Sump Pump Types Pros Cons
Key Points For Different Types Of Sump Pumps
Each Sump Pump Type Uses A Different Power Source
Pros Cons For Sump Pump Type Characteristics Rated
Sump Pump types exist because each type is designed for different conditions. Using a sump pump type for its unintended purpose results in disappointment and pump failure during crucial moments like heavy rainstorms. Understanding each type results in making the right purchase decision and peace of mind when rain events occur.
Design differences and conditions demonstrate themselves in power source, location, flow rate, and ease of installation and maintenance.
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Sump pumps are known for their multiple types and uses. Sump pumps and their uses can be classified by water removal type, power source during usage and location during usage.
A sump pump is designed to remove ground water collecting in a basin installed in the lowest level of the house away from the house while a floor sucker or utility pump remove water from a floor level. On the other hand a sewage pump which sits in a sewage pit removes both waste water and raw waste sewage.
Pumps without a vortex impeller remove only clean ground water while an effluent sump pump relies on a vortex impeller to handle small solids and debris while a sewage pump relies on a vortex impeller to remove larger waste materials. A sewage pump can be used as a sump pump though it is an overkill; but a submersible effluent pump cannot be used to remove raw waste sewage.
Brands like Wayne do not use a vortex impeller and thus do not handle small solids or debris found in a basin. Brands like Zoeller, Liberty Pumps and Little Giant use vortex impellers.
A main sump pump relies on its motor to use electricity as its power source; however a backup sump pump uses an alternative power source when electricity is not available. A backup sump pump is intended only for emergency situations when the electrical power goes out. A battery backup pump runs on battery power. A water powered pump relies on municipal water and its pressure to remove sump basin water. Solar powered pumps use solar power.
A sump pump location determines its identifying name. A sump pump with its motor and switch submerged in water siting in a sump basin is known as a submersible sump pump. On the other hand a pump sitting above a sump basin with a motor and switch that cannot get wet propped up on a long cylindrical column is known as a pedestal pump. Floor sucker and utility pumps may be submersible or non-submersible.
:Battery backup pumps are submersible, but water powered pump are not; only their suction tubes are submersed.
A combination sump pump includes two pumps: a primary submersible and a battery backup sump pump, attached as one unit using a Wye connection for easy installation to an existing discharge pipe system.
Flow rate is key to selecting the best sump pump because a low flow rate leads to basin offer flow during continuous heavy rainstorms and too high of a flow rate causes the pump motor to short cycle and wear out faster.
Before looking at each sump pump type in more detail, let's get a birdseye view of sump pump types characteristics: Lifespan, Reliability, Capacity and Noise, so the pros and cons of each sump pump type are more meaningful. Use these facts to help you identify which sump pump type is best for your water pumping needs.
- The lifespan of a submersible sump pump is the longest of any sump pump type. These pumps are known for their quality. Those made of cast iron are known to last decades as long as their float switch is replaced before it fails. The submersible pump is installed in the pit thus the motor housing and water in the pit keep the motor cool during heavy continuous pumping. Overheating may occur with housing material other than cast iron.
- A pedestal pump's life span is below average. Pedestal sump pumps rely on air flowing through their vents surrounding the motor to cool the motor; unlike other pump types the motor is not submerged in water which acts as a more effective cooling agent. Engine overheating during continuous pumping leads to premature breakdown.
- A battery backup sump pumps lifespan is average compared to the submersible sump pump. Its lifespan depends on the frequency of use during heavy continuous pumping for long periods of time. Most of the motors are not strong enough to sustain long continuous pumping; however if used only intermittently they last much longer. Their individual components: battery charger and controller handle their operation well. Most model battery backup pumps are made of thermoplastic which overheats during heavy continuous pumping.
- The lifespan of a water powered sump pump is above average. Its number of wearable parts is limited compared to other sump pump types. Those mounted on the basement ceiling joists offer the longest lifespan.
- The longevity of the combination sump pump, the pre-assembly of a submersible and battery backup sump pump with a WYE connection for easy installation, is based on the longevity of its submersible sump pump and the longevity of its battery backup sump. In general its longevity is above average.
- The reliability of the submersible sump pump is greater than any other sump pump type. As long as electricity is available, the housing is cast iron or a combination of stainless steel and cast iron, the float switch is replaced every 3 to 7 years depending upon number of pumping cycles used, and the periodic maintenance cleaning of the float based on switch type, the pump is built to last decades. The motor is strong and it's built for heavy duty, long continuous pumping.
- Pedestal sump pump reliability is lower than other sump pump types. The float gets caught easily on the side of the basin because their top heavy motor supported on a long pole, known as a pedestal or column, causes too much movement during heavy continuous pumping. A caught float causes switch jamming either in the ON or OFF position so the pump keeps running or never starts. Additionally the column leading from the bottom of the pit to the discharge pipe system easily clogs from pit debris and small stones.
