The Liberty Pump 404 pre-assembled drain pump has a 1-1/2' discharge. A union must be installed just above the pump to facilitate removal if necessary for cleaning and service. Install a check valve above the union to prevent the backflow of water after each pump cycle. This drain pump's 1-1/2' vent allows extra volume for high suds conditions and to allow proper drainage of the fixture. The Liberty 404 also has two ports, one on the top of the drain pump and one on the side. They can either. Automatic Remote Drain Pump & Laundry Tray System. Factory pre-assembled for easy installation. Corrosion-Resistant Submersible Sump Pump. A superior value for gray waste-water removal. Rugged & Thermally Protected 1/3 HP Motor. Hermetically sealed, permanently lubricated design. High-Temperature, Engineered Polymer Impeller. Vortex style design for superior solid handling up to 3/8'. View and Download Liberty Pumps 404 installation manual online. Automatic Drain Pump. 404 water pump pdf manual download. Liberty automatic submersible sump pump with a 5.5 Gallon basin. Designed for commercial drain pump built to perform in high-head, high temperature situations. Removes water from laundry trays, mop sinks, bar sinks, dishwashers, water softeners, dehumidifiers or wherever wastewater drainage is below gravity lines.

• POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about sewage ejector pumps and sewage grinder pumps

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Sewage grinder pump / sewage ejector pump or sump pump odor diagnosis & cure:

How to diagnose & cure sewer smells at septic or sump pumps. How to find and fix the source of smells coming from a sump pump it, effluent pump system, or sewage grinder or sewage ejector pump installation.

This article series gives installation and maintenance advice for Sump Pumps, Sewage Ejector Pumps, Septic Grinder Pumps, Sewage Pumping Stations, & Septic Pump Alarms. We discuss sewage grinder pump types, sizes, voltages, horsepower, installation and maintenance.

We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.

Sewage grinder pump leaks & odor complaints

What to check when troubleshooting odors or smells from a sump pit, effluent pump, or sewage ejector pump system:

The following advice is excerpted from SEPTIC / SEWER ODOR SOURCE TABLE. See that more complete article if you are having trouble tracking down the source of sewage or septic smells at or around a building.

• Check the grinder pump for a valve failure, causing sewage backup
• Check for a loose, damaged, leaky, or lost cover gasket at the sewage grinder pump
• Check for a clogged vent on the sewage grinder pump (not present on all systems)
• Pour clean water into the sewage grinder pump or ejector pump pit sufficient to pump out sewage water before leaving the system out of use for a month or longer.
• OPINION: do not rely on drain cleaners (that can damage the pump) nor on chemical additives or deodorants poured into the grinder pump system. Even if such chemicals give odor relief the effect can only be temporary as they will be ejected when the system is used.

Liberty Pumps Sewage Pumps

Question: septic pump grinder pump smell complaints & advice

(Feb 18, 2015) mike.ice@hajoca.com said:

We have two septic pumps in our building. One is for a small break room and the other services two large bathrooms. We have a terrible smell coming from a larger septic grinder pump and I was concerned about what chemicals I can pour down the drain to eliminate the smell. I know bleach reacts with ammonia creating a toxic gas so I didn't want to put anyone at harm.

Is there anything I can do to prevent this odor? It does have a large 4' vent that goes straight to the roof and we sealed all the cover plates and holes with silicone sealant but the smell is still strong and leaks into our hallways where customers come through. What can I do?

Reply:

Mike, rather than pouring chemicals I'd look for the problem source to find a more long lasting and safer solution. A venting system defect, missing check valve, or a leak, for example, may be at fault.

Question: Use of chemical treatments to control odors at a Zoeller sump pit ?

6 June 2016 Pete Beck said:

I have 1/3 HP Zoeller sump pump. Can I use a chemical like the ones used to keep black water odor under control in travel trailers and motor homes,to keep my sump pit from smelling, w/out damaging the pump...Thanks in advance for you help....Pete

Reply:

Pete, you don't indicate which Zoeller pump you have instaalled, nor am I sure (since you use the term 'sump pump') if we are discussing a de-watering sump pump installation or a sewage (blackwater) ejector pump.

