On Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:40:03 -0700 (PDT), Mark
wrote:


Actually, it sounds like you have it figured out. *Don't mess with
pedestal-type pumps. *Go with a good submersible in the 3/4 - 1 hp
range. *We have had both the external and electronic switching and
both work well. *Our particular pump is Basement Watchdog but
there
are a lot of other good pumps like Grainger. *the pump is the
heart of
everything so a little more investment in power will be good.
The
plastic sumps are available in most big-box stores or lumber
yards.
In fact, our son retrofitted his basement using a large Rubbermaid
storage tub because he wanted plenty of room to install a good
backup
pump. * The plumbing is straight-forward PVC but make sure
everything
from foundation-out has a slight slant to keep water from standing
in
the pipe outside. If you have much of a rise from pump to
foundation
exit, a backflow valve is good too.

Put the sump in a low spot, and if necessary cut rough channels to
the
sump.

RonB- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

one more thing,, if you really need a sump pump to keep the water at
bay, then
buy 2 and keep one ready as a backup...

also figure out what you are going to do when the power goes out..

get a big UPS or a small generator

Mark


Well, I have thought it out and have bought a Water Ace R33SP 1/3hp
unit at Lowes - the price was right. Right or wrong, I decided I
really did not need a unit as strong as a 1/2hp. My decision was
based on the fact that I have only got water in my crawl space once in
11 years, and so may never see it again in my life time because I am
already 79 and rather feeble. This February I got hit with 4 feet of
snow in a double blizzard, followed by large scale melting made worse
by torrential rain storms. Further, I don't have 20A service there.
Lastly, I figure I only had 3 or so inches of water which collected
very slowly and so should be quick and easy to dispose of. I figure
a strong pump would come on and off repeatedly because of the slow
encroachment of water, and I fear that would be hard on a 1/2 hp
pump. That's my thinking anyway.

That said, I bought a 18" wide plastic planter to line the sump pit
which probably will be some 18" deep, and in the lowest spot I can
find.

I plan to cut some holes in the side of the planter, but it already
has the usual 1" holes in the bottom. I wonder.......How many and
what size holes should I make in the side. Should I enlarge or
increase the number of the holes in the bottom? Should I cover the
planter?

I plan to connect PVC to the pump to convey the effluent at least 50
feet and maybe 200 feet (in order to reach the roadside ditch).

My last wonderment is how should I place the pump in the planter?
Flat on the bottom, or on four 2" X 8" bricklets I bought at Lowes to
raise the pump. My soil is semi-sandy by the way (here in Delaware).

Be nice

and Thanks

Duke.