Is there any problems with replacing an old 1/3hp sump pump with a new 1/2hp sump pump? I get a crazy amount of water coming into my sump basin during certain times of the year and the 1/3hp pump will run as often as every 4 minutes during these times. I noticed the Zoeller 1/2hp pumps have a larger range in between the on/off point so I thought that would be beneficial as the pump would cycle less often and increase it's life. I also thought the added hp would be beneficial during those "peak" times. Anyone have any thoughts or concerns with the upgrade in hp?

 

While it's usually true that larger horsepower equates to bigger capacity, it's not always beneficial to the pump motor to install a larger pump.
Motors generate a trmendous amount of heat in the windings when they start, and require that they run a certain length of time to cool off. If the motor shuts off when it's very hot, it can damage the insulation around the windings, which shortens motor life considerably.
It is much more important that the pump be sized properly for the job. This is what increases pump/motor life.
If you are experiencing alot of problems with your sump pump, have a pump pro (usually not a plumber) look at your system.
Ron

 

Oh, thanks a lot! LOL, just kidding.

I see this a lot. 4 minutes is good! Mine will run every minute when we get a ton of snow melting, or a gulley washer.
If you get by with 1/3, great. If the amount of cycle makes you nervous, put in a Battery Back up system. Good Luck!

 

[/quote] It is much more important that the pump be sized properly for the job. This is what increases pump/motor life.
If you are experiencing alot of problems with your sump pump, have a pump pro (usually not a plumber) look at your system.
Ron[/QUOTE]

Pumpman:
If not a plumber, who would be an expert? I have similar questions about water volume and any remedies to mitigate ground water.

Thanks

 

He would be referring to a rep for a pump company, say Zoeller. They can give you stats, technical info etc.
It pays for plumbers to talk to these guys, especially at shows, conventions, education etc. Most plumbers go by experience, and longevity of a brand.

If you have a shallow pit, it will be tough to get a pump that wont cycle as much. Just dont let a guy sell you a pump, have the float set higher (just so the pit will take more water) so it wont cycle as much. This will do you no good. Good Luck!

 

I didn't mean to take a swipe at plumbers. It's just that most of them aren't well versed in sizing a pump. Sorry guys......
Alot of the same rules apply when you size a pump, whether it's for a water well, sump/sewage pit, industrial application, or whatever. I would bet that the single biggest problem I see when I make calls is pumps that are in applications that they are not suited for. Many times they are way oversized for the application.
There are a lot of pump contractors out there who know the steps in properly sizing a pump. (Hint: you won't usually find them at Lowes, HD, or Sears).
Ron

 

LOL, no swipe here. Guess it all depends on your experience with the trades. Good luck!