Pumps

Sump, sewage, effluent, gray water, condensate, booster and recirculating pumps, plus basins, check valves, float switches, alarms and accessories.

Solids handling is what separates the categories. A sump pump moves clear water and will jam on anything solid; an effluent pump passes small solids; a sewage pump passes 2" solids and is what a below-grade bathroom requires. Fitting the wrong one to a toilet discharge guarantees a callback.

Switch type decides reliability more than the motor does. Wide-angle tethered floats need clear basin space to swing and are the most tolerant; vertical floats fit narrow basins but have a short travel and cycle more often; electronic switches have no moving float at all. Piggy-back plugs let the switch be replaced without pulling the pump.

Most residential units are 115V, with 208/230V and 120/240V available. Discharge is commonly 1-1/2" or 2" FIP, and a check valve on the discharge is not optional — without it the column of water in the pipe drains back and the pump short-cycles.

Brands include Liberty Pumps, Zoeller, Grundfos and Taco.