I'm guessing the latter since you refer to 'black water odor'. In that case odors shouldn't be coming out of your pump system. For **example**, referring to Zoeller's Instruction Manual for the company's effluent/sump/de-watering pump (notice this is not a sewage grinder pump), for a wide range of Zoeller pump models (( Zoeller Pump Model 55 / 59, 70, 73, 75, 139 Series, 140 / 4140, 145 / 4145, 160 / 4160 Series, 180 / 4180, 191, 371, 372, 373 Series effluent & de-waatering pumps as well as Zoeller pump models 211, 212 Series, 270 / 4270 Series, 280 / 4280, 290 / 4290 Series sewage pumps (again these are not grinder pumps),)) available from the company's online literature library, you'll read that to control odors the company cites two features:

1. Gas-tight seals are required to contain gases and odors.
2. Vent gases and odors to the atmosphere through vent pipe.

So I'd start by checking those features of your installation. If, for example, your system uses a loose cover that's a very common and correctable source of sewage smells.

Use of chemical additives and treatments, depending on the chemical, might not harm the pump but shouldn't be necessary. And harsh or caustic chemicals may also damage the pump. Zoeller includes this warning in the service checklist for the example manual we cite:

Abrasive material and adverse chemicals could possibly deteriorate impeller and pump housing

You don't say if you're connected to a private septic or public sewer - beware of dumping treatments in volume into a septic system. Search InspectApedia for SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS for details.

If you don't have the manual for your Zoeller pump, contact the company at the address we give below.

Watch out: tracking down the source of sewer gas odors or septic smells can be tricky. At a recent inspection looking into a complaint of sewer odors in the kitchen of an older home, with the homeowner we ultimately traced the odor source to dry traps in floor drains in the basement below.

This pump manual pertains to the following pumps in the applications recommended by Zoeller:

Notes to the Table Above

Zoeller's notes include:

1 Effluent systems should specify that pumps should not handle solids exceeding 3/4” in order to prevent large solids from entering leeching fields, mound systems, etc. (70 Series have 3/8” solids capability. 50, 140/4140, 371 and 372 Series have ½”, 130 Series has 5/8”, 145/4145, 160/4160, 180/4180 and 373 models have 3/4”.)

Where code permits, sewage pumps can be used for effluent systems. Non-automatic pumps with external-level controls are recommended for septic tank effluent applications

Watch out: note that the company explains that you may use a sewge pump for effluent systems - that is, for pumping clarified septic effluent up to an absorption bed, soakbed, or drainfield or leaching bed. The converse is not true, that is, you should not use a pump intended for effluent or de-watering to try to pump raw sewage. It will clog and fail.

Watch out: to reduce the risk of clogging and also pump seal failures, a vent hole and check valve may be required in your installation.

See CHECK VALVES on DRAINS, SEWAGE PUMPS, SUMP PUMPS
and

See SEPTIC / SEWAGE PUMP DISCHARGE VENT

Watch out: proper electrical wiring, including proper electrical grounding and ground fault protection are necessary for liquid handling pumps such as these in order to reduce the risk of fatal electrical shock.

Adapted from

• Zoeller Pump Company, '[Zoeller sump, effleunt or septic pump] Installation Instructions, Recommended Models [see below]', [PDF] FM0447 0515, Zoeller Pump Company, PO Box 16347, Louisville, KY 40256-0347 or at Zoeller.com or at (502) 778-2731

For help tracking down and fixing sewer gas or septic odors in or at buildings start at ODORS, SEPTIC or SEWER - home

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Reader Comments & Q&A

On 2019-10-19 by (mod) - not normal for there to be a sewage odor coming out of a condensate pump

It's not normal for there to be a sewage odor coming out of a condensate pump and into occupied space. Something's wrong with the installation.

On 2019-10-19 by Maggie

Liberty Pumps Automatic Drain Pump

I live on first floor of 9 story condo bldg. the grinder pump is in the basement right below my unit. When it comes on, then cuts off, bad sewage odors come up through my bath sink and tub drain, plus I assume the toilet as well.

