| The trend prevailing at present is to | | | | Another important factor is the pump's |
| do-it-yourself, and one of the many tasks | | | | capacity to move water. This is actually more |
| that needs to be done is the purchase | | | | important than the HP and is measured in GPM |
| replacement of the water pump. So it is | | | | - gallons per minute or GPH - gallons per |
| important to know the pertinent facts about | | | | hour. This is mainly dependent on the |
| them to enable you make a sound decision. | | | | vertical "lift" measured from the bottom of |
| | | | the tank (where the pump rests) and the |
| Firstly the price, which can range from $60 | | | | highest point of discharge. As the distance |
| to $500 or more, depending on the quality and | | | | of "lift" increases, the capacity of the pump |
| the features available. The capacity of the | | | | reduces accordingly. Evaluate the pump's |
| pump, ranging from 1/6 HP to 1/2 HP, too | | | | ability to pass small solids like twigs and |
| plays a big part in its pricing. As per the | | | | leaves through without clogging. |
| thumb rule, the weakest is the cheapest. The | | | | |
| next decision you need to make is to choose | | | | The physical make up of the pump also has an |
| between a pedestal and submersible pump. Both | | | | effect on the price. Parts that will not |
| have their advantages and disadvantages. A | | | | corrode or wear out fast are ideal, but they |
| submersible pump is out of sight (underwater) | | | | will add to the price. These include |
| and therefore silent. So it is a big | | | | stainless steel, alloy, cast bronze and |
| advantage if the basement area is used as a | | | | epoxy-coated cast iron housings which are |
| living room. Being away from the living | | | | preferred. Do remember to avoid sheet metal. |
| quarters, it is safer if you have small | | | | Polypropylene and other complex plastics are |
| children around. | | | | used in all grades of pumps. |
| | | | |
| Pedestal pumps while costing less, have a | | | | Consider the length of electric cord required |
| longer life since the submersible pump lies | | | | at the time of purchase. These are normally |
| in water permanently and is therefore prone | | | | available in multiples of 5 (up to 25 feet) |
| to developing faults. Pedestals have a life | | | | but ask the store to fix a new cord if your |
| span of around 25 to 30 years while | | | | requirements exceed this length. Extension |
| submersibles can serve for as long as 5 to 15 | | | | cords should not be used with pumps. |
| years only. Operating conditions vary so much | | | | |
| that manufacturers offer only a year long | | | | If your budget permits, you can also buy |
| limited warranty. Considering repairs, | | | | pumps, which work on fuels other than |
| pedestals are far easier and cheaper to | | | | electricity. These are useful in emergencies |
| maintain than submersibles. | | | | and natural disasters like floods and storms. |
| | | | This will be a back up pump and will kick |
| Moving to the switching apparatus, they come | | | | into action only when the main pump is |
| in different types. Automatic switches are | | | | overloaded or not functioning. |
| available in mercury, floats and diaphragms. | | | | |
| While there are other less popular types, be | | | | The decision to have a back up or not really |
| sure to choose one of these. Automatic | | | | depends on your situation and circumstances. |
| switches score over manual ones in that they | | | | Whether you need it or not is influenced by |
| do not require a person to be present to | | | | many factors - the electric supply to your |
| start or end their operations. This prevents | | | | area, the frequency of flooding and storms, |
| the catastrophe of flooding or finding the | | | | etc. if you have a well appointed home with |
| taps dry. Even if the water source dries up, | | | | luxury furnishings you might want to have a |
| a manual pump running on "dry" will burn | | | | back up since then it will give you more than |
| itself, while an automatic one will switch | | | | merely keeping your home water free, it will |
| off once the water level recedes below a | | | | give you the peace of mind that is far more |
| certain point. | | | | priceless. |
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