FAQ - General
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1. What is the difference between a sewage pump and a grinder pump?
A sewage pump passes wastewater with solids through the discharge line without cutting or grinding them. A grinder pump cuts the solids and then passes the resulting slurry through the discharge pipe. Grinder pumps are typically used in commercial applications, where local code mandates that one be used, or in high-head or long-distance applications.
2. What is the best type of pump to use in my application?
- Sump Pump: A sump pump is used in applications where excess rainwater or groundwater needs to be pumped away from a particular area. A sump pump sits inside a basin (also known as a sump) that collects this excess water. You can use the Sump Pump Sizing Form to find the right sump pump for your application.
- Drain Pump: A drain pump is used to pump the water from a sink, most commonly in laundry tray applications. You can use the Drain Pump Sizing Form to find the right drain pump for your application.
- Sewage Pump: A sewage pump is used to pump wastewater (with solids) that is typically generated from bathroom use in residential or commercial applications. You can use the Sewage Pump Sizing Form to find the right sewage pump for your application.
- Effluent Pump: An effluent pump is typically used in septic tank applications. Effluent is the gray wastewater that remains after the solids settle out. You can use the Effluent Pump Sizing Form to find the right effluent pump for your application.
3. If I need to replace the oil in my pump, what type should I use?
Liberty submersible pumps are hermetically sealed and permanently lubricated. Typically, they should never require the addition or replacement of oil. However, in the case of a significant repair where oil has been lost, contact Liberty Pumps Technical Department for the proper oil specification and volume for your pump. 1-800-543-2550
4. What type of battery do you recommend for use in the Model 441 (battery back-up sump pump)?
We recommend using a deep-cycle marine type battery (27M) for best performance. However, a standard 12V automobile battery may also be used. In either case, please be sure the battery is fully charged before installing it in the battery case.
5. Can I use an automatic or mechanical vent device with a Liberty system?
An automatic or mechanical vent device can not be used since this type of vent typically allows air to pass only one way. Pump systems require venting in both directions. The system must be vented directly to the atmosphere in accordance with national and local plumbing codes (Please note that sump pumps do not require vents). Using these types of vents may cause improper drainage of the fixture or affect pump cycling.
6. What does "shut-off head" mean?
Shut-off head refers to the highest point the pump will lift fluid. At this point the pump will pump 0 gallons per minute. It’s often used as a reference point to compare different pump models.
7. What is a pump performance curve?
A pump performance curve is a tool used to show the gallons per minute that a given pump model is capable of pumping over a range of total dynamic head measurements. A performance curve is used to determine the correct pump size for a specific application.
8. What size sewage basin do I need?
The size of the basin that you need depends on the number of fixtures that will be draining into it. Please refer to our sewage pump sizing form for help in determining the most appropriate size for your application. Please note that local codes may dictate minimum basin size.
9. What is the price of the system I'm interested in?
Please contact your local distributor for pricing. To find a distributor in your local area, please refer to our distributor-locator.
10. What is TDH (Total Dynamic Head)?
TDH is a combination of two components – Static Head and Friction Head – and is expressed in feet. Static head is the actual vertical distance measured from the minimum water level in the basin to the highest point in the discharge piping. Friction head is the additional head created in the discharge system due to resistance to flow within its components. Liberty has charts available to calculate TDH. Please contact Liberty’s customer service department for proper pump sizing.
11. How can I purchase replacement parts?
Liberty products and replacement parts are sold through plumbing distributors. To find a distributor in your local area, please refer to our distributor-locator. Replacement parts can also be ordered directly from the factory by calling 1-800-543-2550 or through the Parts Area of the website. Please click this link: Replacement Parts then select “Other” and insert your model number for various spare parts. Select PDF to see the assembly drawing.
12. I am looking at installing a bathroom in my basement or garage. What are some of the solutions for pumping the sewage up to the sewer or septic tank?
Liberty Pumps offers a number of solutions.
If you do not want to break the floor level then consider the Ascent.
This low cost macerating toilet system can also accommodate a sink and shower or bathtub. The shower or tub will need to be raised in order to drain into the Ascent macerator. The macerator handles waste and toilet paper and is designed for residential use. Maximum pumping head is 15 feet vertically and 150 feet horizontally through a one inch discharge. An optional extension pipe (ordered separately) allows for the macerator unit to be located behind the wall and out of site. The system includes a white elongated toilet and macerator. You can personalize the toilet with your own toilet seat.
A more robust system is the LowPro41.
Again, the floor does not need to be cut open. This unit mounts a standard toilet (not included), on a durable poly pedestal. An additional 2” opening for shower and sink inlet is also included. The cast iron sewage pump can pump 2” solids through a 2” discharge pipe. A complete system includes the pump, pedestal tank and float switch but does not include the toilet.
If you can go below floor level, the Pro370 or Pro380 sewage package is your optimal choice. These units are available with various sized pumps.
The Pro380 features a shallow 24” basin that is installed below the floor level. Total capacity is 41 gallons for longer pump cycles. Other features include an easy access cover, a robust 2” solids-handling sewage pump and QuickTree® float system.
An optional alarm is also available for extra protection.