It is a very gross smell... radiates all through my condo. Management says nothing is wrong with grinder pump. But smell emits right after it shuts off. My throat and head hurts most of the time. Is this dangerous?

On 2019-09-14 by (mod) - sewage ejector pump doesn't require treatment chemicals

No, Joyce, a sewage ejector pump doesn't require treatment chemicals to work properly. But it is important to install the right type of pump - one that can grind and dispose of solid waste.
If your toilets don't flush check the reservoir at the pump: if it's overflowing or backing up there then most-likely either the pump's not working or the sewer line (septic system) is blocked.

On 2019-09-14 by Joyce

Sump pump replaced approximately a year ago. Recently noticing an occasional flushing problem. Does this type of set up need periodic chemicals to keep it running effectively?. Similar to a RV set up.

On 2018-09-21 by (mod) -

Thank you for asking, Sue as you pose a frequently-raised concern about septic tank odors vs. additives.
A properly working and installed septic tank and conventional drainfield never requires the use of any additive nor booster, no chemicals, no treatments, nothing except the normal wastewater that flows into the tank.
Some additives and treatments harm the system, others contaminate the environment and are illegal, banned from use in many jurisdictions.
Enzyme type treatments are generally harmless and some may be useful to help de-clog in-building drain lines of organic deposits that clog or slow drains.
But the septic tank doesn't need them
Details are at CHEMICALS & TREATMENTS for SEPTICS
http://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Tank_Treatments.php

On 2018-09-21 by Sue

Can I use an enzyme like RidX with my septic holding tank macerator ejector to ward off septic orders without causing clog up in the macerator?

On 2017-11-21 by (mod) -

If you are pumping to a septic drain field I suspect that the drainfield is flooding in failing during wet weather

On 2017-11-20 10:41:59.635871 by Robbie

I have black clumps that are tacky and smell like a sewage that has clogged my outlet hose nd pump now it only shows up during hard rain but my question is what is it and how do i prevent it thank you

On 2017-04-05 16:06:20.509238 by (mod) -

Brenda,
If the lights go OFF in part of your home when some other equpment (like a sewage pump) is running, then there is an electrical short or failing motor - that is an UNSAFE condition risking electrical fire or shock as well as a sewage backup. It sound as if you need a licensed electrician on-site.
Let me know what you're told and we may be able to offer other suggestions.
Daniel

On 2017-04-05 by Brenda

Wpw10730972 Drain Pump

What name of box thats set under mobli home and when it go out it makes light go out on one side of house

On 2016-12-31 by (mod) - septic tank lid needs to be repaired and sealed.

Sounds as if the lid needs to be repaired and sealed. Yes you can drain a dehumidifier into the sump pit provided it's piped so as to avoid any possible sewage backup out through that drain.

On 2016-12-31 by Charlie

This past week I noticed a sewage smell in the basement of our recently purchased 2nd home, which seems to be coming from the grinder pump. The previous owner put caulking in a hole on the lid, but it dried out and some of the caulking is missing. I also noticed the lid moves, but can't tell if there is a gasket around the lid.

Is it wise to put a dehumidifier hose into the hole and caulk around that hose, as well as caulk around the edge of the lid to prevent odors from escaping the grinder pump pit?
Thanks for your help.

...

Continue reading at SEWAGE ODOR SOURCE LOCATIONor select a topic from closely-related articles below, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Septic Pump / Sewage Grinder Pump Articles

• ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE - home
• SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS - home

Suggested citation for this web page

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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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Technical Reviewers & References

