If I don't use a check valve, will this pump re-prime itself if only 2 foot off the water? Will it drain completely so as not to freeze in winter?
2051620
two thibgs; 1. a chk valve will make a longer life in the pump. 2. there is a drain plug in the front housing at the bottom.
195886
If it was left out in garage over the winter water in it may have cracked the pump. You must bring it in to basement or somewhere that doesn't get below 32 degrees
1877023
Mine pumps seven feet but I had to move the check valve to three feet off the floor. I think the weight of the water on the valve at one foot was to much for the pump to push the valve open again. Plan on buying a check valve, the one that comes with it is junk. Overall it's a good pump.
1883663
Most of what I've read and seen have the check valve slightly above ground level. Do your install with a union so that you can remove (i.e., replace) things without having to cut pipe. Remember to drill a small (1/8" or 3/16") in the pipe between the pump and the check valve to prevent airlocks. Drill so that the 'leak' squirts downward! That said, some people argue to put the check valve immediately above the pump (below ground level). Installing just above the pump would minimize the amount of water leaking back into the sump (but we're talking less than a quart, I'd guess.). Mine is installed just above ground level. Most of what I've read and seen have the check valve slightly above ground level. Do your install with a union so that you can remove (i.e., replace) things without having to cut pipe. Remember to drill a small (1/8" or 3/16") in the pipe between the pump and the check valve to prevent airlocks. Drill so that the 'leak' squirts downward! That said, some people argue to put the check valve immediately above the pump (below ground level). Installing just above the pump would minimize the amount of water leaking back into the sump (but we're talking less than a quart, I'd guess.).... » Read More Most of what I've read and seen have the check valve slightly above ground level. Do your install with a union so that you can remove (i.e., replace) things without having to cut pipe. Remember to drill a small (1/8" or 3/16") in the pipe between the pump and the check valve to prevent airlocks. Drill so that the 'leak' squirts downward! That said, some people argue to put the check valve immediately above the pump (below ground level). Installing just above the pump would minimize the amount of water leaking back into the sump (but we're talking less than a quart, I'd guess.). Mine is installed just above ground level. « Show Less
1703513
Shut water off, pull out hose, raise hose above the end for the water to drain, reel back in hose, pull off assembly off of bracket and store. If you can't, leave both ends disconnected after draining for the freeze/ thaw cycle. In case you don't know you should always turn your water valves for the outside off from the inside (to prevent line breakage) unless you have the long anti-siphon valves. Hope this helps.
179486
From what I've learned you can either permanently seal this to prevent it from leaking, and then you don't have a drain valve to keep it from freezing again (could have been what caused the leak in the first place), or you can replace the water pump that comes with a drain plug that shouldn't leak. This is a pricey fix but is one step better than replacing the entire unit.
1152465
The pump is self priming. The pump will than hold it prime if when finished using it you push the handle all the way back until you feel it click.
1718643
This pump is not self priming. Nor is it auto auto turn on/off. If you leave it running dry it'll run and burn out.
565767
I have had my pool set up for two years with no problems except you need to disconnect the pump and do not let it freeze
1629843
I would assume it would be fine, our pump did not make it through the winter very well. We haven't uncovered the pond yet and I don't know if the problem is that my daughter neglected to put the heater in or not so I don't think anything survived the horrible winter. Sorry, I am not much help to you.
700675
It's easy to prime. All you have to do is unscrew the top prime cap, pour in a gallon of water, and then screw the cap back on.If you have the pump close to the water source it will prime itself, but I never like to run pumps dry so might as well prime it.
1745500
In my use of the pump, I have had the pump within a few feet vertical from the surface of the water. Priming and pumping under these conditions has been successful. Trying to prime and run the pump with 5 to 8 feet above the water surface may work ok, but you will simply need to try it. It would be better to set the pump on something in the basement (unless the water is too deep to do this) and then run the outlet hose out the window. Good luck. In general, I have found both the 3 and 4 inch pumps to be reliable and fairly easy to prime.Wally Gwynn
792702
This pump has an internal float system that only runs when the condensation level reaches the proper level, then shuts off. Keep in mind that there is water in the Reservoir. I would highly recommend this pump, but keep in mind that it is plastic, and could freeze if exposed to extreme temperatures.
983001
Mine is working great! If you maintain the pump, like winterizing it, should work for several years,,,
238710
The way I have understood it, and used the product, is when "winterizing" my machine and getting ready for an extended period of non-use. It's supposedly used mainly for cleaning out and "anti-freezing" the pump. I don't live in a particularly cold winter climate (SE United States) but it does drop well below freezing sometimes during the winter. But, using it prior to using the pump the first time: NOT NECESSARY.
1179401
If it NEVER gets below freezing, I wouldn't worry about it. I think it's basically a type of antifreeze in a can, because you can NEVER drain ALL of the water out and water expands when frozen which damages the unit. I'm talking about experience, because I DID NOT USE this product the first year that I had mine and had to replace the pump. NICE!!!
718561
Depends on how you set it up. I always drain mine after use and yes I prime it each time. If you have a closed system with a check valve so the pump always remains full then you should have no problem.