Sump Pumps and Well Pumps

You may need a well pump, a sump pump, or both. When you don't have access to a municipal water system, the former brings in household-use water from a surface or artesian well, while the latter evacuates water from around a building foundation when it is at the same level or below the water table, or is subject to sudden flooding from rainstorms or snowmelt. Either way, before you buy, you need to know a few facts regarding pump capacity and performance and how these apply to your particular needs.
Related Projects
Page 1/1
Sump pumps
Utility pumps
Well pumps
Tip

Sump pumps

There are two types of sump pumps: column and submersible.

Column pumps

Column pumps are equipped with an air-cooled motor and a ball floater. They're noisier than submersible pumps, but are much cheaper and work well for small amounts of water, e.g. in a flooded basement. They stand on a plastic or cast iron base.

Submersible pumps

Submersible pumps are mostly used for large amounts of water or when you need to pump a lot of water at different periods (e.g. thaw, abundant rain). They require a tray that's at least 18" deep. They also have a different start and stop level depending on the water flow, from 3-1/2" to 14", but generally between 6" and 14". The output is different depending on your specific needs and on the reversal height, so there are 1/4, 1/3 or 1/2 HP models.

The motor is sealed, oil-cooled and protected with a thermal switch. They’re equipped with either a floating or vertical floater switch. The vertical floater switch is recommended if the recovery tray is too small.

If you live in a region where floods and blackouts occur, we recommend that you use a battery-operated pump. In this case, the battery is a marine type battery that can operate for longer period than a car battery.

Utility pumps

These are used for ponds, waterfalls or to draw up small amounts of water. They come with a 1/10, 1/16, 1/4 or 1/3 HP motor. They do not have an on/off switch, which means they run continuously when plugged in.
Very popular model, ideal to draw up small amounts of water or to empty a waterbed. You can also use them to transfer some liquids.

Liquid waste pumps

This pump is used mainly for basement sinks or washing machines. It's not recommended for toilet bowls, as it lacks a grinder.

Effluent pumps

Stainless steel 1/2-HP pump with a floater and 2" drain pipe to which you have to add an anti-flowback valve. It is also available with a tray to collect water. This pump comes with an integrated grinder.

Well pumps

Three types of well pumps are available: shallow, convertible and submersible.

A shallow well pump

A shallow well pump is perfect for wells no deeper than 25 feet. It comes equipped with a stainless steel cam and a fibreglass-reinforced, thermoplastic body. Depending on the slope and your requirements, a 1/3-HP pump will usually do the job. It works on 110 V or 220 V and uses a 1-1/4" pipe. We recommend that you insert an anti-flowback valve or a foot valve.

Convertible pumps

Convertible pumps are made for wells from 25 to 90 feet deep. Since pumps cannot draw up water from a well deeper than 25 feet, this pump uses 2 pipes, 1/4" and 1", and an ejector that will draw the water up easily. It's available with a 110 V, 1/3 or 1/2-HP motor or a 220 V, 3/4 or 1-1/2-HP motor. A pressure regulator and a manometer are included.

Submersible pumps

Submersible pumps are made of stainless steel and are used for wells from 90 to 500 feet deep. The pump has 8 stages of pumping that pushes the water to the surface with the help of an anti-kickback valve. The model with two conductors has no control box, whereas the model with three conductors needs a control box. It runs on 220 V and has to be used in a 4" diameter hole with a 1-1/2" pipe.
All of these pumps can be hooked up with a CSA-approved "Carlon" pipe. Also, to complete the well pump installation you will need a tank. These tanks, made of steel and glazed inside with rust-resistant enamel, are equipped with a membrane and are pre-pressured. They are equivalent to a galvanized steel tank without a membrane.

It's important to check the plumbing regulations in your region. In some cities, it's prohibited to install a back flow on drains. In this case you have to install a backwater valve and use rigid ABS pipe.

Tip

If your pump valve makes muffled noises, install a collar clamp about 5" to 6" above the valve.
Buying a sump or well pump isn't difficult when you possess the facts, but installation may be another matter. Unless you are quite handy and equipped with the right tools, you probably should consider hiring an expert who can supply the necessary guarantees and make sure that the system is up to the task. The extra cost, but also the peace of mind that comes with it, will be well worth it.
Page 1/1