Pumps, pressure, and machines that outlived their makers
Backup Sump Pump Selection: Size, Power and Discharge
Compare backup sump pump types and size one from measured inflow, total dynamic head, runtime, discharge routing and independent safety controls.
By Walt Brenner · 28 September 2026 · 7 min readLatest
Cost to Replace a Water Well Pump: A Quote Guide
Budget about $1,000–$2,800 for many well-pump replacements, then compare the pump, depth, pipe, wire, controls, testing and warranty.
Backup Battery for a Sump Pump: Size the Whole System
Compare DC backup pumps and inverter systems, calculate required flow and runtime, and match a deep-cycle battery to the controller manual.
Backup Battery System for a Sump Pump: How to Size and Choose One
Size a sump-pump backup by inflow, total head and outage duty, then check pump redundancy, battery compatibility, alarms and discharge layout.
Recirculation Pump for a Water Heater: Selection Guide
Compare return paths, controls, pump curves, heater compatibility, and common faults before choosing a hot-water recirculation pump system for your home.
Is an Expansion Tank Required for a Water Heater by Code?
See when water-heater codes require thermal-expansion control, what closes a plumbing system, and how an expansion tank must be sized and installed.
Sump Pump Lifespan: When to Repair or Replace
Compare pump age, wet-test performance, workload and backup protection to decide whether to keep testing, diagnose a fault or replace the unit.
More articles
Camlock Hose Selection: Match the Whole Assembly
Select a camlock hose by fluid, duty, pressure, vacuum, temperature, flow, materials and attachment—not fitting size alone.
Sump Pump Valve Check: Test, Diagnose, and Fix It
Learn to check a sump pump valve with a wet cycle, then trace drainback, rapid restarts, poor flow, leaks, wrong direction, and water hammer safely.
Sediment Filter Cartridge Selection: Microns, Flow and Pressure Drop
Match a sediment filter cartridge to particle size, housing, peak flow and allowable pressure drop—and know what its micron rating cannot promise.
Spindle Bearing Identification and Failure Checks
Learn what a spindle bearing does, how to identify the correct replacement, and how to trace heat, noise or play without erasing failure evidence.
How to Choose a Sump Pump for a Crawl Space
Size a crawl-space sump pump by inflow and total head, then check the basin, float, discharge, power, cover, alarm and backup.
What Is a Proximity Switch? Types, Uses, and Selection
Compare inductive, capacitive, magnetic, photoelectric and ultrasonic switches, then match sensing range, output wiring, mounting and environment.
What Is a Well Pump Control Box?
Learn what a well pump control box does, how it differs from a pressure switch, and why voltage, horsepower and motor type must match.
Y Strainer Selection, Installation and Pressure Drop
Select a Y strainer by fluid, debris, screen opening, pressure drop and service limits—then install its pocket in the correct orientation.
How to Prime a Well-Water Pump Without Running It Dry
Prime a surface jet well pump safely, identify systems that do not need manual priming, and diagnose a prime that will not hold.
Liquid-Filled Pressure Gauge: Selection, Installation and Troubleshooting
Choose a liquid-filled pressure gauge by range, media, temperature and connection—and know when a snubber, seal or siphon is still needed.
Aerator for Septic Tank: How to Choose
Check system identity, airflow, pressure, dimensions, controls, treatment capacity, local approval and warranty requirements before buying.
Reducing Washer: Size Selection and Bonding
Match the existing knockout to the desired fitting trade size, then verify quantity, orientation, listing, conduit compatibility and bonding.