Sump Pump Buying Guide: In this section of Home Improvement we will learn how to buy a sump pump.

Before you buy a new sump pump, you need to decide between the two main types: pedestal and submersible pump.

A submersible is out of sight and is silent. This can be an important advantage if you use the basement as a primary living area. A submersible sump pump is also safer if there are children in your house. Because submersible pumps sit in water, they have a life span of 5 to 15 years.

A pedestal pump, on the other hand is long lasting and is less expensive. It may continue to operate for as long as 20 to 30 years. Pedestal pumps are also much easier to repair as compared to submersible pumps.

You can also buy a sump pump that will operate even when the electrical power goes out during a thunderstorm or brownout. These battery backup sump pumps are basically auxiliary pumps and are used when the main pump fails.

Battery backup sump pumps runs on a rechargeable 12-volt battery. Some models also operate on water pressure of the house’s water system.

You have several options when it comes to buying a sump pump. You can buy a new sump pump from retailers or plumbing wholesalers, or battery backup sump pump waterproofing contractors. The price depends on quality, brand and features. The price range is from $50 to $500 or even more.

Automatic switches are available in several types: floats, diaphragms, and mercury switches. You can choose anyone of them. Pumps with automatic switches have several advantages over manual control. You have to be at home to turn on a pump with manual control when your basement begins to flood. An automatic switch turns on automatically when the water level rises over a certain level and it can also protect the pump too. Most pumps burn out if they run "dry" for too long. An automatic switch prevents this.

Price of sump pumps is directly proportional to the unit's strength. Least expensive models are also the weakest. A sump pump is measured by horsepower ranging from 1/6 to 1/2 HP.

When buying a sump pump, pay attention to the number of gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per hour (GPH) the pump will move. This capacity of the pump is a factor of both the pump's efficiency and the "head," or "lift" i.e.  the vertical distance from the bottom of the sump to the highest point of discharge. A pump may advertise "2400 GPH," but this may be measured at a 1-foot head. At a 5-foot head, that number may drop to 2100 GPH, and at 10 feet 1800 GPH. Also note whether the pump is strong enough to pass small solids, such as leaves and twigs.

Price of pump also depends on material. Always look for parts and housings that won't corrode. Cast bronze, alloy, stainless steel, and epoxy-coated cast-iron housings are good. Avoid sheet metal. Polypropylene and other related plastics are used in all grades of pumps.

Also pay attention to the length of the power cord. They come with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25-foot-long power cords. Never us extension cords with sump pumps.