QA

How To Size A Sump Pump

Do I need a 1/3 or 1/2 HP sump pump?

There is no “correct” size. The horsepower requirement for a house is determined by the area of drainage connected to the sump, the depth to groundwater, the depth of the basement and many other factors. A 1/3 horsepower (hp) pump is satisfactory for most houses, but a 1/2 hp pump doesn’t cost that much more.

How do I know what size sump pump I need?

Multiply the number of inches that the water rose in a minute by 60, in order to estimate the volume of water that would come into your pit during an hour of steady rain. Multiply this number by a “safety factor” of 1.5 to figure out the pumping capacity you need.

Can a sump pump be too big?

There’s a saying about “bigger is better,” but with sump pumps, this is not true. Oversizing a sump pump can lead to constant cycling and premature burnout of your pump system.

How far can a 1/2 HP sump pump push water?

A 1/2 HP sump pump can handle 7 to 10 feet vertical lift off the sump pump, a 90-degree elbow and a horizontal pipe running between 3 and 25 feet.

Can you put two sump pumps in pit?

You could set both sump pumps at the bottom of your sump pit basin, but that would mean that both pumps would run at the same time. The more a pump turns on and off the shorter the life span. So, by installing the 2nd sump pump slightly higher, or on top of the primary pump, they won’t be working in tandem.

Should I put my sump pump on bricks?

Ensure your sump pump doesn’t sit on debris such as silt or gravel, which could be sucked up into the pump, ruining the motor. Instead, place it on steady, flat bricks. Also, ensure the sump basin has a filter fabric around it to stop debris from coming in.

How far can a 1 HP sump pump push water?

A 1 HP sump pump has significant vertical and horizontal reach, making it ideal not only for residential homes but also for commercial units. These pumps deliver an average of 19 GPH and can lift water from wells that are 200 feet deep.

How many sump pumps do I need in my basement?

Each Sump Pit should have 2 pumps, a Primary and a Backup (whether it be a battery backup, or in the case of a home-generator, a secondary Primary) Drain Tile needs to be sloped 1/8” per Linear Foot. Incorrectly installed Drain Tile and inadequate Sump Pumps and Pits will cause your basement to flood.

How high should sump pump be?

2 Answers. The water should not be that high in the sump. It should be down to around the 2-3″ level inside.

How much area does a sump pump cover?

A 24-inch pit with one inch of water is two gallons, and 24-inch pits usually handle 30 gallons of water. If you are installing a brand-new sump pump, expect every 1,000 sq ft of your house needs a capacity of 14 gallons per minute if you build on sandy soil. If you build on clay, expect every 1,000 sq. ft.

How many hours can a sump pump run continuously?

Generally, sump pumps can run for six to 24 hours continuously, depending on how heavy the rainfall is and the quality of your pump. The aftermath of torrential rains or even flooding puts a higher demand on your sump pump to keep your home’s low areas dry.

Do all sump pumps have a float?

Different types of floats are used by different types of sump pumps. Pedestal pumps will typically have a bulb type float connected to a metal rod that turns on the pump motor’s switch. Other types of pumps utilize floats attached to arms that will raise and lower as the water level rises and lowers.

What is the difference between 1/2 hp and 3/4 hp water pump?

Generally, ½ hp pumps have 10 GPM, ideal for average houses. While ¾ hp pumps can go as high as 13 GPM. If you need a large supply of water, going with a ¾ hp pump is the way to go.

What’s the best sump pump to buy?

Here are our top picks. Most Compact: Superior Pump Store 1/4-Horsepower Utility Pump. Best Submersible Pump: Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate Sump Pump. Best Power: Wayne Submersible Cast-Iron and Stainless-Steel Sump Pump. Best Battery Backup: Wayne Upgraded Combination Battery Back-Up Sump Pump.

What size of submersible pump do I need?

Determine Gallons Per Minute Required A key to selecting the right size pump is to figure the gallons per minute of water required at peak periods. A pump should be selected to meet normal peak demand for the household, rather than average use.

How many years does a sump pump last?

How Long Does A Sump Pump Last On Average? Like other appliances and equipment in your home, your sump pump won’t last forever. Averaging about 10 years, you might not notice your sump pump has malfunctioned until it has stopped working.

Is one sump pump enough?

Sometimes a single sump pump just isn’t enough to handle a wet basement “event.” The pump might not be reliable enough or powerful enough to handle the volume of water pouring in, especially during heavy rains.

How far away from house should sump pump discharge?

The discharge point should be at least 10 feet away from your foundation, but 20 feet is better. Otherwise, the water will reabsorb into the soil, and your pump will need to remove it again.

Does sump pump need a stand?

When you install a sump, you want to extend its life so that it can protect your home from flooding. A sump pump stand will extend the life of your sump pump by preventing sediment and debris in your basin.

How do you know where to place a sump pump?

Ideally, your sump pump basin should be in the lowest-lying location in your basement so water will naturally flow there. Go by sight as much as you can and then use a level to be sure the area is sloped downward.