As a homeowner, you probably know that one of the most important investments you can make is in a sump pump.
A sump pump is a device that helps prevent water damage by pumping excess water out of your home's basement or crawlspace.
However, choosing the right size for your sump pump can be a daunting task. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about properly sizing a sump pump, including why it's important, what factors to consider, and how to choose the right size.
Choosing the right size sump pump is crucial for several reasons.
First, if your sump pump is too small, it may not be able to handle the volume of water that enters your basement during heavy rainstorms or snowmelt.
This can result in flooding, water damage, and costly repairs. Bigger is NOT always better, if your sump pump is too large, it can be expensive to operate and may not be as effective in removing water as a properly sized pump.
Several factors should be taken into account when sizing a sump pump. These include:
The capacity of a sump pump is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) and refers to the amount of water it can pump in one minute. A pump's capacity should be matched to the size of the sump pit it will be installed in.
For example, a 1/3 horsepower sump pump can typically handle up to 35 GPM, while a 1/2 horsepower pump can handle up to 60 GPM.
Max Flow Rate: The largest volume of water a pump can push out.
The pump head refers to the vertical lift distance that a pump can push liquid against gravity in order to be discharged from the pump. This is an important factor to consider when sizing a sump pump because the higher the pump head, the lower the pump's capacity will be.
A 1/3 and 1/2 horsepower has a typical install of 7 to 10 feet vertical lift off the sump pump, a 90-degree elbow and a horizontal pipe running between 3 and 25 feet
The size of the sump pit should also be taken into account when sizing a sump pump. A larger sump pit can accommodate a larger pump and can help prevent the pump from cycling on and off too frequently.
A standard size for a sump pit is 18 inches. If you tend to get more than 30 gallons of water coming into you sump pit per minute, then a larger diameter (24 inch) sump pit is more appropriate for you.
In example:
If you have a 24 inch sump pit, then 1 inch of water is equivalent to approximately 2 gallons.
It's important to consider backup systems when sizing a sump pump. Backup systems, such as battery backups or water-powered backups, can help ensure that your sump pump continues to function even during power outages or other emergencies.
Water powered sump pump uses a home's incoming water pressure to power the pump. Battery back up Sump Pumps run by a battery, these pumps are useful in situations where you can't us a water powered pump in the instance of your home having well water.
Now that you understand the factors to consider when sizing a sump pump, it's time to choose the right pump for your home. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Investing in a high-quality sump pump that is designed to last can save you money in the long run. Look for pumps that are made of durable materials and come with a warranty.
There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. Submersible pumps are designed to be installed inside the sump pit and are typically quieter and more efficient. Pedestal pumps are installed outside of the sump pit and are less expensive but also less efficient.
Choosing an energy-efficient sump pump can help you save money on your utility bills. Look for pumps that are Energy Star certified and have a high efficiency rating.
If you plan to use your basement for living space, you may want to choose a quieter sump pump. Submersible pumps are typically quieter than pedestal pumps, so keep this in mind when making your choice.
Installing a sump pump can be a complicated process, so it's best to leave it to the professionals. Hire a licensed plumber or sump pump installer to ensure that your pump is installed correctly and functions properly.
Periodically maintain your pump by doing the following:
A. Sump pumps should be tested at least once a year to ensure that they are functioning properly.
Thinking Rinnai tankless? This guide answers the most common questions—how to size, how often to flush, typical issues, condensing vs. non-condensing, indoor vs. outdoor, warranties, and more—so you can pick the right model with confidence.
Snow-melt heating uses embedded electric mats or cables to automatically clear ice and snow from walkways, paths, and driveways—no salt, no scraping. Here’s how it works, when to use it, what it costs, and what to buy.
Point-of-use reverse osmosis (under-sink RO) delivers crisp, great-tasting water at the faucet by reducing TDS and chlorine taste/odor—ideal for cooking, coffee, baby formula, and ice—with optional remineralization for those who want minerals/electrolytes back for taste.
{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}
Leave a comment