| How big is your sump pump pit? Get the | | | | volume of water per minute or hour the sump |
| yardstick or tape measure out and measure the | | | | pump move out of the pit at that height. The |
| pit diameter and depth. Not all sump pumps are | | | | greater the horse power the greater the water it |
| the same diameter. Tether floats require the | | | | can pump in a specific period of time. |
| widest diameter sized pit. It is smart to select a | | | | What kind of weight is required? Thermoplastic |
| size that will still allow room for a battery backup | | | | weighs less than cast iron. The heavier the pump |
| sump pump. | | | | the more durable and capable it is of working |
| How long of a power cord will be needed? | | | | hard. Determine if the pump be required to run |
| Measure the distance from the sump pump cover | | | | continuously during heavy rain storms and hours |
| to the electrical outlet. Add at least 24 inches. | | | | thereafter. |
| Each pump should not be plugged into an | | | | What about the construction material? Cast iron |
| extension cord. In fact, each should have its own | | | | corrodes. An epoxy coating deters the corrosion |
| electrical outlet. | | | | process. Stainless steel resists corrosion and is |
| Will you install it yourself or hire a plumber? Many | | | | durable. What material is used for the pump |
| plumbers will only install specific brands. | | | | housing, impeller shaft, volute and screws and |
| Is there potential that particles, solids or sludge will | | | | bolts? Not all pumps use the same materials. Glass |
| be found in the water coming into the pit or | | | | reinforced carbonate is stronger than |
| emerge from the pit itself? Not all pumps handle | | | | poly-carbonate. |
| solids or small particles. Not all pumps are built so | | | | How much do you want to save on your electric |
| the float switch mechanism does not end up being | | | | bill? The amount of amps used per pump varies. |
| obstructed. | | | | Some pumps use 2.7; others use 10.7. The |
| What is the diameter of the discharge port? Wrap | | | | difference can be as much as $78 per year. |
| a tape measure or string around the pipe to get | | | | Do you want to replace parts yourself? The most |
| the circumference. Divide the circumference by | | | | prevalent sump pump failure is the float-switch. |
| 3.14. This will give you the diameter of the | | | | The entire pump must be raised from the pit to |
| discharge port if the port has the same size pipe | | | | replace the switch for many pumps. There are |
| on each end. Some come with a garden hose size | | | | some however that have a float-switch external |
| adapter, 1 1/4" or 1 ½" or even 2". | | | | to the pump so only the switch cage needs to be |
| What will the lift be - the height the water will be | | | | removed from the pit for replacement. |
| raised from the pump to the highest point to | | | | Does the sump pump have a warranty? |
| where it is pumped out? Measure it. Check the | | | | Warranties vary by manufacturer and pump size. |