Do sump pumps need filter cleaning or maintenance?
A. Sump pumps have no filters, but screens or inlet holes should be clear or free of debris preventing maximum pump inflow. Q. Will a sump pump burn out if its outlet pipe is frozen? A. Pumps can overheat, but most won’t burn up. Virtually all sump pumps have a thermal protection circuit that shuts its motor down if overheated. Once cooled down, the thermal circut resets automatically. Q. Can I replace a 1/3 hp with a 1/2 hp pump? A. Yes, but unless water level is high, no advantage may be apparent. If you have evidence that a 1/3 hp unit is not able to do the job (water level or back up rate), a 1/2 hp motor may do a better job. Q. Outflow drainage should be piped where? A. Outlet flow should be routed 20 feet or more away from a house or structure wall to runoff away from the building. Q. Sump Pit Hole – How large? Liner? Contents? A. Sump Pumps in RI, CT, NH or Southern New England usually needs to be in a 2 feet diameter sump pit or more, for pumps & piping room, with 15 – 25 gallo
