powerful
Pedestal pumps do have offer as many HP options and have lower pumping than submersible pumps; therefore they are not recommended in high water flow situations.
- Not Ideal for Continuous Use
Pedestal pumps are not designed for continuous use. Running them too frequently can lead to overheating and reduced their lifespan.
- Risk of Accidents
The exposed motor and electrical components pose a risk of accidents if children or pets access the area unattended.
- Less Efficient in Extreme Conditions
In extreme flooding conditions, pedestal pumps are less efficient than their submersible counterparts.
 
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How To Set Up A Pedestal Sump Pump So It Works After Installation

Here are the installation steps for a pedestal sump pump recommended by Pumps Selection.

1) Put the float assembly together.
a) Insert the float rod through the hole in the switch arm.
b) Slide the rubber grommet onto the float rod. Liquid soap may help them slide.
c) Insert the float rod through the float rod guide. When done it should be in a vertical position and slide freely up and down.
d) Thread the float ball onto the bottom of the rod. If the rod turns, hold it with pliers while screwing the float ball on.
e) Align the float rod with the long vertical column, pedestal. Secure the float rod guide to the column by tightening the fasteners.
Pictured is the assembling of the float to the pedestal pump rod
 
2) Place the new pedestal sump pump in the basin. Lift it in the basin by taking hold of the long vertical column. The base should sit on the bottom of the pit. The pit bottom should be solid and level so the float works properly. If there is debris on the bottom fo the pit, elevate the base of the pump by sitting it on some bricks.
3) Make sure the float is not near the basin wall so it can move freely without contact with the sides of the pit.
4) Connect the discharge pipe to the port in the pump base.
5) Connect a check valve to the discharge pipe. The check valve is best installed above the top of the pit so it can be maintained easily.
Pictured is the placement of the pedestal pump so it does not touch the pit wall.
 
6) Place a basin cover on the top of the pit. Make sure the float tether is not stuck.
7) Plug the pump power cord into the wall socket.
8) Fill the basin with water to test for leaks and operation.
Pictured is the plugging the pedestal pump into the wall socket.
 
9) If there are no leaks and the water pumped from the pit, the installation is successful.
 
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Quick Shop Superior Pump Pedestal Sump Pumps

 
 
Superior Pump 92551 Pedestal Sump Pump
 

92551

Superior Pump 92551 Pedestal Sump Pump, 2,700 GPH at 10 foot vertical height, 1/2 HP, vertical float switch, 3.06 Amps, 1-1/2 Inch discharge size, Cast Iron Motor Housing, Stainless Steel Column, Stainless Steel Impeller, Metal switch arm, 10 foot power cord, 16.5 pounds, 5 year warranty.
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Price At Time Of Publish $124.00.
 
 
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