Blog

Welcome to another edition of Inspector Pumphead’s recommendations! In this column, I will use my skills and experience as an Inspector to highlight and explain the features and benefits of specific pump models. The pump featured here might be a best-seller, be seasonally appropriate or have unique features that set it apart from other pumps of a similar type. In today’s edition of “The Inspector Recommends,” I will be examining an engine driven water transfer pump from Red Lion pumps, the 617031 model 2RLAG-1L. Red Lion is one of our newest manufacturing partners and I am excited to feature one of its pumps for the first time on the blog! They also carry many other drive engine driven pumps. Engine or Electric The vast majority of the pumps we feature, whether automatic or manual, operate with a motor powered by an electrical outlet (or a battery if it’s a backup). Other types include hand pumps and water-powered pumps. But today, I am talking specifically about pumps powered by gasoline engines. Engine driven pumps are designed to be used in outdoor settings with no access to an electrical outlet (or generator for that matter). Typically, engine drive pumps are used in construction, drilling, mining, excavation and other outdoor job sites. It is common for liquid transfer to be an important aspect of any number of outdoor jobs. Engine driven pumps can also feasibly be used for more general water transfer applications where electricity is not available. Red Lion 617031 2RLAG-1L The Pump Itself The Red Lion 617031 2RLAG-1L pump casing is made of durable aluminum, which is lighter than the cast iron or stainless steel. The internal volute is cast iron. The pump is horizontally configured and both the suction inlet and discharge port are front-facing 1-½” MNPT. Two screw-on 1” adapters are included for the inlet and discharge; other adapter sizes can easily fit as well. A check valve to prevent backflow is built into the pump behind the suction inlet. A priming port on the top side of the pump allows for easy priming until full. A drain plug near the base allows excess water to easily be evacuated after operation. An attached base plate provides a sturdy and stable foundation of the pump, while a carry handle allows for portability around a job site. The pump should also never be run dry because water is required to lubricate the pump seal which is made of a carbon/ceramic composite. The impeller is rugged cast iron to prevent corrosion and semi-open to prevent clogging. Performance wise, the 617031 2RLAG-1L can reach a maximum capacity of 60 GPM and a maximum head of 79 ft. TDH. The maximum suction lift is 25 ft. All in all, it is a pump designed to convenience the contractor or anyone working on an outdoor site. The Engine and Operating Procedures The mounted engine is an air-cooled, 4 something 79cc OHV (overhead valve) gasoline engine. Built to meet EPA standards for efficiency, the engine runs best on unleaded gasoline and includes all the components necessary for smooth running. 1. On/off switch enables the spark ignition system to operate. In an emergency situation, the pump can be shut down by flipping the switch. 2. Fuel valve closes the passage between the fuel tank and carburetor and prevents the fuel from flooding the engine. 3. The choke adjust the levels of air and gasoline in the fuel mixture. When the choke is on, it enriches the mixture, allowing you to run the engine “cold.” 4. Throttle: Acts like the accelerator in your car and allows you to adjust the RPM to your preferred standards. 5. The recoil starter grip operates the recoil starter; pull to engage the crankshaft and start the engine. 6. A muffler to reduce noise emissions. 7. A convenient dipstick to measure the level of oil. Always be sure to check the level of oil (on a level surface) before operation to reduce the chances of damage or engine shutdown. SAE 10W-30 is recommended. 8. An air filter to filter the air. Keep in mind that the pump engine operates like any other type of engine. It is loud, requires oil for smooth operation and the exhaust fumes release carbon monoxide into the air. That is why proper operational parameters are extremely important for your health and safety when operating the engine. This pump (and any engine-driven pump) should never be operated indoors or an enclosed space. Users should also be cognizant of carbon monoxide leaking into enclosed areas. In addition to producing carbon monoxide, engine exhaust also generates intense heat. Be aware that the muffler gets extremely hot during operation and should not be touched. It is also highly recommended that you wear a pair of earmuffs or other protective ear gear during operation - you wouldn’t want to damage your eardrums! You should also wait for the engine to cool down before refueling, transporting or storing the pump. While it may some like there are a lot of precautions, read your manuals, use common sense and you should be fine. Use and Installation In the image below you can see a typical installation configuration. Pump Products application engineers are standing by to help you find the right pump, as well as to provide price quotes, availability and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800.

