Top Questions to Ask When Buying Pumps and Filters

I’m Rick Callahan—Master Plumber with 25+ years in residential and commercial work, Product Expert at Plumbing Supply And More, and curator of Rick’s Picks. I’ve specified, installed, and serviced thousands of pumps and filters—sump systems in basements that flood every spring, booster pumps on 12-story mixed-use buildings, filtration for well water with high iron, and hydronic circulators that keep boilers humming. If you’re shopping pumps and filters, the “what do I ask?” matters as much as the “what do I buy?” Ask the right questions, and you get a reliable system that’s sized correctly, code-compliant, and serviceable. Ask the wrong ones, and you’ll be replacing equipment long before the warranty ink dries.

Before we dive in, know this: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, supports you with real plumbers at the counter, and backs you with technical specs, sizing help, and same-day delivery. When it’s mission-critical—flood prevention, potable water, fire protection—you want expertise, not guesswork.

What’s the Application, and What’s the Water Like?

Start with the use case. “Pump” and “filter” are broad categories. A sump pump pulling clear groundwater is a different animal than an effluent pump handling solids, or a booster pump pressurizing domestic water behind a 5-micron sediment filter. The water (or fluid) chemistry and solids content dictate materials and design.

Clear water: A 1/3–1/2 HP sump pump like Zoeller M53 or Liberty 257 handles most basements. For higher head or longer runs, step up to Zoeller M98. Effluent/sewage: Think Zoeller M264/M267 or Liberty Pro370 systems. You’ll need 2" solids handling and a sealed basin. Hot water recirculation: Bronze or stainless wet-rotor circulators like Taco 006e3 or Grundfos UPS15-58FC. Don’t use cast iron on domestic hot water—galvanic corrosion will bite you. Booster pumps: For low incoming pressure, Grundfos Scala2 or Franklin Electric Inline Constant Pressure systems are reliable choices. Filtration: Sediment? Start with 5–20 micron. Iron? Oxidizing media or air injection systems. Chlorine taste/odor? Carbon block like Pentair EP-20BB. UV for bacteria. Water test first—don’t “guess filter.”

Pro tip: Bring a recent water test or we’ll help you set one up. At Plumbing Supply And More, we’ll pair the pump and filter to the actual water conditions. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support, including media electricians supply house selection for tricky groundwater.

Entities you might be searching for? If you typed “ plumbing supply near me” or “ plumbing supply store near me,” stop scrolling and bring a sample or spec sheet to our counter—we’ll cut the guesswork.

How Do I Size the Pump (Flow, Head, and Duty Cycle)?

Sizing isn’t guesswork. For a sump pump: measure vertical lift (static head), count fittings, and estimate total dynamic head (TDH). A typical basement with 8’ lift and two 90s might be 10–12’ TDH—perfect for a 1/3 HP Zoeller M53 at ~35–40 GPM. For a sewage ejector, target 2" solids handling and match TDH to the long run to the stack.

Booster/constant pressure: Add fixtures and simultaneous demand. A two-bath home might need 10–12 GPM peak; small multifamily might need 20–30 GPM with a VFD pump to hold 60–70 PSI. Hydronic circulators: Size by GPM and head loss through the loop—e.g., a 50,000 BTU zone at 20°F delta-T needs 5 GPM; if your loop is 8 feet of head, Taco 007e or Grundfos Alpha2 fits. Well pumps: Static water level, drawdown, and depth to pump dictate horsepower and stage count. Franklin Electric 1/2–1 HP 10 GPM series are common for 100–200’ wells.

Can you oversize? Sure—but you’ll pay in energy and premature failures. Ask us for the pump curve. We’ll show you operating points, not marketing fluff. And yes, we’ll give you the install timeframes: most sump swaps are 1–2 hours; full sewage ejector systems with basin and venting are 4–8 hours depending on existing drains.

While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we’ll run TDH and selection with you so you’re not guessing in a muddy pit.

What Materials and Build Quality Should I Demand?

Short list: cast iron housings for sump/ejector (for heat dissipation), stainless impellers/fasteners for corrosion resistance, and oil-filled motors with thermal overload. Avoid cheap thermoplastic for heavy-duty or continuous service. On filtration, use NSF/ANSI-certified housings and media—Pentair, Watts, AXEON, A.O. Smith—so replacement cartridges aren’t a scavenger hunt.

