Submersible
Sump Pump
The
submersible sump pump features a watertight
motor (sealed and submerged in oil) making it
fully functional under water. It is placed at
the bottom of a sump basin and installed below
water level. Although a little more costly than
the pedestal type, it has significant advantages.
- typically
quieter
- requires
less maintenance
- out
of plain sight
- can
handle larger quantities of water
- less
hazardous to children
Features
Sump pumps come in an array of sizes and styles.
To find the right sump pump, begin by estimating
your needs, and measure the size and depth of
the sump pit to ensure a good fit. Two features
that are important to consider when shopping
around for a submersible sump pump are: GPM
and horsepower.
Size
and Power
-
Capacity of water flow - GPM (gallons per
minute)
- Horse
power - motor capacity required to discharge
the water
Manual
and Automatic Switches
- Float-activated
switch
- Sealed
interior switch
An
automatic switch is your best bet as
it will activate the sump pump should flooding
occur when you are not home. The manual
switch requires that someone turn on
the switch in order to start the sump pump.
Corrosion
When looking for parts or housings for your
sump pump, make sure to avoid purchasing materials
that corrode. Non-corroding materials such as
cast bronze, alloy, stainless steel and epoxy-coated
cast iron are durable and reliable.
Back
Up Plan
Like any other mechanical device, a submersible
sump pump can break down. If your philosophy
is “better to be safe than sorry”,
you need to have a back-up plan in place.
Extra
protective devices such as alarms and
battery powered back up sump pumps can be purchased
to provide you with peace of mind and additional
assurance against water damage in case of system
failure.
Installation
Free installation or installation at a small
fee may be offered from the place of purchase;
look into it. It is recommended that a submersible
sump pump be installed by a professional. Improper
installation can result in system malfunction
and thus cannot guarantee protection against
flooding.
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