Welcome to Inspector Pumphead’s recommendations! In this column, I will use my skills and experience as an Inspector to highlight and explain the features and benefits of specific pump models. The pump featured here might be a best-seller, be seasonally appropriate or have unique features that set it apart from other pumps of a similar type. In today’s edition of the “The Inspector Recommends,” I will be looking at a very cool (pun intended) pump, the Hartell 803338 GPP-1MH-1P ice machine pump. What Are Ice Machine Pumps As the name suggests, Hartell ice machine pumps are a critical component of ice-making machines. As summer gets closer and temperatures continue to climb, many more people will want ice for drinks on demand. Whether you are a restaurant owner or work in foodservice, a smooth running ice machine helps keep customers happy and business flowing. Commercial ice machines include a pump to move water from a dedicated water line. The water travels through the tubing and over a condenser which removes heat thereby cooling the water, and an evaporator which allows the water to expand. This makes the ice. The mechanics are a bit more complicated than that, but for our purposes you should simply know that the pump is important for getting the water that makes the ice. Pump Products sells these ice machine pumps as replacement parts for ice machine pumps that break or stop working correctly. As a replacement pump, the Hartell 803338 GPP-1MH-1P can be used to replace the Ice-O-Matic 9161076-01 pump in specific 115 voltage Ice-O-Matic models including the C20, C30, C40, C50, EC200, EC300, EC400, EC400, ICE0250, ICE0305, ICE0400, ICE0405, ICE0500, ICEU150, ICEU200, ICEU220 and ICEU300, among other ice machine models from that company. Hartell 803338 GPP-1MH-1P The Hartell 803338 is a 115 V pump that can operate at either a 50 Hz or 60 Hz frequency. The discharge connection is ⅝” O.D. The pump itself is lightweight at 6 lbs. and compact, at about 5” x 6.8” x 10.7” dimensions. This is an important advantage when it comes to a replacement pump, because it makes it easier to install and connect. The straightforward and efficient design also allows for easy technical diagnosis and service/maintenance should any problems arise. And of course sanitation is particularly important for an ice machine pump. Pure water must be used for the ice. You can rest easy with this pump as it is tested to ensure it conforms to NSF and UL standards. With its blend of convenience, simplicity and affordability, it is no wonder that the Hartell 803338 is our best-selling ice machine pump. Hartell Pumps While we haven’t highlighted Hartell Pumps in this feature space before, they are well-known in the industry for making premium products. The ice machine and condensate pumps are particularly well-known and sought after. Hartell promises “clean, safe, simple and sanitary” operation for all of its pumps. Pump Products also sells Hartell ice machine replacement pumps for other ice machine manufacturers such as Manitowoc, Whirlpool-Frigidaire and Scotsman. Pump Products application engineers are standing by to help you find the right pump, as well as to provide price quotes, availability and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800.

Welcome to Inspector Pumphead’s recommendations! I’ll be highlighting specific pump models and explaining the applications, features, and benefits. The pump featured here might be a best-seller, be seasonally appropriate, or have unique features that set it apart from other pumps of the same type.  Today the highlighted pump will be the Liberty Pump 331, a heavy-duty portable transfer pump from one of our favorite manufacturers Liberty Pumps. Watch the product highlight video here: Transfer Pumps The humble transfer pump serves perhaps the most basic and critical function of any pumping mechanism: it transfers fluid from one place to another. It’s a straightforward task, but one that must be performed frequently whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or contractor. Flooding and excess water runoff are a fact of life and a transfer pump is a handy tool to deal with such obstacles. Because of the broad application uses, transfer pumps come in a variety of designs and configurations. The Liberty Pump 331 is our best-selling transfer pump. What makes it so popular Performance and Versatility With a ½ HP motor, the Liberty Pump 331 can handle multiple types of heavy-duty water transfer. It can deliver up to 40 lbs. of nozzle pressure, reach a high maximum head of 105 ft. and can support a maximum vertical suction lift of 15 ft. Probably the most common use is to de-water flooded basements or other flood-prone areas. Another frequent (and with summer coming up, relevant) use is to remove the accumulated water off of pool covers. People also often use transfer pumps to drain water heaters. Keep in mind that these pumps don’t just necessarily evacuate water but can also be used to direct water to a specific source such as livestock tank or water storage tank. The pump can also be used to boost water pressure. To help the pump perform these functions, brass male and female adapters are included with the pump. A plastic male hose strainer is included as well and should always be used when pumping from a pond, stream or any body of water that may include foreign objects that could potentially clog the pump.  Portability Unlike a submersible pump or any other pump that is installed in a fixed system, the Liberty Pump 331 is portable, making it the ideal transfer pump to tackle unexpected (or unplanned) water transfer applications on a day-to-day basis. You can take it down to your basement one day and up to your pool the next. To that end, has a built-in top handle for convenient transport. The Liberty Pump 331 is also lightweight (approximately 11 lbs.) and compact, (9 ¾” by 4 ½” by 7”) making it ideal for use in tight or tough to reach spots. Warranty A 2-year warranty serviced by Liberty is included with this pump, as opposed to the typical 1-year term. Liberty is widely regarded as one of the best manufacturers as far as communication, so if there are any issues you can rest assured that they will be dealt with extreme care and speed. Pump Products application engineers are standing by to provide technical assistance, price quotes, or to answer any questions you may have regarding pumps. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800.

