Choosing the right sump pump for your house
The right sump pump for your basement is directly related to how much water has to be moved.
More water means a larger pump is needed.
PUMP SIZE
In general, larger pumps are also designed to work longer and harder than smaller units. They are built to handle a heavier load than smaller pumps. In any case, maintenance is a requirement to make sure the pump stays in operating order.
Pumps are generally 1/4, 1/3 and 1/2 horsepower. The half-horsepower pump is used on the largest basements that are below the water level. Water infiltration is a continual problem. This size will move the most water in the least amount of time. It also draws the most power during operation.
The 1/3 horsepower motor can be used for basements with water in the sump regularly, but it is not going to move as much water as the half-horsepower model. This size is best suited for basements at or near the water level.
The quarter-horsepower motor is the weakest of the three and moves the least amount of water. These should be used in areas where sump water is not a regular event and the basement is above the water table. This unit uses the least amount of power.
OPERATION TYPE
Sump pumps are manual or automatic. The manual is switched on and off when needed. The 1/4 horsepower models work well under manual conditions.
The automatic switch turns on and off as needed. Most half-horsepower motors are connected to this kind of switch. The biggest pumps will also usually have a water-level sensing switch; when the water reaches a certain level, the pump comes on.
Nearly all residential sump pumps operate on household current, 120, 240 volts or for the largest pumps with heavy use, 460 volts. Three-phase power pumps are generally not found in residential areas because of the cost of supplying that amount of electrical power.
Pumps can be electrically driven only or electric with a battery backup. These 12 volt deep-cycle batteries are the same kind as found in fishing boat trolling motors. When on a sump pump, the batteries are also connected to a trickle charger to keep the backup power fully charged.
Head pressure determines how high up the pump can drive the water. A deeper basement is going to need a pump with greater head pressure than a shallow basement.