Is your home prepared for the rainy season? Do you have the right sump pump installed in your home?
The rainy season is upon us, and it’s time to direct our attention to unwanted water in the basement! Is your sump pump in top condition and ready to handle pumping water out of your home? Do you have the right sump pump for your home installed?
Submersible sump pumps are the preferred choice for most homes. It’s important to choose the right sump pump with the right amount of horsepower for your home. This will save you money in the long run. When choosing, know this: All sump pumps are not created equal, and the needs for one differ for every home.
The capacity to deliver water at a given flow rate varies according to:
- Depth of the sump pit
- Pump horsepower (HP)
- Sump pump model
- Pipe diameter, length, number, and angles of bends or elbows
- The presence of leaks or obstructions
Choosing the Right Sump Pump for Your Home: Key Considerations
When selecting a sump pump, remember that bigger isn’t always better. Installing an oversized pump, like a high-powered 1/2 horsepower model, may seem like a good idea to move water out quickly, but it can lead to faster cycling, unnecessary wear, and a shorter lifespan — ultimately increasing replacement costs.
To make the best choice for your home, start by examining the data plate on your current or previous sump pump. This plate provides essential information, such as the model and horsepower. Replacing your sump pump with one that matches the original HP is usually a good practice, but there are several factors to consider:
- Not All Sump Pumps Are Created Equal: Output varies by manufacturer and model. Check the gallons per minute (GPM) delivery to ensure the pump meets your needs.
- Vertical and electronic float switches are versatile and work well in sump pits of all sizes.
- Tether float switches require a sump pit diameter of at least 14 inches to prevent sticking or malfunction due to debris.
- Horsepower Considerations: Choose the right HP for your home based on the water table and expected load. Too much HP can be as problematic as too little.
- Discharge Pathway: Evaluate what the discharged water must pass through:
- The vertical lift required to move water out of the pit
- The angle or degree of elbows in the discharge pipe
- The total length of horizontal piping
By carefully weighing these factors, you can choose a sump pump that is both efficient and durable, ensuring your basement stays dry without unnecessary strain on the system.
Determining the Right Amount of Horsepower Needed From Your Sump Pump
Do you need more horsepower than your current sump pump provides? You do if the vertical lift off the sump pump is high, the horizontal pipe runs between 30 and 150 feet, and you notice a loss of water flow. A higher HP will provide higher pumping capacity and will deliver an improved GPM.
1/3 HP Submersible Sump Pumps
The average home with an average water table needs no more than a 1/3 HP sump pump. It is the most common-sized sump pump and handles most water tables easily. A 1/3 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.
1/2 HP Submersible Sump Pumps
The average home with an above-average water table, will most likely require a 1/2 HP sump pump. This sized sump pumps about 35% to 40% more water than 1/3 HP sump pumps do. If water is higher than usual, a 1/3 HP can handle a higher vertical lift when discharging 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.
3/4 HP Submersible Sump Pumps
A 3/4 HP pump has a pumping capacity 20% to 25% more than a 1/2 HP sump pump has. A pump of this size can handle a high vertical lift of 20 to 30 feet and/or horizontal pipe running between 150 to 250 feet. When should you consider a 3/4 HP sump pump for your home?
- your home is located in a flood plain or low-lying area
- water tables are high in your area and susceptible to flooding
- your basement is deep
- the water is discharged through more than 10 feet of horizontal pipe
- you’re using the pump for outdoor pumping
If your home needs a sump pump installed, maintained or needs one replaced, contact Blue Frost Heating & Cooling today. We will determine the right sump pump for your home and properly install it for you. Don’t give piping, pressure relief valves, safety control, wiring, and plumbing another thought. Call Blue Frost Heating & Cooling and rest easy knowing your home is prepared for disaster, if and when it strikes.
