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Pedestal Sump Pump Specs and Parts Review
Understanding the specifications and parts of a pedestal sump pump is vital for selecting the model best suited for your water pumping needs.
This review delves into the key specifications and parts that cause a sump pump to work and yet differ most among models. It identifies those parts that fail most frequently, but are easy to buy online and install regardless of pedestal pump model. Be an educated shopper and find the model that best suits your water pumping needs today.
The key specs and parts include: pump capacity (GPH), horse power, vertical lift capacity, construction material, switch type, power source, power cord, dimensions and weight, warranty, and cost.
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Pedestal Sump Pump Specifications Review Table of Contents
Gallon per hour, GPH, indicates how much water the pump can move in an hour at a defined vertical height. This measures the pump's efficiency in handling water flowing into a sump pit during heavy rain. The higher the GPH rating, the higher the water volume the pump can handle, which is essential for preventing water damage. The GPH increases with a pumps higher horse power; therefore it is important to review both a pumps GPH and horse power. A higher horsepower typically means the pump can move water faster and handle greater vertical lifts.
Pump Capacity, GPH, By Pedestal Pump Model
Pump performance measured by Pedestal Pump Models is presented by lowest to highest GPH at a 10 foot vertical height.
- Red Lion Model RL-SP33PED 1/3 HP pumps 2,040 GPH.
- Zoeller Battery Backup Model 585-0005 pumps 2,160 GPH.
- Star Water Systems Model 3CEH 1/3 HP pumps 2,160 GPH.
- Superior Pump Model 92333 1/3 HP and 92301 pump 2,280 GPH.
- Zoeller Model M81-0001 1/3 HP pumps 2,280 GPH.
- Zoeller Model M82-0001 1/3 HP pumps 2,400 GPH.
- Star Water Systems Model 5CDH 1/2 HP pumps 2,460 GPH.
- Flotec Model 1/3 HP FPPM3600D pumps 2,460 GPH.
- Superior Pump Model 92551 and 92553 1/2 HP pump 2,700 GPH.
- Zoeller Model M84-0001 and 1084-0001 1/2 HP pump 3,060 GPH.
Horsepower defines the pump's motor power controlling the volume and rate of water pumping effectively. A higher horsepower moves water faster and at greater vertical lifts, which is important for basements with deep sump pits and high water volumes during heavy rains.
Pedestal pumps, unlike submersible sump pumps, offer only two horse power options: one-third HP and one-half HP. The limitation of horse power options eliminates it as a best choice for those with high water volumes.
Vertical Lift Capability
Vertical lift indicates the maximum height the pump lifts water vertically from the sump pit to an outlet. Knowing your sump pump systems vertical lift is crucial for determining whether a specific pump can effectively meet your water discharge effectively. The greater a pumps vertical lift capability, the higher the pumps GPH.
Vertical Lift By Pedestal Pump Model
Maximum vertical lift height for Pedestal Pump Models is presented by lowest to highest.
- Zoeller Model 1084-0001 1/2 HP maximum head is 15 feet.
- Red Lion Model RL-SP33PED 1/3 HP maximum head is 16 feet.
- Zoeller Model M81-0001 1/3 HP maximum head is 16 feet.
- Zoeller Battery Backup Model 585-0005 maximum head is 20 feet.
- Superior Pump Model 92301 and 02333 1/3 HP maximum head is 20 feet.
- Flotec Model 1/3 HP FPPM3600D maximum head is 20 feet.
- Zoeller Model M82-0001 1/3 HP maximum head is 21 feet.
- Zoeller Model M84-0001 1/2 HP maximum head is 24 feet.
- Superior Pump Model 92551 1/2 HP and 92553 maximum head is 25 feet.
A pump's material usage affects its stability, durability and resistance to corrosion from water and chemicals commonly found in basements. Cast iron pumps are heavier offering more stability. To increase their durability, epoxy coating makes cast iron corrosion resistant. On the other hand, thermoplastic pumps do not rust but are lighter and subject to more movement in the pit during continuous pumping.
Pump construction material makes a difference in pump durability. Here are the pedestal pump models and the construction material used.
Construction Material By Model
Thermoplastic pedestal models are identified as thermoplastic because their motor housing and column is made of thermoplastic.
- Superior Pump 1/3 HP Model 92333 and 1/2 HP Model 92553.
- Zoeller 1/3 HP Model M81.
- Star Water Systems 1/3 HP Model 3CEH and 1/2 HP Model 5CDH.
- Red Lion 1/3 HP Model RL-SP33PED.