Welcome to Inspector Pumphead’s recommendations! I’ll be highlighting specific models and explaining the features and benefits of each pump. The pump featured here might be a best-seller, be seasonally appropriate or have unique features that set it apart from other pumps of the same type.  In today’s edition of “the Inspector Recommends,” we’ll be taking a look at our best-selling drain pump, the Liberty 404. Liberty also sells other model sink drain pumps. Liberty 404 What is a drain pump To put it simply, a drain pump is a pump that drains graywater or wastewater out of a system for export. They can typically be found in kitchens and laundry rooms where drainage by way of gravity is impossible or impractical. The Liberty 404 is an automatic pump that will drain whatever water needs to be drained in your system. Application Variety The 404 can be easily be used for a wide variety of drainage applications. Bar sinks, utility sinks, mop sinks, laundry trays, and dehumidifiers can all benefit from the compact, well-constructed pump. Gray wastewater drainage below a gravity is also a typical use for such pumps. If you have a washing machine in your basement, then the Liberty 404 might be the right pump to evacuate that graywater after use. The pumps can handle ⅜” solids normally found in gray water drainage (such as laundry lint). Intelligent Design Of course, design goes hand-in-hand with function. For a pump to operate effectively in a variety of different applications and environments, it must be compact and lightweight. The 404 certainly fits the bill at roughly 13 lbs. and 11” high - the perfect height to fit under a sink. The discharge line is 1-½”, while the basin can hold up to 4.3 gallons. Here is a diagram of a typical installation: This pump also comes factory pre-assembled and ready to install for added convenience. The float switch is mounted within the tank. A piggyback plug allows for temporary manual operation (be sure to not let the pump run dry for extended periods). Liberty’s patented QuickTree technology allows for the user to easily remove the float without disconnecting the plumbing or pulling the pump out of its installation. A heavy-duty integrally molded rubber gasket ensures superior sealing from water and corrosion. Energy Saving An efficient motor design makes helps make the 404 a good pump choice for energy and cost savings. Operating at ⅓ HP, 60 Hz, and 3450 RPM, the motor is oil-filled and hermetically sealed.   The pump also comes with a two-year warranty from the date of purchase for better consumer protection. All in all, the Liberty 404 is a fine choice for your drainage needs The 405 Pump Products also carries commercial drain pumps from Liberty. The 405 runs at 115 volts, while the 405HV runs at 230 volts. Both commercial pumps feature 2" connections.  Pump Products application engineers are standing by to provide technical assistance, price quotes, or to answer any questions you may have regarding pumps. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800.

In this video, PumpProducts.com highlights the Goulds 5GS10412C Submersible Well Pump. This pump is 4" in diameter and well-suited to low flow, high head deep well applications. Video includes all relevant features, specifications and benefits. View the specific Goulds Submersible Pump here: https://www.pumpproducts.com/goulds-5... (more…)

Goulds Submersible Well Pumps are used to draw water from a well in an area where there is no connection to a municipal water line. In this blog, we will highlight Goulds Submersible Well Pumps.  Typically found in rural or outlying areas, well pumps can be used for a variety of applications, including farming, irrigation or simply drawing potable water. Two broad categories of well pumps exist: submersible and jet pumps. As the name suggests, the submersible well pumps are submerged under water at the bottom of the well. Jet pumps are installed above the well and require a separate jet assembly component (twin pipe, Packer) actually installed in the well. Goulds Pumps are compact, close coupled single-component and can be configured for deep well applications. Goulds Submersible Well Pumps Performance The model highlighted here is a low-flow, high head model that can perform in deep well applications. The best efficiency flow rate for the 5GS10412C is 5 gallons per minute, while the head can reach over 600 feet TDH. The pump accomplishes the high heads through the use of multiple stages. A “stage” is simply a compartment consisting of a diffuser, upthrust washer, impeller and a bowl. The model highlighted here includes 20 stages stacked on top of each other. The mechanism is straightforward: water enters the inlet and moves up through the stages. The rotating impeller reacts against the stationary diffuser vane, increasing water pressure. As the water moves through each successive stage, the actions is repeated and pressure continues to increase exponentially. A key point to remember is that the number of stages is positively correlated with head and inversely correlated with flow; the fewer stages, the higher (in terms of GPM) the best efficiency flow rate. We carry Goulds Submersible Well Pumps with various stages in our store. It is a Floating Impeller Stack (as opposed to a fixed impeller stack) which has proven itself for over 50 years as a superior sand handling and durable pump design. It is also more flexible than a fixed impeller stack. This package includes a compact Centripro control box for simple start-stop management. Construction As with any Goulds Submersible Pump, durability is an important consideration. Rust and corrosion are dangerous impediments to any type of equipment that operates submerged under water. If you are relying on such a pump for your potable water, you need to be especially attentive to the possibility of damage. Goulds Well Pumps feature some of the most rugged top-to-bottom construction of any submersible well pump on the market. It starts with the outer casing, which is made of durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel. The check valve is stainless steel as well, while the discharge head is cast stainless steel. Noryl impellers and Lexan diffusers also ensure that the pump internals are resistant to abrasion. The engineering polymer bearing ensures durability throughout the pump body. 4” Centripro motors are both powerful and durable for continued best performance operation. Pumps with motor packages are available as are pump ends or “wet ends” only. Packages that include control boxes are available as well.    Be sure to consult your local well specialist for installation and maintenance purposes.