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