Sump pump advice

[robg]

Hi,
I have a Wayne 1/3h.p. PTU33 1.5" discharge pedestal sump pump in a 23" deep 11"x11" pit in my finished basement with poured concrete floor and walls. The pump looks old and given proximity to my home theater, I want the best possible replacement without redoing my pit.

Ideally, I'd do a Zoeller M53 submersible but unless you tell me otherwise, my pit is too small. Zoeller customer service also told me that the Zoeller Model 84 pedestal needs 18" wide.

The Ridgid SP-500P is similar to the Model 84, but only asks for 11". So, I'm wondering whether the Model 84 might actually be OK in my pit. (I'd get the SP-500P but it has switch issues that I've read about).

Should I give up on the Model 84? Or can you suggest an alternative?

BTW Although a secondary pump is out of the question too, at least my whole house is on backup generator and I'll put an AquaNot flood alarm nearby.

Thanks!

[plumberjr]

dont use a pedestal--use the zoeller m53 and 4 extra safe protection use the zoeller 507 battery backup system---ive never had a problem with either and have installed thousands---zoellers last a long time--im not a fan of pedestal pumps--get the m53--u will thank me later

[plumberjr]

i love ridgid products , just dont have experience with the sump line--if its like all other ridgid products, its probably the best---but i have real good luck with zoeller, and the m53 should fit without a problem

[plumberjr]

also if u use the 507 backup, dont get cheap and by a battery from the car parts store--buy zoellers aquanot battery--mine has been in my basement for over 7 years--never an issue

[robg]

plumberjr,

You've used the M53 and the 507 backup in an 11" x 11" pit like mine? Then, I'm sold -- but why does Zoeller say minimum 18"? Geez.

Thanks for the reply!

[plumberjr]

i dont have the specs on me for either--but i know ive fit an m53 in a small crock before--im not sure about the backup--it may fit if you place the discharge as close as possible to the wall--the backup kit comes with a tee and the pump glues right into it--matter of fact the backup will fit-u just have to keep things tight and close--obviously, a standard crock size would be better , but if thats not gonna happen, you have no choice- i just measured a m53 thats in my garage and its about 10 inches --it will fit--the backup will be tight ,though--i could make it work

[plumberjr]

18 x 24 is typical and should be used--but if u arent gonna change it,you have no choice---you need to keep water out and this will

[robg]

I've also read about potential switch problems on the Zoeller M53...

I'm still leaning towards the M53 thanks to plumberjr's advice, but how about replacing the switch with an electronic one...

http://www.amazon.com/Floodfree-Electronic-Sump-Control-Alarm/dp/B000XT3R1C

[TOPDAWG]

With a generator you shouldn't need a battery backup. If you do go the battery back up route you will need to get a check valve that screws into the pump itself to give you enough room to put the units in and seeing you only have an 11" X 11" pit you will have a heck of a time getting it all in especially if you have any drain pipes sticking into the side of the crock. I would buy the Ridgid SSP-1000 it has a 9" footprint so you wont have any problems getting it in the 11" pit. I would probably just buy a extra sump pump in case the pump goes bad you will have one to throw in seeing you have a alarm

[plumberjr]

I have yet to see a zoeller switch problem--ive seen 18 year old zoeller pumps burn out--thats it though--if you have a generator-forget the backup if it is an auto engage generator

[Old Grunter]

Info sheets on Zoller "50" series.
http://www.zoeller.com/zcopump/zcopdfdocs/FM0493.pdf

[JCsPlumbing]

I would not buy ANY Ridgid pump. I've read too many problems on THIS forum about them and there switch system. Stick with Zoeller. Proven.

You need a certain size pit for whatever pump you install. It must be large enough that the pump does not short cycle & decrease its useful life.

Good Luck.

J.C.

[wrench spinner]

agree with JC 110%. Id try hydromatic d-a1 in my opinion a little better than a zoeller they have better customer support in my area and that is the most important part of the equation. They last just as long as a zoeller whatever you do stay away from the ridgid.... do a search on this forum and review the horro stories yourself!

[wrench spinner]

if you do want to go with a zoeller go with a diaphram switch in your tight area 11"x11" ANY float may get hung up!

[DuckButter]

plumberjr,

You've used the M53 and the 507 backup in an 11" x 11" pit like mine? Then, I'm sold -- but why does Zoeller say minimum 18"? Geez.

Thanks for the reply!

I've done that exact set-up in a 12" hole and wound up having to go back.
The float got stuck against the side if the pit when it turned on and stayed up.

I wound up shimming it to space the float.

An 11" hole...I dunno, the 12" was tight as it was.
Also the 507 staggers to prevent air lock...may not work in that space, or it may...your gamble.

[plumberjr]

do not use a hydromatic--they are very cheap--any plumber in this area that cares about his reputation will not ever use hydromatic--plastic pumps are junk----junk junk junk-----as a matter of fact, a few years ago , hydromatic had a huge recall on bad switches--and they didnt even cover the labor--so the poor guys that put them in had to eat the labor and look like fools installing junk-----id rather stick to a solid long lasting pump----and zoeller pumps will outlast and out perform hydro's--the supply houses out here that stock hydros always tell people to spend a couple extra bucks and buy a better name---thats a fact

remember--its your valuables that get destroyed when it fails--wouldnt u rather have a good pump??????

[plumberjr]

like duck said--u may have to wedge a brick or shim in between wall and pump as vibration may move it around----good luck and thank me the next time it rains and the zoeller keeps up and does not fail--also dont forget the check valve!!!!!!

[TOPDAWG]

I would not buy ANY Ridgid pump. I've read too many problems on THIS forum about them and there switch system. Stick with Zoeller. Proven.

You need a certain size pit for whatever pump you install. It must be large enough that the pump does not short cycle & decrease its useful life.

Good Luck.

J.C.I only mentioned the Ridgid SSP-1000 1 HP pump as I found it has the smallest foot print and being a 11" pit he needs all the space he can get. Also with a lifetime warranty if it does go out as long as he keeps his recipe Ridgid replaces it at no cost!

[wrench spinner]

do not use a hydromatic--they are very cheap--any plumber in this area that cares about his reputation will not ever use hydromatic--plastic pumps are junk----junk junk junk-----as a matter of fact, a few years ago , hydromatic had a huge recall on bad switches--and they didnt even cover the labor--so the poor guys that put them in had to eat the labor and look like fools installing junk-----id rather stick to a solid long lasting pump----and zoeller pumps will outlast and out perform hydro's--the supply houses out here that stock hydros always tell people to spend a couple extra bucks and buy a better name---thats a fact

remember--its your valuables that get destroyed when it fails--wouldnt u rather have a good pump??????

plastic my a$$.... what do you think we use in big pump stations that serve municipalities, hydromatic and ABS... just because you dont know about something you shouldnt knock it. I like zoeller pumps, installed many of them, i have alos installed hydromatic, abs, tsurumi and goulds... i have not had problems with a one of them. but installing any pump with a float he will have problems, the float will get hung up and burn out prematurely... ANY PLUMBER THAT CARES ABOUT HIS REPUTATION should not sell someone something that because of their own ignorance isn't going to work right as soon as the pump start to vibrate in the least bit! I stand behind everything I have ever installed to this day! and i also have to stand behind the design and installation of multimillion dollar lift stations that serve communities... I do care about my reputation