What Size Sump Pump Do I Need?
When it rains hard, flooding is something that can happen. And when that happens in your basement, it causes real issues. Aside from the damage flooding can do, mold and mildew are real problems that can cause thousands of dollars in remediation. The right sump pump can save you from these headaches, especially in areas that experience heavy rainfall and flooding.
Capacity
First, you’ll want to check the capacity of your sump pump. On a rainy day, unplug the pump for one minute, and measure how high the water rises in the sump pit in that time period. Typically, a sump pit will receive 20 gallons of water, or 20 inches, in one minute on a rainy day. Multiply the number of inches the water rises in one minute by 60. You’ll be able to use that equation to estimate the volume it rises per hour. Multiply the answer by 1.5, in order to build-in a safety net.
Essentially, the equation looks like this: How many inches the water rose in a minute times 60, multiplied by 1.5.
Motor Power
There are several choices when it comes to sump pump motors. Homeowners can choose between .33-horsepower, which is standard, the .25-hp (¼ hp), the .05 hp (½ hp)-hp or even a ¾ hp. For homes that experience heavy rain regularly, the .5-hp or ¾ hp pump might be the best option, as it can remove 3,000 gallons of water or more per hour. For homes with less worries about flooding, the .25 horsepower sump pump should work fine. Many manufacturers put the capacity right on the packaging of the pump. It’s important to look at that information before purchasing a pump.
Other Thoughts
While the equation and motor size can go a long way toward figuring out what size sump pump you’ll need, there are other considerations. The width of your sump pit can impact the size of pump you’ll need, as well as the height the water needs to travel in order to move through the discharge pipe. The higher the distance, the harder the pump will have to work.
If you have any questions about choosing the right sump pump, or are interested in a quote for replacing a sump pump, call Waldman Plumbing today at (781) 780-3184.