My basement has a sump pump attached to the septic system--i.e., pump to 1.5" PVC pipe, connected to the outflow in the basement. That's how it's been for decades. Rarely, flooding can be so bad (I'm right on the coast) that the septic system can get backed up (I suppose it's from saltwater covering the manholes and getting into the waste pipes). When that happens, the pump stops working. I have back flow valves to keep a reversal from happening, but I still need an emergency method to divert the flow. When that happens (1-2 times in the last decade, not counting crazy things like hurricanes) I've had to detach the PVC from the pump and replace it with corrugated black pipe, the other and of which I toss out a window. This is a big PITA, especially as I'm operating underwater. I keep thinking about replacing it with a better option: adding a diverter valve. I couldn't find a Y diverter with valves on both outputs (I didn't look too hard, only for what's locally available) but I don't think that would address the issue: the valve narrowing the flow. Looking at a 1.5" ball valve, the pipe narrows quite a bit; the pump is 1/2 hp rated at 4250 gpm, and I thought the valve would greatly restrict output. Would it work to use an adapter to a 2" pipe? So Y connector to short 1.5" pipe, to 1.5-2" adapter, a 2" ball valve, to a 2 to 1.5" adapter, to the hose? _____>1.5-2"adapter>valve>1.5-2" adapter>black plastic pipe -----/__________>sewer Would I also need a valve on the PVC-sewer line?

I recently had my well pump replaced after 21 years (Gould Pump). it was set for 30-55 PSI. The replacement pump was a Berkley and the tech set the pressure to 40-65 PSI. Will this higher pressure reduce the life of the pump. The higher pressure is good, but wouldn't this reduce the lifespan of the pump running at a higher pressure? I mean why would the switches at the supply house have two different ones. The 30-55 and the 40-65? Its a submersible pump @215'.