- A battery backup sump pumps reliability is average. Its dependability is dependent on the condition of its battery and how long it must pump continuously. Its thermoplastic housed motor is not as strong as a submersible sump pump motor and it overheats with continuous pumping. Intermittent pumping is best for this sump pump type. Continuous pumping gives 5 to 6 hours of run time before a fully charged battery is depleted. Intermittent pumping offers 2 to 3 days of pumping or more depending upon the intervals between pumping cycles.
- The reliability of a water powered sump pump is below average because its reliability is dependent upon the municipal cities water pressure, water availability and the power of the pump jet. Too often the water pressure is too low and the pump jet is not powerful enough. Low water pressure results in low flow rates which causes pit overflow and flooding. Most houses require a flow rate equal to a one-third horse power pump and a water powered sump pump is not capable of that high of a water flow rate.
- The reliability of a combination sump pump is determined by the reliability of its submersible sump pump and the reliability of its battery backup sump pump. In general its reliability is above average when float switch replacement occurs based on the manufacturer's recommendation.
- The pumping capacity of a submersible sump pump is the highest of all sump pump types. Its pumping capability is determined by the horse power of the pump installed and the vertical height to which the water is pumped. Horse power options range from one-fourth to one horse power; therefore choosing the proper horse power results in more than adequate pumping capability.
- Pedestal sump pump capacity is average compared to other sump pump types. Though its pumping capacity is not as great as a submerged pump because its only available horse power is one-third and one-half horse power, its pumping performance is comparable to the same horse power submersible sump pumps.
- A battery backup sump pump pumping capacity is average. Most homes use a one-third horse power main sump pump; thus there are several battery backup sump pumps offering sufficient pump performance. However, if a one-half horse power pump performance is needed, a battery backup pumps performance is not sufficient. Installing a sump pump power inverter is the best option when a one-half horse power backup system is needed because it supports a main submersible sump pump with up to one horse if the Amp usage is below 15 Amps.
- A water powered sump pump pumping capacity is well below average. Most homes use a one-third horse power or greater main sump pump; therefore a water powered sump pump will not work. Its pump performance is too low.
- A combination submersible sump pump capacity is above average for its main submersible sump pump but only average for its battery backup sump pump pumping performance. A combination sump pump works well if a home needs a one-half horse power or less main pump and a one-third horse power backup pump.
- Submersible sump pumps are the most quiet running sump pump type, especially if a quiet check valve is installed. They sit in a sump pit submerged in water so the water, pit walls and being underground level deafen the motor sounds Plus a lid easily fits around the discharge pipes sealing off the pit.
- The pedestal sump pump is the noisiest sump pump type. Its motor runs above the pit and covering the pit is difficult.
- Battery backup sump pump noise level is average. The pump installs in the pit so they are quieter than pedestal sump pumps; however they do not run as quiet as most submersible sump pumps. A pit lid eliminates some of the noise.
- A water powered sump pump noise level is average; but not as loud as a pedestal sump pump. Noise varies by model design. Noise is heard from the sound of running water, the suction of the water from the pit or the noise of a backup flow preventer.
It's the pros and cons for each sump pump type: submersible, pedestal, battery backup, water powered and combination, that give insight into which sump pump type is the best fit for your water situation. Use these pros and cons to identify your water situation and which pump type best fits your water pumping needs. Then take action accordingly.
The submersible sump pump, known as the primary or main sump pump, is the most popular and commonly used sump pump type for residential and commercial building owners. Unlike any other sump pump type, its Pros far outweigh its Cons. Check out this list for yourself and see what you think.
The pedestal sump pump, known as a oolumn sump pump, is less popular than the submersible sump pump; however some homeowners prefer this style because of its uniqueness and ease of maintenance. See if this sump pump type meets your needs and satisfies your preferences.
The battery backup sump pump is a necessity for those who live in areas where electricity is not reliable. They prevent flooding from an overflowing sump basin when the primary pump fails or the electricity is out. See if this sump pump type meets your needs and satisfies your preferences.
The water powered sump pump is a great backup pump for those who have limited water requiring pumping. Its run time is limitless as long as municipal water and its pressure are present.
The combination sump pump makes the installation of a primary and battery backup pump easy because the combo pump assembles a primary electric pump and battery backup pump as one unit with a WYE connection for installation to an existing discharge pipe.
The following tips provide help in choosing the best sump pump type for your water situation.
We own 4 sump pumps and a sewage pump. We live in a high water table area and get a lot of rain. For the past 40 years we tried several sump pumps and learned a lot from experience. We install our own pumps. Plus we do continuous research, talk with manufacturers and attend pump training always looking for the best.
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