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Sump Pumps FAQs


Where do I find the nameplate?

The name plate can typically be found on the top of the pump, this includes information you may need such as date of manufacture, model number, horsepower etc.

What is a sump pump?

A sump pump is a pump that is placed in a pit (or sump) and used to pump unwanted groundwater up and away from an undesirable location. They are commonly found in basements and crawl spaces of residential homes.

What does Automatic mean?

An automatic pump comes with a switch that will tell the pump when to turn on and off.

What does Manual mean?

A manual pump does not come with a switch and is turned on manually or via a control panel.

What kind of switch do I need with my pump?

You have basically three options here: tethered float, vertical float, or diaphragm switch. A tethered float is used in sumps that have a large enough basin to accommodate the wide path the float travels during operation. This allows the pump to run longer during operation and gives it more time to cool off before the next cycle. This prolongs the life of the pump and helps to lower electricity costs.

A vertical float switch is used in smaller basins where a tethered float is not an option. This float has a much shorter range of on/off so it will make the pump run more often but is useful in tight spaces.

A diaphragm switch is used in smaller basins where the other floats are not practical. It operates by sensing the pressure of the water above it rather than using floatation to activate a switch.

What size sump pit should I get/dig?

The simple answer: bigger is better. The bigger the sump pit the longer time between cycles for the pump. This allows for proper cooling of the motor, prolonging the life of the pump. The goal is to get one large enough to use a tethered float switch in.

What size pump should I get?

When sizing a pump for mostly clear groundwater we look at two things: Flow and Head. The amount of flow you need will be dependent on the size of the basin and the actual inflow of the groundwater. Larger flow requires more horsepower. The amount of head you have is calculated by adding the vertical distance the water is being pumped from where the pump sits to where it is being discharged and the friction losses through the piping. If you need help selecting the right pump, please give us a call.

How do I make sure my pump is working?

If your pump is using a piggyback float (or not directly wired into the motor) unplug it and plug your pump directly into the outlet. The pump should start up right away. Do not let it run for more than a minute or so as it may overheat. To test the float switch, or if your pump has a float switch incorporated into the motor, use a stick or another nonconductive device to lift the float into the “on” position.

Do I need a check valve?

Yes. A check valve is a valve that only lets water flow in one direction. On a sump pump these are typically installed within 4 feet of the pumps discharge. This is done to prevent water from flowing back into the pit and causing the pump to rapid cycle.

Should I have a backup pump?

Having a backup pump ensures that when the death of your old pump occurs, you can immediately have another in its place. For some, it could be a matter of hours before the sump overflows and causes hundreds or even thousands of dollars in water damage. It is always best to think ahead.

Do I need an alarm?

A tank alert alarm will sound an audible alarm when your pump stops working. Options also include battery backup and Wi-Fi compatibility that will notify you via text and/or email when an alarm condition occurs.

RC Worst YouTube videos:

Click here for 6 Things Sump Pump Owners NEED to Know

Click here for How to Select a Sump Pump

Other RC Worst sump pump blogs:

Click here to read How Long Should My Sump Pump Last?

Click here to read Top 6 Sump Pump Maintenance Tips | Sump Pit Maintenance