• Zoeller Pump Company, 'Installation & Service Instructions, 803/805/807 Grinder Pumps', [PDF] Zoeller Pump Co., P.O. BOX 16347 • Louisville, KY 40256-0347, Website: Zoeller.com Retrieved 2016/04/05, original source: http://www.zoellerpumps.com/en-na/product/1242-#documents
• Zoeller Pump Company, 'Installation Instructions, Recommended Models, Effluent/Sump/DeWatering & Sewage[pumps]', [PDF] Zoeller Pump Co., P.O. BOX 16347 • Louisville, KY 40256-0347, Website: Zoeller.com Retrieved 2016/04/05, original source: http://www.deanbennett.com/53-install-inst.pdf
• New York State Department of Health, 'Appendix 75-A Wastewater Treatment Standards - Individual Household Systems', [PDF] New York State Department of Health, 3 February 2010, retrieved 3/1/2010, original source: https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/nycrr/title_10/part_75/appendix_75-a.htm
• [1] Weinman Installation and Operation Manual, Submersible Sewage Ejector Pump, Crane Pumps and Systems, 420 Third Street, Piqua, Ohio 45356 Phone: (937) 778-8947 and Crane Pumps and Systems,83 West Drive, Bramton, Ontario, Canada L6T 2J6, Phone: (905) 457-6223Fax: (937) 773-7157 Fax: (905) 457-2650www.cranepumps.com. See Weinman submersible sewage ejector pump installation and service manual for an example instructions for the Weinman Series WE and 3WE sewage ejector pumps ranging from .5 to 1 hp. Web search 8/9/11, original source: http://www.cranepumps.com/downloadables/CATALOGS_OIPMs/
  Manuals%20&%20Instruction%20sheets/108038.pdf
• [2] Grundfos Sewage Ejector Pump Package Installation and Operating Instructions, Grundfos Pumps Corporation, 2555 Clovis Ave., Clovis CA 93612, Tel: 800-333-1366, web search 8/9/11,original source
  http://www.us.grundfos.com/web/download.nsf/Pages/
  7C03990D6E09EC6C882565220069C131/$File/Seeje-io.pdf
• [3] Submersible Sewage Ejector Pump Installation, Operation, & Parts Manual, by Hydromatic Pentair Water, 740 East 9th Street, Ashland, OH 44805, Phone: 1-888-957-8677, Web Site: http://www.hydromatic.com
• [4] Environment One Corporation, 2773 Balltown Road, Niskayuna, NY 12309, Tel 518-346-6161,l website: www.eone.com/sewers
  E/One Extreme Series grinder pump stations for indoor and outdoor installations, residential and light commercial applications.
• [5] Pennsylvania State Fact Sheets relating to domestic wastewater treatment systems include
• Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-161, Septic System Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment
• Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-162, The Soil Media and the Percolation Test
• Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-l64, Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment
• Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-165, Septic Tank-Soil Absorption Systems
• Document Sources used for this web page include but are not limited to: Agricultural Fact Sheet #SW-161 'Septic Tank Pumping,' by Paul D. Robillard andKelli S. Martin. Penn State College of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension, edited and annotated byDan Friedman (Thanks: to Bob Mackey for proofreading the original source material.)
• 'Grinder Pump Frequently Asked Questions', Groton Public Works, 134 Groton Long Point RoadGroton, CT 06340(860) 448-4083, retrieved 16 Aug 2015, original source: http://www.groton-ct.gov/depts/pubwks/docs/Grinder%20Pump%20Website%20info%20the%20hurricane.pdf

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

• Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
• Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies, Anish R. Jantrania, Mark A. Gross. Anish Jantrania, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A., is a Consulting Engineer, in Mechanicsville VA, 804-550-0389 (2006). Outstanding technical reference especially on alternative septic system design alternatives. Written for designers and engineers, this book is not at all easy going for homeowners but is a text I recommend for professionals--DF.
• Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems, Woodson, R. Dodge: $ 24.95; MCGRAW HILL B; TP;Quoting from Amazon's description: For the homebuilder, one mistake in estimating or installing wells and septic systems can cost thousands of dollars. This comprehensive guide filled with case studies can prevent that. Master plumber R. Dodge Woodson packs this reader-friendly guide with guidance and information, including details on new techniques and materials that can economize and expedite jobs and advice on how to avoid mistakes in both estimating and construction. Chapters cover virtually every aspect of wells and septic systems, including on-site evaluations; site limitations; bidding; soil studies, septic designs, and code-related issues; drilled and dug wells, gravel and pipe, chamber-type, and gravity septic systems; pump stations; common problems with well installation; and remedies for poor septic situations. Woodson also discusses ways to increase profits by avoiding cost overruns.
• Country Plumbing: Living with a Septic System, Hartigan, Gerry: $ 9.95; ALAN C HOOD & TP;Quoting an Amazon reviewer's comment, with which we agree--DF:This book is informative as far as it goes and might be most useful for someone with an older system. But it was written in the early 1980s. A lot has changed since then. In particular, the book doesn't cover any of the newer systems that are used more and more nowadays in some parts of the country -- sand mounds, aeration systems, lagoons, etc.

