Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
You can buy a new sump pump through do-it-yourself retailers, plumbing wholesalers, or waterproofing contractors. The prices range from about $60 to $500 or more, depending on quality and features.
First decide between a pedestal and submersible pump. A submersible is out of sight and earshot, an important advantage if the basement is used as a primary living area. It's also much safer if there are children in the house.
But pedestal pumps are less expensive and last longer. Because submersibles sit in water a good deal of the time, they have a life span of from 5 to 15 years.
Pedestals, on the other hand, may continue to operate for as long as 25 to 30 years. (Because a pump's life is closely related to the conditions and frequency of its use, most manufacturers offer limited 1-year warranties.) Pedestal pumps are also much easier to repair.
Automatic switches come in several types, including floats, diaphragms, and mercury switches. It doesn't really matter which type you choose--but be sure to choose one of them. By the precepts of Murphy's Law, if you put in a pump with a manual control, you won't be home to turn it on the next time your basement begins to flood. An automatic switch can protect the pump, too. Most pumps burn out if they run "dry" for too long. An automatic switch prevents this from happening.
Why we like it:
• Pump turns on if water rises in basement • Includes backup battery for when power goes out • Battery recharges automatically
Price is directly connected to a unit's strength. Almost without exception, the least expensive models are also the weakest. A sump pump is measured by horsepower--pumps range from 1/6 to 1/2 HP.
But more important is the number of gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per hour (GPH) a pump will move. This capacity is a factor of both the pump's efficiency and the "head," or "lift"--that is, the vertical distance from the bottom of the sump to the highest point of discharge. A pump may advertise "2400 GPH," but this may be measured at a 1-foot head. At a 5-foot head, that figure might drop to 2100 GPH, and at 10 feet 1800 GPH. Also note whether the pump is strong enough to pass small solids, such as leaves and twigs.
Materials that make up a pump also affect price. Look for parts and housings that won't corrode--cast bronze, alloy, stainless steel, and epoxy-coated cast-iron housings are favorable avoid sheet metal. Polypropylene and related plastics are used in all grades of pumps.
Pay attention to the power cord's length, too. They come with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25-foot-long power cords. Extension cords shouldn't be used with sump pumps.
