Sump pump--water powered

[mikeswoods]

I've just finished a bit of basement work.
The customer travels a lot. They need a back up pump they can trust while the house is unoccupied.

I've seen pumps powered by city water pressure.

Sounds like a winner---However I have no knowledge ,first hand,any body here ever used one? Who makes the best.?

[naptownCr]

I have seen and installed battery back up pumps but not one that uses city water.

[mikeswoods]

They are pretty slick. no batteries to die. no generator,Just waste a little water!

My plumbing supplier has them,however they didn't have any real world feedback.

[ChrWright]

I've seen several in homes I've worked on, but have not installed one. I can see them working up to a point, but it's not nearly as good as a battery/powered backup pump. I can't see them keeping up during a real gully washer--which is usually when a backup is handy and needed.

They've changed the design since I worked with them last, so it's possible their performance is improved.

http://www.zoellerpumps.com/ProductBenefit.aspx?ProductID=65

[Leo G]

At 60 psi input pressure it is about equal to a 1/4 HP flotec sump pump. The flotec will move about 21 gal/min and the Zoeller pump will move about 19 gal/min. It says it uses 1 gallon of water to pump out 2 gallons of discharge. Much more expensive to operate, but a lot less than the water damage that may occur without.

I know this because....well.....I looked at their chart.:idea:

[ChrWright]

At 60 psi input pressure it is about equal to a 1/4 HP flotec sump pump. The flotec will move about 21 gal/min and the Zoeller pump will move about 19 gal/min. It says it uses 1 gallon of water to pump out 2 gallons of discharge. Much more expensive to operate, but a lot less than the water damage that may occur without.

I know this because....well.....I looked at their chart.:idea:

Sounds better than the old model. Nice little disclaimer though:

"*Pump capacity varies due to inlet water pressure, working water pressure, discharge elevation, number of pipe fittings, inlet and outlet hose size, fluid viscosity, degree of water clarity, water temperature, cleanliness of intake screen. Flow rates are approximate values."

[Century Man]

Sounds better than the old model. Nice little disclaimer though:

"*Pump capacity varies due to inlet water pressure, working water pressure, discharge elevation, number of pipe fittings, inlet and outlet hose size, fluid viscosity, degree of water clarity, water temperature, cleanliness of intake screen. Flow rates are approximate values."

If your wife has been through a driver/operator class she can explain all of the disclaimers and why they impact performance.