Design Manuals for Septic Systems

• US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual [online copy, free] Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm Onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems,Richard J Otis, published by the US EPA. Although it's more than 20 years old, this book remains a useful reference for septic system designers.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Program Operations; Office of Research and Development, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory; (1980)
• Eco John® Innovative Toilet Solutions, Global Inventive Industries, Fountain Valley CA, PDF, product brochure
• 'International Private Sewage Disposal Code,' 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
• 'Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems,' Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the EnvironmentalProtection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
• Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.

Onsite Wastewater Disposal Books

• Onsite Wastewater Disposal, R. J. Perkins;Quoting from Amazon: This practical book, co-published with the National Environmental Health Association,describes the step-by-step procedures needed to avoid common pitfalls in septic system technology.Valuable in matching the septic system to the site-specific conditions, this useful book will help you install a reliable system inboth suitable and difficult environments. Septic tank installers, planners, state and local regulators, civil and sanitary engineers,consulting engineers, architects, homeowners, academics, and land developers will find this publication valuable.
• Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best septic system books around, suffering a bit from small fonts and a weak index. While it contains some material more technical than needed by homeowners, Burks/Minnis book on onsite wastewater treatment systems a very useful reference for both property owners and septic system designers.
• Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf
• SEPTIC SOIL & PERC TESTS soil perc testing guide and instructions
• Percolation Testing Manual, CNMI Division of Environmental Quality, PO Box 501304, Saipan, MP 96950
• Planting Over Septic System Component', Daniel Friedman (author/editor, InspectAPedia.com), The Innovator, Winter/Spring 2008, BCOSSA, British Columbia OnSite Sewage Association, 201-3542 Blansard St., Victoria BC V8X 1W3 Canada
• Save the Septic System - Do Not Flush These Items Down the Toilet, Daniel Friedman, InspectAPedia.com - PDF document, printable
• Septic System Owner's Manual, Lloyd Kahn, Blair Allen, Julie Jones, Shelter Publications, 2000 $14.95 U.S. - easy to understand, well illustrated, one of the best practical references around on septic design basics including some advanced systems; a little short on safety and maintenance. Both new and used (low priced copies are available, and we think the authors are working on an updated edition--DF.Quoting from one of several Amazon reviews: The basics of septic systems, from underground systems and failures to what the owner can do to promote and maintain a healthy system, is revealed in an excellent guide essential for any who reside on a septic system. Rural residents receive a primer on not only the basics; but how to conduct period inspections and what to do when things go wrong. History also figures into the fine coverage.
• Test Pit Preparation for Onsite Sewage Evaluations, State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Portland OR, 800 452-4011. PDF document. We recommend this excellent document that offers detail about soil perc tests, deep hole tests, safety, and septic design. Readers should also see SEPTIC SOIL & PERC TESTS and for testing an existing septic system, also see Dye Tests
• Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, Bombeck, Erma: $ 5.99; FAWCETT; MM;This septic system classic whose title helps avoid intimidating readers new to septic systems, is available new or used at very low prices.It's more entertainment than a serious 'how to' book on septic systems design, maintenance, or repair. Not recommended -- DF.
• US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm
• Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook, R. Dodge Woodson. This book is in the upper price range, but is worth the cost for serious septic installers and designers.Quoting Amazon: Each year, thousands upon thousands of Americans install water wells and septic systems on their properties. But with a maze of codes governing their use along with a host of design requirements that ensure their functionality where can someone turn for comprehensive, one-stop guidance? Enter the Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook from McGraw-Hill.
  Written in language any property owner can understand yet detailed enough for professionals and technical students this easy-to-use volume delivers the latest techniques and code requirements for designing, building, rehabilitating, and maintaining private water wells and septic systems. Bolstered by a wealth of informative charts, tables, and illustrations, this book delivers:
  * Current construction, maintenance, and repair methods
  * New International Private Sewage Disposal Code
  * Up-to-date standards from the American Water Works Association
  