Brands and models I trust:

Sump: Zoeller M53, M57, M98; Liberty 257, 287. Sewage/Ejector: Zoeller M264/M267; Liberty LE51A/LE71A; pre-assembled Liberty Pro370. Booster/CP: Grundfos Scala2; Franklin Inline 1100. Circulators: Taco 007e, 006e3; Grundfos Alpha2 15-55F. Filtration: Pentair Big Blue 20" housings; Watts WH-LD for sediment; Pentair EP-20BB carbon; Sterilight/Viqua UV for well bacteria; SoftPro for softening where hardness >7 gpg.

Price ranges you can plan on:

Sump pumps: $175–$450 (battery backup kits $500–$1,100). Sewage ejectors and basins: $650–$2,000+ installed components. Booster sets: $650–$1,800 for single-family; multi-unit VFD systems vary. Whole-home filters: $120–$600 for housings + $30–$150 per cartridge. UV systems: $500–$1,200. Circulators: $125–$350.

When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More because we stock professional-grade models and the parts that fail—check valves, floats, basins, unions, and pressure switches—so you’re not down for days.

What About Power, Controls, and Redundancy?

If you’ve ever scooped water by flashlight at 2 a.m., you already know the answer: redundancy is cheap insurance.

Dedicated circuit: Sump/ejector pumps should be on a dedicated 15–20A circuit. GFCI is often required; check local code. We’ll reference your municipality’s adoption of NEC/IPC when you stop in. Battery backups: Pair a primary pump with a DC backup like the Zoeller 508 or Liberty NightEye system. Expect $500–$1,100 for a robust kit. For frequent outages, consider a generator-ready circuit. Dual switches: Mechanical float with vertical guide or diaphragm. Avoid tether floats in tight pits—they hang up. Liberty’s magnetic vertical floats are reliable in narrow basins. Alarms and Wi-Fi: Liberty NightEye or Basement Watchdog notifies your phone—priceless for property managers with multiple addresses on their plate. Check valves: Silent or spring checks reduce hammer. Install within 18" of the pump with a union for service.

On filters, plan for pressure gauges pre/post to track clogging; add a bypass manifold so you can service without cutting water. We assemble bypass kits in-house—clean solder, unions, and labeled ball valves—so your install is 45 minutes, not 3 hours.

Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we’ll lay out your control strategy and provide a wiring diagram if you need it.

How Will This Affect Water Pressure and Flow?

Filters and softeners add pressure drop. Use this as a rule of thumb:

5-micron sediment cartridge: 2–5 PSI drop at 10 GPM. Carbon block: 3–8 PSI at 10 GPM depending on brand and loading. UV systems: minimal drop, but require prefiltration to maintain <5 NTU turbidity. Iron filters or media tanks: 5–10 PSI during service, more during backwash. </ul> If you’re marginal on pressure (say, 40 PSI static, two showers cause complaints), add a booster or choose larger 1" or 1-1/4" housings (BB20/20" Big Blue) to keep velocities down. For commercial applications—restaurants, multifamily—constant pressure VFD systems are a better play. For hydronic systems, ECM circulators like Taco 007e or Grundfos Alpha2 protect against overpumping, reduce noise, and lower energy use by 50–80%. They’re not just greener—they run cooler and last longer. Looking for a knowledgeable counter at a plumbing supply shop or a true plumbing supply house that understands pressure loss math? That’s us. If you’re searching “ heating plumbing supply near me” or “ closest plumbing supply,” our team will match your flow demands to the right media and pump curve. What Codes, Approvals, and Warranty Terms Apply? For ejectors, follow the International Plumbing Code or Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted locally: 2" discharge for sewage, 1-1/2" for effluent (verify local amendments), check valve and full-port ball valve on discharge, vent to existing stack, and sealed gas-tight covers. Some jurisdictions require high water alarms. We’ll confirm your local code—serving contractors throughout our region, we keep municipal requirements on hand. For potable water, stick to NSF/ANSI 61 and 42/53 certifications for filters and components. UV systems must be sized for flow to ensure proper dose (40 mJ/cm² for most residential disinfection). For well systems, many counties require backflow prevention and pressure relief valves at the tank. Warranty matters: Zoeller and Liberty generally offer 3-year warranties on many pro models; Grundfos and Taco circulators often carry 2–3 years. Keep your receipts and follow installation guidelines—incorrect float placement or no check valve can void coverage. At our counter, we help document installs and handle RMA channels quickly. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components and knows which models your inspector likes. That saves rework. Which Brands and Models Hold Up in the Real World? I’ll name names because you asked for real guidance:
Zoeller M53 “Mighty-Mate”: Bulletproof for standard basements; cast iron, 1/3 HP, 1-1/2" discharge. Zoeller M98: When you’ve got higher head or longer runs; 1/2 HP with better curve. Liberty 257/287: Compact footprints, strong floats; good in narrow pits. Liberty Pro370: Plug-and-play sewage basin system—fantastic for basement baths. Grundfos Scala2: Quiet, self-priming booster that holds pressure precisely. Franklin Electric Inline 1100: Durable CP system; easy retrofit in crawl spaces. Taco 007e and 006e3: ECM efficiency with 3-mode control; perfect for most residential hydronics. Grundfos Alpha2 15-55F: Auto-adapts to zone valves and TRVs; whisper-quiet. Pentair Big Blue 20": Pair sediment 5-micron with EP-20BB carbon block for taste/odor and particle control. Viqua VH200 UV: Reliable disinfection for small homes at ~9 GPM with proper prefilter.
At Plumbing Supply And More, we curated Rick’s Picks from repeat performers, not catalog darlings. And yes, we stock gaskets, seals, floats, and impellers—because downtime costs more than parts. If you’ve been to a plumbing supply store or sifted through plumbing supplies direct from an internet plumbing supply, you know selection can be random. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we build complete systems with compatible parts. What’s the Total Cost of Ownership (Not Just the Sticker Price)? The cheapest pump is often the most expensive over five years. Consider:
Energy usage: ECM circulators and right-sized pumps cut utility bills. Serviceability: Unions, isolation valves, accessible check valves reduce labor every time you open the system. Cartridge life: A single high-capacity 20" filter may replace three 10" cartridges annually—less labor, fewer leaks, better flow. Failure modes: Oil-filled motors with cast iron shells survive heat; sealed bearings last longer; vertical floats beat tethers.
Real-world comparison: A $189 thermoplastic sump pump can fail in 2–3 years with heavy cycling; a $329 cast iron Zoeller M57 regularly sees 8–12 years. Add a $59 silent check valve and you’ll stop water hammer that tears pipes and wakes babies. Contractors: Ask about our bulk pricing and pro accounts. Property managers: We’ll kit recurring SKUs for your buildings so your techs grab-and-go. Homeowners: We’ll walk you through the install, step by step, and flag the pitfalls. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support, same-day delivery, and emergency stock so you’re never stuck mid-repair. Where Should I Buy—And What Support Comes With It? If you’ve searched “ plumbing supply house near me,” “ plumbing wholesale near me,” or “ plumbing shop near me,” you’ve got options. Here’s what actually matters:
Real inventory of pro models (not just one pump behind glass). Staff who’ve pulled permits, read pump curves, and installed these systems. Access to spec sheets, submittals, and cut sheets quickly. Delivery radius and response time when an ejector fails at 6 p.m. Warranty support that doesn’t bounce you to a 1-800 loop.