- Flotec 1/3 HP Model FPPM3600D.
Cast Iron pedestal models are identified as cast iron because their motor housing and column is made of cast iron.
- Superior Pump 1/3 HP Model 92301 and 1/2 HP Model 92551.
- Zoeller 1/3 HP Model M82 and 1/2 HP Models M84 and 1084.
Pedestal pumps only use a vertical float switch. Similar to the submersible sump pump vertical float switch, the float moves up and down on a vertical rod controlled by a switch arm guide; however unlike the submersible pump vertical float, the pedestal float switch ON height is customizable.
It's the height of the top stoppers on the vertical rod that is adjustable. The switch itself sits beside the motor on a platform propped above the pit on a long slender column also called a pedestal.
The OFF height of the switch is around 9 inches. This means 9 inches of water remain in the basin after the pump shuts off.
Power Source
Most pedestal sump pumps use electricity as their source of power and require a standard electrical outlet.
Zoeller's Aquanot Model 585-0005 is the only known battery powered pedestal pump.
Usage of power is measured in Amps and the length of the power cord varies by model. Usage of an extension cord is not recommended. Ensuring the pump with its cord matches your electrical setup simplifies installation.
Dimensions and Weight
The pedestal pumps physical size takes less room in the sump basin than a submersible pump. This allows more room for a battery backup pump. Its weight is much less than a submersible pump. Its motor is the heaviest part. This results in a more unstable pump since the motor is propped on the top of a long column with a base. A cast iron base adds weight to provide more stability.
Warranty
The warranty indicates the manufacturer's confidence in their product and provides assurance against defects or malfunctions. Longer warranties typically suggest higher-quality construction and reliability, which is important for a critical mechanical device like a sump pump. A warranty varies by pump Model.
Warranty By Model
Pump warranty length offered for Pedestal Pump Models is presented by shortest to longest warranty period.
- Superior Pump Model 92301, 92333 1/3 HP and 92533 1/2 HP one year warranty.
- Star Water Systems Model 3CEH 1/3 HP and Model 5CDH 1/2 HP one year warranty.
- Flotec Model 1/3 HP FPPM3600D one year warranty.
- Zoeller M81-0001 1/3 HP, Model M82-0001 1/3 HP, and Model 1084-0001 1/2 HP two year warranty.
- Red Lion Model RL-SP33PED 1/3 HP two year warranty.
- Superior Pump Model 92301 and Model 02333 1/3 HP three year warranty.
- Zoeller Battery Backup Model 585-0005 three year warranty.
Comparing pedestal sump pump costs reveals that cost is not always associated with pump motor housing, pumping capability, HP and warranty offered. It is also related to supply and demand.
Cost By Model
The cost of Pedestal Pump Models at the time of publish is presented by the most budget friendly to the most costly. Check the price carefully because it reveals some surprises.
- Red Lion Model RL-SP33PED, 1/3 HP, thermoplastic, 2,040 GPH, two year warranty, cost is $98.
- Superior Pump Model 92333, 1/3 HP, thermoplastic, 2,270 GPH, one year warranty, cost is $98.
- Star Water Systems 3CEH, 1/3 HP Model , thermoplastic, 2,160 GPH, one year warranty, cost is $109.
- Superior Pump Model 92551, 1/2 HP, cast iron, 2,700 GPH, five year warranty cost is $124.
- Superior Pump Model 92553, 1/2 HP, thermoplastic, 2,700 GPH, one year warranty cost is $125.
- Flotec Model FPPM3600, 1/3 HP, thermoplastic cast iron, 2,460 GPH, one year warranty cost is $129.
- Superior Pump Model 92301, 1/3 HP, cast iron, 2,280 GPH, three year warranty cost is $134.
- Star Water Systems Model 5CDH, 1/2 HP, thermoplastic, 2,460 GPH, one year warranty, cost is $200.
- Zoeller Models 1084-0001, 1/2 HP, cast iron, 3,840 GPH, 2 year warranty, cost is $219.
- Zoeller Models M84-0001, 1/2 HP, cast iron, 3,060 GPH, 2 year warranty, made in the USA, cost is $380.
- Zoeller Models M81-0001, 1/3 HP, thermoplastic, 2,280 GPH, 2 year warranty, made in the USA, cost is $424.
- Zoeller Models M82-0001, 1/3 HP, cast iron, 2,400 GPH, 2 year warranty, made in the USA, cost is $565.