• Wells and Septic System, Alth, Max and Charlet, Rev. by S. Blackwell Duncan, $ 18.95; Tab Books 1992. We have found this text very useful for conventional well and septic systems design and maintenance --DF.Quoting an Amazon description:Here's all the information you need to build a well or septic system yourself - and save a lot of time, money, and frustration. S. Blackwell Duncan has thoroughly revised and updated this second edition of Wells and Septic Systems to conform to current codes and requirements. He also has expanded this national bestseller to include new material on well and septic installation, water storage and distribution, water treatment, ecological considerations, and septic systems for problem building sites.
• The NSFC Products List has an excellent list of design manuals/modules National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) now (2019/12/13) hosted at http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/ Tel: 304-293-4191 e-mail info@mail.nesc.wvu.edu.
  he National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help America's small communities and individuals solve their wastewater problems through objective information about onsite wastewater collection and treatment systems. NSFC products and information are the only national resource of its type, dealing with small community wastewater infrastructure. or by telephone 800-624-8301
• ...

• Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional HOME INSPECTION SERVICES and also extensive HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION and home inspection-related PUBLICATIONS. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
  Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material.
  The ILLUSTRATED HOME illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
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• The HOME REFERENCE BOOK - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
  Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
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• The Horizon Software System manages business operations,scheduling, & inspection report writing using Carson Dunlop's knowledge base & color images. The Horizon system runs on always-available cloud-based software for office computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, Android, & other smartphones

Liberty Automatic Drain Pump

If you need to conduct water out of your home from a fixture that can’t be connected to a gravity drain line, you’re going to need a drain pump. Maybe you’ve got a laundry tray in the basement, or a washing machine, water softener, dehumidifier, or a similar project involving basement remodeling–the possibilities are varied. Whatever you’ve got going on, it helps to have a compact and low profile drain pump on your side–something that can fit under a sink or out of the way and simply pump out water when you need it to. So what are your options for draining gray wastewater below gravity lines?

While it’s possible to get away for a few months or maybe even a year with a cheap box store drain pump, as plumbing consultants interested in long term solutions, we always recommend spending a bit more to get a quality product that’ll last for many years without needing to be babysat. We reviewed the Zoeller 105 recently, and found it great at expelling water from a range of devices, including dishwashers, garbage disposals, air conditioner condensate, and mop and bar sinks. A good drain pump should be able to last for 10 years or more without even a hint of a need for replacement. Today we’re going to look at another strong candidate in the field: theLaundry Pumps 404 1/3rd HP Residential Drain Pump. It’s compact, fast, fully automatic, and reliable, and we recommend it heartily. Our full review is below, and you can buy it here.

Key Features of the Liberty Pumps 404 Laundry Pump (60 Second Summary)

The Liberty Pumps 404 is a fully automatic residential drain pump designed for indoor applications involving draining water from fixtures and appliances against gravity. The pump includes a 1/3 horsepower motor with the standard 3 year Liberty Pumps warranty. The motor runs at up to 3,450 RPM on 115V AC at 60Hz and is oil-filled and thermally protected. It can pump up to 2,100 gallons per hour (35 gallons per minute) at zero feet. This figure drops to roughly 1,380 GPH at 10 feet, 150 GPH at 20 feet, and shut off occurs at 21 feet (max head).