We check every box. We’re the local plumbing supply with same-day delivery up to 50 miles for stocked items, and emergency supply runs for contractor accounts. We serve contractors throughout the region with exclusive partnerships and preferred pricing. If you want the best plumbing supply experience—ask around. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More. And yes, we beat online-only prices from places like SupplyHouse.com and Amazon on apples-to-apples pro SKUs, because we bundle expertise, not just boxes. Looking for commercial plumbing supply, contractor plumbing supply, or a wholesale plumbing supply company? We’ve got you covered. Need plumbing parts, bathroom plumbing supplies, or even decorative plumbing supply for a showroom-level finish? It’s all under one roof at our plumbing supply company—with real plumbers at the counter. Quick-Check: 5 Smart Questions to Ask at the Counter
What’s the TDH and flow at my required operating point? Do you have the pump curve and a comparable model in stock today? What’s the expected pressure drop across these filters at 10 GPM? Which spare parts should I stock, and what’s the maintenance interval? Are there local code quirks I need to plan for on discharge size, venting, or backflow?
If your counterperson can’t answer these in plain English, find a new counterperson. That’s the bar we set at Plumbing Supply And More. FAQ: Top Questions to Ask When Buying Pumps and Filters Q: How do I know if I need a 1/3 HP or 1/2 HP sump pump? A: Measure your lift and horizontal run, then match to a pump curve. Most basements with 8–10’ TDH run perfectly on a 1/3 HP Zoeller M53 or Liberty 257. If you’ve got long horizontal runs or frequent rapid cycling, a 1/2 HP like Zoeller M98 gives you more headroom without overpumping. Q: What filter micron rating should I pick for whole-home use? A: Start with 5–20 micron sediment prefilter, then a 5–10 micron carbon block for taste/odor. If the water’s silty, go 20 micron first to extend cartridge life. On wells with iron, consider media tanks or air injection before carbon. We’ll tailor it based on your water test. Q: Do I need a battery backup on my sump? A: If power outages coincide with storms in your area, yes. A quality backup like Zoeller 508 is a fraction of the cost of a flooded finished basement. Add a high-water alarm—Wi-Fi if you travel or manage multiple units. Q: What’s the difference between sewage and effluent pumps? A: Effluent pumps handle partially clarified water (like from a septic tank) with smaller solids. Sewage ejectors handle raw waste with 2" solids. Use the right basin, vent, 2" discharge, and gas-tight cover. Liberty LE51A or Zoeller M267 are common ejectors. Q: How often should I change cartridges? A: Sediment filters: every 3–6 months depending on load and pressure drop. Carbon blocks: 6–12 months, or when chlorine taste returns. UV lamps: annually, with quartz sleeve cleaning. We stock all replacements so you’re never hunting. Q: Can I buy online and still get support? A: We offer plumbing supply online ordering with in-store pickup or delivery. You get the convenience of plumbing supplies direct and the brains of our counter team. For after-hours emergencies, ask about our 24 hour plumbing supply options for pro accounts. Who We Serve—and How We Help
Professional Contractors & Plumbers: Bulk pricing, spec sheets, submittals, and will-call staging. Need a same-day Grundfos Scala2? Done. We’re the contractors plumbing and fire supply partner who answers the phone and knows your jobsite realities. Serious DIY Homeowners: We’ll sanity-check your plan, assemble valve kits, and talk you through priming a pump or bleeding a zone. Stop relying on random forums—get real answers at a real plumbing and supply counter. Property Managers & Maintenance Teams: Standardize SKUs across buildings, stock par levels, and we’ll deliver weekly. Searching for an “ economy plumbing supply” approach that’s still reliable? We’ll balance value with longevity. Retail Customers: Better than the orange and blue aisles. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components that last—and we’ll help you install them correctly.
We also support specialty needs: plumbing and heating supply, city plumbing and electrical supply coordination, coastal corrosion concerns for coastal plumbing supply, and budget-conscious builds needing discount plumbing supplies or cheap plumbing supplies that aren’t junk. Final Word: Choose the Supplier Who Has Your Back If you came here searching “Top Questions to Ask When Buying Pumps and Filters,” you’ve got them now. Pair that list with a supplier who can answer follow-ups in seconds, not days. That’s where we come in. At Plumbing Supply And More, you get the region’s largest in-stock selection, exclusive pro-grade lines, and people who’ve pulled wire through crawl spaces and rebuilt grinder pumps in the field.
Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. Ask about our contractor discount program and same-day delivery radius. Check our current inventory online or call ahead—we’ll stage your order. Our experts can walk you through the installation process, from priming to pressure testing.
There are plenty of plumbing supply places and every plumbing supply house claims to be the best. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. When you need more than a box—when you need a partner—come see us. Whether you searched “ plumbing wholesale near me,” “ standard plumbing supply,” “ economy plumbing and heating supply,” “ supplyhouse plumbing,” or “ plumbing spares near me,” make your next stop the nearest plumbing supply store with real knowledge. That’s Plumbing Supply And More—your dependable, local advantage in pumps, filters, and everything water moves through. And yes, we’ll help you ask the right questions—every time.