What size return pump do I need?

Bruner54 · Sep 14, 2017

I am looking to put a sump in my basement and leave the main tank upstairs i am wondering what size pump or how many gallons per hour do i need in a pump to push it vertical 10-15ft straight up with either 1/2in or 3/4in pvc. Thanks!

S-t-r-e-t-c-h · Sep 14, 2017

Tank size & overflow capacity is going to dictate the gph that you need. In any case, you'll need a pressure rated pump to get from the basement to your tank. IMO, external pumps are best suited for these types of installs. The Iwaki RLT pumps are pressure rated and made for these types of setups.

Bruner54 · Sep 14, 2017

Its either going to be a 30 gallon or a 60 gallon have both tanks havent decided if i want to go bigger. So if i put the sump under the tank and it was only 5 ft instead of up to 15 does that make a big difference in the size pump?

S-t-r-e-t-c-h · Sep 14, 2017

Bruner54 said:
Its either going to be a 30 gallon or a 60 gallon have both tanks havent decided if i want to go bigger. So if i put the sump under the tank and it was only 5 ft instead of up to 15 does that make a big difference in the size pump?

Big difference. You don't need to move a ton of volume with that tank size, but you still need a LOT of pressure to keep the flow moving. Sort of like the difference between a sports car and a diesel pickup; they're both powerful, but you probably don't want to tow a trailer with a corvette. In this situation, you're basically in the market for a pickup (high torque).

Keep in mind that most pumps state their max gph at zero head; even pressure rated pumps will likely lose 1/2 or more of their stated flow once you pump 15' in the air. You definitely need something that is rated for high head or pressure rated, so that it will even function. Most pumps max out well below the distances you are talking about.