The Liberty Pumps 404 is 11-1/8 inches tall, 13-3/4 inches in diameter, has a total basin capacity of 4.3 gallons, and weighs 13 pounds. It includes a 1-1/2 inch FPT inlet, a 1-1/2 inch FPT discharge, and a 1-1/2 inch FPT vent. It is capable of handling solids up to 3/8 inch thick and fluids up to 140F. The power cord is 10 feet long and is a 3 wire grounded plug.

Liberty Pumps 404 Feature Comparison With the Zoeller 105

Compared to the Zoeller 105, there are some advantages to the 105 and some advantages to the 404. The 105 technically has a higher maximum water ejection speed at 2,580 GPH vs 2,100 GPH, but the peak speed will be highly dependent on what’s being drained and the drainage path, which means that both will likely have the same effective draining speed. The 105 can handle slightly larger solids at 4/8 inch vs 3/8 inch in the 404. On the other hand, the 404 can handle slightly hotter liquids at 140F vs 130F. The max head on the 404 is slightly greater at 21 feet vs 19.25 feet in the 105.

The warranty is significantly better in the 404 at 3 years compared to 1-1.5 years with the 105. The 404 also comes with a slightly longer power cord at 10 feet vs 9 feet, which can make it slightly easier to install. Aside from the increased warranty span, perhaps the most significant advantage of the 404 is that it arrives fully assembled and ready to install out of the box, while the 105 does require a few additional steps since it isn’t an all-in-one sealed unit the way the 404 is.

Our Short and Long Term Experiences Installing and Using the Liberty Pumps 404

Installation is about as easy as it gets for a drain pump, even if you have next to no plumbing experience. The instructions are clearly written, detailed, and easy to follow; you essentially connect the pump to your septic line via PVC or flexible tubing, connect it to your laundry sink or appliance, vent the pump, add and set up a check valve, plug it in, and you’ll be off and running.

Once installed and plugged in, you’ll barely notice the 404; it will start quickly when necessary and shut off as soon as it’s no longer needed. Operation is fully automatic and should stay that way for the life of the device, which will typically be at least 10 years in most scenarios.

Troubleshooting and Installation Tips to Get Your Liberty Pumps 404 Working Sooner

Keep in mind that you’re going to need a few accessories to install the 404 on your own. For example, you’ll need either flexible tubing or PVC pipe of the correct diameter to connect the pump to your external drain as well as to your sink or appliance. You’re also going to need piping for venting the pump. To connect that PVC or flexible tubing, you’ll need three threaded adapters or fittings. You’re also going to need a check valve to prevent water from flowing backwards into the pump and forcing it to run more than would otherwise be necessary.

Venting can be done with a simple pipe setup, such as through an open 6 inch pipe. Make sure that the check valve is installed upstream of the pump (before your dirty water gets to the pump); this will also help keep sewer gas out of the pump. If you patch the pump into an existing drainage connection (e.g., that for a sump pump), you’ll want to make sure you have a check valve installed in your discharge line as well, preferably as close to the 404 as you can get it; this will keep water from flowing back into the pump or into your sink or appliance. We recommend a quiet check valve like the Brady check valve.

Liberty Pumps 404 Pros, Cons, and Value Comparison

Liberty Automatic Drain Pump 403

In conclusion, the Liberty Pumps 404 is easily one of the best drain pumps you can buy today at the $200 price point. It’s quiet, fast, compact, reliable, easy to install, automatic, and simply works. The highest praise we can offer a pump is that it does its job so well we forget it exists, and the 404 delivers on all fronts. Our only recommendation would involve upgrading to the Liberty Pumps 405 if you need more of what the 404 delivers, particularly in the areas of power (1/2 HP vs 1/3 HP), speed (3,120 GPH vs 2,100 GPH), and maximum liquid temperature (180F vs 140F), and maximum pumping height (34 feet vs 21 feet).

You can buy the Liberty Pumps 404 here on Amazon. You can buy the Liberty Pumps 405 here. You can buy a silent check valve here. You can buy the Zoeller 105-0001 Laundry pump package here.

Liberty Automatic Drain Pumps

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