“This is a bad mammer jammer! when I plumbed this in I added a water valve to add water to the crock anytime I wanted to test both pumps. I just run water, make sure sump works. Then unplug sump and run water, make sure aqua pump works. I do this every month. I used copper 3/4" pipe right into the shark bite. 1 1/2" pvc for the discharge.I used the 2x4 to support the pump as it would not get close enough to the sump to clamp it. It comes with a 2x4 template so you can make your cuts.”
“It worked for just under 3 years a now won't shut off. I'll order another one but this time I'll get the protection plan. It works great but is made of plastic and won't last more then a few years.”
“Installed the pump back in 2012. Up until yesterday only used it for the occasional test that it was working and once when the power was out for a few hours. Last night my primary sump-pump gave out and this pump took over saving our finished basement until i can get our plumber here today, Thank you Liberty pumps. Also i bought a little water sensor ~$10 that i hung in the sump above where the water should be if the main pump was working but below where the Liberty water pump kicks in. It worked like a charm alerting me to the issue”
“My basement has flooded twice. On occasion of the most recent flooding in 2017 (resulting in up to 2" of water in some areas) both the Zoeller and Liberty SJ10 float switched failed to engage! Both were properly fitted into the sump pit with the Zoeller sitting on the floor at the bottom of the pit. The SJ10 was positioned a good 6"-12" above the Zoeller, such that the SJ10 float would engage when the water level reached about half way up the diameter of the 6"diameter-in-flow-pipe. When I reached into the pit, and put my hand beneath the float and lifted it gently, the switch engaged and there was no obstruction preventing the floats from rising. Both switches could be engaged by lifting the floats ever so slightly, and both performed properly after engaged. Prior to replacing the pumps I found the both repeatedly failed to engage and I also found the SJ10 to be stuck in the ON POSITION. I won't know how long it was stuck on until I get my water bill.During the first flooding in 2009 I'd been relying solely on the a Zoeller 1/2 hp electric pump (the one the builder installed), which failed after 15 years of service. With it being located in the basement sump, I was unaware as to how frequently it cycled on and off. The flooding occurred when the float switch failed to engage the pump. I had up to 6" of water during that flood. Because of this experience, I installed the Liberty SJ10 as a backup. I'm unsure as to how frequently the SJ10 cycled, but my water bill would suggest, not often.When I took the float switch apart on the SJ-10, I found a small spring positioned in the bottom of the apparatus, the spring being completely rusted, partially missing and non-functional. I also found the upper chamber containing a magnet and spring filled (perhaps by design) with what seemed like a black metal powder (which I first thought was fine mud, but it was magnetically attracted to the small powerful magnet). I will look to see if that assembly can be replaced. Because the pump was 8 years old, I rated it a 3, but was tempted to rate it lower because... it failed! Visiting Liberty's website, I was able to order a float switch kit for about $45.00 (it's very easy to install).I spoke to a local pump shop in Albany NY where an experienced older fellow, suggested these pumps be replaced every 3-5 years (good advice, considering the $5,000 in costs, cleanup and new carpet matting). Because there is no way of knowing how frequently either pump activates, i's possibly the Liberty Pump worked well for the first 8 years, only failing me in the end. I advise homeowners to consider inspecting and changing the float switches more frequently, perhaps every 3-4 years, or replace the pump, and by all means add a text messaging high-water alarm system.As an additional precaution, I've also added a $219 PumpAlarm.com sensor, which (for $49.00/ year) sends me text messages (it also sounds an audible alarm) whenever either of the 2 sensors (one is a electronic float switch, the other is a digital water sensor) detects water. I set the float switch above the primary pump (in case it fails) I set the digital switch above the backup pump (in case it fails). You might also look at this one 'SJE-Rhombus MSWF-01H MySpyâ„¢ WiFi Messenger Alarm System 120V High Level SignalMaster'. There are other wifi systems that don't involve an annual fee, but I was sick of researching and installed the PumpAlarm (worked great during testing and easy setup).”