Recommendation Superior Pump Models 92551 and 92301
- Best Pedestal Sump Pump: Superior Pump Model 92551 1/2 HP.
- Runner Up Pedestal Sump Pump: Superior Pump Pedestal Model 92301 1/3 HP.
Superior Pump Model 92551 Key Specifications
- Longest warranty: 5 years.
- Built with quality and durability in mind: cast iron for base, motor housing, and motor plate and stainless steel for drive shaft, impeller and float ball and rod.
- High Pumping Capability: 2,700 GPH at 10 vertical feet.
- Powerful Motor: 1/2 HP.
- Long Power Cord: 10 feet.
- Energy Efficient: 3.06 running Amps.
- Non-clogging Design: Vortex impeller handles 3/8 inch solids.
- Adjustable Switch OFF Height: 9 inches to 16 inches.
- Budget Friendly: $124
Superior Pump Model 92301 and 92551 Similarities
- Cast iron base, motor housing, and motor plate add weight for pump durability and stability.
- Stainless steel drive shaft, impeller and float ball and rod will not rust so are very durable.
- Metal switch arm for strength and durability.
- Switch OFF height is 4 inches while the ON height is adjustable anywhere from 9 inches to 16 inches.
- Conversion to utility pump is possible with a 4 inch OFF height.
- Long 10 foot power cord.
- Vortex impeller passes 3/8 inch solids.
- Discharge port is 1-1/2 inches. Pump can be connected to PVC or ABS pipe or a discharge hose or even a garden hose if an adapter is installed.
- Tested in factory before each pump is shipment.
- Made in China in a factory partly owned by Pedrollo Group from Italy. Pedrollo designs the pumps and is a leader of pump manufacturing in Italy since 1974.
Superior Pump Model 92301 and 92551 Differences
- Horse power: Model 92301 is one-third HP; Model 92551 is one-half HP.
- GPH at 10 foot vertical height: Model 92301 is 2,280 GPH; Model 92551 is 2,700 GPH.
- Maximum Vertical Lift Height: Model 92301 is 20 feet; Model 92551 is 25 feet.
- Running Amps: Model 92301 is 2.78 Amps; Model 92551 is 3.06 Amps.
- Warranty: Model 92301 is 3 years; Model 92551 is 5 years.
- Cost: Model 92301 is $134; Model 92551 is $124.
Conclusion
The Superior Model 92551 is the best choice for a pedestal sump pump. It consists of the key specifications and parts that make it a reliable and durable pedestal sump pump. Its construction material, cast iron and stainless steel, and its non clogging design demonstrate why this model's warranty is 5 years. Surprisingly, the price is budget friendly.
Before purchasing, make sure this model's pumping performance meets your water pumping needs and that extended periods of continuous pumping are not frequent. Do consider the security risk if children or pets were to get caught in the pump portion that extends above the pit. The motor runs somewhat louder than a submersible pump; however, adding a check valve to the discharge pipe portion located in the basin deafen the water thumping sound.
Yes, if you do not have a need for heavy continuous pumping for long periods of time and you want easy switch maintenance. Its pumping capacity is not at high as a submersible pump; however the switch ON height is customizable. The motor and switch are not impacted by ground water contaminates because they sit above the top of the pit and the pump does not require removal for the to be replaced. Continuous pumping causes a pedestal pump motor to get hot and sway because the weight is on top unless a heavy cast iron base is used.
What is the life expectancy of a pedestal sump pump?
The life expectancy of a pedestal sump pump with cast iron housing and base and stainless steel parts is over 20 years because the motor and switch are not submersed in pit ground water. Switch replacement will be necessary every 3 - 5 years depending on pumping frequency. A thermoplastic motor housed pump will require replacement after 3 - 5 years depending on usage frequency.
Do you need a check valve on a pedestal sump pump?
Yes, a pedestal sump pump needs a check valve. Without a check valve, water remaining in the discharge pipe after the pump stops running returns to the pit and requires re pumping. This causes short cycling and premature motor wear. Plus without a check valve a loud water hammer, gurgling sound will occur when the motor shuts off as the water returns to the pit.
Which is better a pedestal or a submersible sump pump?
Which sump pump type is better depends on your water pumping needs and preferences. Continuous heavy duty pumping is best met with a submersible sump pump. It offers more horse power options, the motor keeps cooler in the pit water, it is out of sight and thus safer and generates less noise. A pedestal pump is best for low volume water pumping, no safety concerns with motor above the pit top and no noisier operation concerns, but looking to avoid pump removal from the pit to replace a failed switch.
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