All of these systems need an open air vent connected to them. They all come with a 2 year warranty. They may be purchased at your local distributor. Use the Where To Buy on our website to find one near you. Please contact your local city or town to make sure that you meet your local plumbing codes.
13. Should I add a high-level alarm to my system?
A high-level alarm is used to alert the owner if the liquid inside the tank of a pump system reaches a level that is higher than it would be if the pump were operating normally or if the liquid inflow were greater than the maximum pumping capacity of the pump. Liberty’s alarms can either be purchased separately or as part of a pre-assembled package. They can be used in sump, sewage, or effluent applications. Having an alarm may reduce your insurance premium and some insurance companies require them. Below is a table of our various alarms and their features.
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Alarms
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Type of Alert
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Float Wire Length
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Indoor/
Outdoor
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Typical Appl
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Auxiliary Contacts
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ALM-2
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Horn & Light
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20 ft
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Indoor NEMA 1
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Sump, Effluent, Sewage
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No
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ALM-2-1
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Horn & light
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10 ft
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Indoor NEMA 1
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Sump, Effluent, Sewage
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No
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ALM-2W
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Horn & Light
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20 ft
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Outdoor
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Sump, Effluent, Sewage
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No
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ALM-3W*
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Horn & Light
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20 ft
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Outdoor NEMA 4X
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Sump, Effluent, Sewage
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Yes
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ALM-P1
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Horn & Light
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15 ft
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Indoor
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Sump only
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Yes
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ADC-1
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Auto-dialer - dial up to 4 phone numbers
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Must be used in conjunction with an alarm or control panel with auxiliary contacts
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Indoor
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Sump, Effluent, Sewage
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No
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All alarms use 120V main power and have 9V battery back-up (*except ALM-3W)
14. What is California Proposition 65?
California's Proposition 65 entitles California consumers to special warnings for products that contain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm if those products expose consumers to such chemicals above certain threshold levels. Liberty Pumps cares about our customers' safety and the environment, and makes every effort to reduce and eliminate the use of harmful materials.
15. Where can I purchase your products?
Liberty products are sold through plumbing distributors. To find a distributor in your local area, please refer to our distributor-locator.
16. What does the Prop 65 warning label say?
WARNING: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. www.p65warnings.ca.gov Some examples of these chemicals are: • Lead, Chromium, Nickel – may be present in metal components • ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene), Carbon Black, Vinyl Chloride – may be present in plastic components
17. Why has Liberty Pumps placed a Proposition 65 warning on its products?
Liberty Pumps has chosen to display the Proposition 65 warning based on the possible presence of one or more listed chemicals, without evaluating the level of exposure. The level of exposure for our products may be negligible or well within the “no significant risk level.” However, to uphold Californian consumers’ rights to make informed decisions, we have opted to place the following Proposition 65 warning on all of our products.
18. What is a grinder pump?
A grinder pump works like a household garbage disposal, but on a larger scale for sewage waste. It grinds up solids and other difficult waste material into a fine slurry and pumps it into the sewer system.
19. What is an effluent pump?
Effluent pumps are used to pump grey-sewage liquid from a septic tank to a leach field. Unlike sewage pumps which handle larger solids, these pumps typically handle solids only up to 3/4".
20. What is a sump pump?
A sump pump is used to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump basin, (or pit) commonly found in the basements of homes.
21. What is a drain pump?
Drain pumps collect grey water from sinks, showers or washing machines and pump it to a sewer waste line.
22. What is a macerating toilet system?
A system of waste removable that includes a macerating pump and backflush toilet. The pump is designed to cut sewage particulate size to be pumped through small diameter pipe.
23. What is a backup pump?
A secondary pump used to protect a basement from flooding in the event of a power outage or primary pump failure. Backup pumps can be battery operated or water powered.
24. What is a condensate pump?
A condensate pump is a specific type of pump used to pump the condensate (water) produced in heating, cooling or refrigeration equipment – such as furnaces and air conditioners.
25. What does each type of pump do?
SUMP PUMP
A sump pump is used to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump basin, (or pit) commonly found in the basements of homes.
SEWAGE PUMP
A sewage pump is used to transfer sewage (liquids and solids) from one place to another. Usually, in residential applications, sewage includes soft solids up to 2″ in diameter and is pumped from a sewage basin to a public sewer system or a septic tank.
EFFLUENT PUMP
Effluent pumps are used to pump grey-sewage liquid from a septic tank to a leach field. Unlike sewage pumps which handle larger solids, these pumps typically handle solids only up to 3/4".
CONDENSATE PUMP
A condensate pump is a specific type of pump used to pump the condensate (water) produced in heating, cooling or refrigeration equipment – such as furnaces and air conditioners.
GRINDER PUMP
A grinder pump works like a household garbage disposal, but on a larger scale for sewage waste. It grinds up solids and other difficult waste material into a fine slurry and pumps it into the sewer system.
BACKUP SUMP PUMP
A secondary pump used to protect a basement from flooding in the event of a power outage or primary pump failure. Backup pumps can be battery operated or water powered.
DRAIN PUMP
Drain pumps collect grey water from sinks, showers or washing machines and pump it to a sewer waste line.