The NexPump Ai5600-AN Intelligent Sump Pump is the World’s Most Reliable Sump Pump System. It will continue to operate and protect your home when ALL other sump pumps have stopped.

Isn’t that what homeowners want? reliability … not a flooded basement

Visit www.nexpump.ca to see the proof

Most check valves have an internal flapper which is quite similar to flappers found inside a toilet tank. They can fail without notice.

Common Check Valve

This is the source of the chatter, thud or other noise that many people find annoying that occurs when the sump pump shuts off.

There is a new design available now called the Quiet+ Check Valve from NexPump.ca that eliminates this issue. You can find more information here.

A more critical situation for monitoring check valve operation is found in systems that have a backup pump installed. In these types of systems, the backup pump sits above the main pump and is hooked up to the discharge line by way of a Tee connection.

Standard backup pump installed

This type of setup will not pump water out of your basement when the power is out or when the main a.c. pump malfunctions if the check valve has failed. What will happen is that water discharged from the backup pump will re-circulate back through your main pump, thereby causing the basement to flood. This can be very perplexing to the homeowners who happen to be away when flooding due to check valve failure occurs. Upon returning, they find the disastrous results but the main pump is working normally.

The “See Thru” design of the Quiet+ Check Valve from NexPump.ca allows the homeowner to check correct operation at a glance.

The Real Time Diagnostics feature of the NexPump Ai5600 Series Intelligent Sump Pumps eliminate the possibility of flooding due to check valve issues. Pumping is automatically switched to the second line and the homeowner is alerted to check the operation of the malfunctioning line. All NexPump Sump Pumps sold in Canada come equipped with Quiet+ Check Valves.

Simply put – NO! Nothing can be 100% reliable, 100% effective, in 100% of possible scenarios.  If you stayed at home watching and testing everything each day, you would be able to foresee issues and respond accordingly. This of course would require an intelligence of some kind to be able to make decisions and respond accordingly (whether that is calling a plumber, swapping out a defective pump, or addressing a float switch issue).  When this work is done by a machine or computer it is called Artificial Intelligence or Ai.  Many backup systems do have audible alarms and some have phone dialers to notify you of problems, but can they be called Ai?  Let’s lay out some real-life scenarios and see how different systems measure up.  Some systems do have alarms and phone diallers, however, it must be noted that they are activated by the float switch and only notify you of switch activations. 

1. Power Outage
   • 120VAC Pump
     • Main pump will not function
     • Switching to backup when water reaches backup float switch.
     • Result – OK
   • 12VDC to 120VAC Inverter System
     • Audible alarm sounds for switch activation (if equipped).
     • Phone dialler (if equipped) will notify you of switch activation.
     • If battery still holding charge after sitting idle for perhaps several years or more and assuming that the inverter functions, the backup system should operate.
     • Result – OK
   • 12VDC Pump
     • Audible alarm sounds for switch activation (if equipped).
     • Phone dialler (if equipped) will notify you of switch activation.
     • If still functioning after long periods of inactivity and assuming the Battery is still good, 12VDC pump should begin ejecting water.
     • Lower volume 12VDC pump will begin pumping.
     • Pumping volume will be considerably lower than the 120VAC pump.
     • Result – OK
   • Water Pressure Pump
     • Audible alarm sounds for switch activation (if equipped).
     • Phone dialler (if equipped) will notify you of switch activation.
     • Much lower volume pumping action should begin pumping water.
     • Pumping at a fraction of main pump capacity.
     • Result – OK

 

2. Check Valve Problem
   • 120VAC Pump
     • If stuck closed, main pump will continue to run, possibly overheat and burn out.
     • Switching to backup when water reaches backup float switch.
     • If stuck open, water drains back to pit and needs to be pumped out again. Additional wear and tear on pump and float switch due to pump operating more frequently.
     • Nothing will notify you.
     • Result – Possible FLOOD
   • 12VDC to 120VAC Inverter System
     • Valve stuck closed is not an issue until backup is needed as described below.
     • Valve stuck open, main pump will pump through backup back into sump pit.
     • Audible alarm sounds for switch activation (if equipped).
     • Phone dialler (if equipped) will notify you of switch activation.
     • Result – Possible FLOOD
   • 12VDC Pump
     • Valve stuck closed is not an issue until backup is needed as described below.
     • Valve stuck open, main pump will pump through backup back into sump pit.
     • Audible alarm sounds for switch activation (if equipped).
     • Phone dialler (if equipped) will notify you of switch activation.
     • Result – Possible FLOOD
   • Water Pressure Pump
     • Valve stuck closed is not an issue until backup is needed as described below.
     • Valve stuck open, main pump will pump through backup back into sump pit.
     • Audible alarm sounds for float activation (if equipped).
     • Phone dialler (if equipped) will notify you of float activation.
     • Result – Possible FLOOD

 

3. Float Switch Failure
   • 120VAC Pump
     • Main pump will not function.
     • Switching to backup when water reaches backup float switch.
     • Result – Possible FLOOD
   • 12VDC to 120VAC Inverter System
     • If problem is with backup switch, condition will remain unknown until needed and then backup will not function.
     • Result – FLOOD
   • 12VDC Pump
     • If problem is with backup switch, condition will remain unknown until needed and then backup will not function.
     • Result – FLOOD
   • Water Pressure Pump
     • This system does not use an electric switch but a mechanical valve that can become encrusted with mineral deposit preventing it from functioning or causing it to leak. A leak will be undetectable until it reaches a volume that becomes obvious on your water bill.
     • Result – FLOOD

 

4. Plumbing Errors
   • 120VAC Pump
     • Main pump will not function.
     • Switching to backup when water reaches backup float switch. Backup may not function.
     • Audible alarm sounds for switch activation (if equipped).
     • Phone dialler (if equipped) will notify you of switch activation.
     • Result – Possible FLOOD
   • 12VDC to 120VAC Inverter System
     • Condition will remain unknown until needed and then backup will not function.
     • Audible alarm sounds for switch activation (if equipped).
     • Phone dialler (if equipped) will notify you of switch activation.
     • Result – FLOOD
   • 12VDC Pump
     • Condition will remain unknown until needed and then backup will not function.
     • Audible alarm sounds for switch activation (if equipped).
     • Phone dialler (if equipped) will notify you of switch activation.
     • Result – FLOOD
   • Water Pressure Pump
     • Condition will remain unknown until needed and then backup will not function.
     • Audible alarm sounds for switch activation (if equipped).
     • Phone dialler (if equipped) will notify you of switch activation.
     • Result – FLOOD

 

5. Mechanical Failure
   • 120VAC Pump
     • Main pump will not function.
     • Switching to backup when water reaches backup float switch. Backup may not function.
     • Result – FLOOD
   • 12VDC to 120VAC Inverter System
     • Condition will remain unknown until needed and then backup will not function.
     • Alarm and dialler may not function
     • Result – FLOOD
   • 12VDC Pump
     • Condition will remain unknown until needed and then backup will not function.
     • Alarm and dialler may not function
     • Result – FLOOD
   • Water Pressure Pump
     • Condition will remain unknown until needed and then backup will not function.
     • Alarm and dialler may not function
     • Result – FLOOD

 

6. High Water Volume
   • 120VAC Pump
     • Main pump may not keep up with volume.
     • Backup may add pumping capacity when water reaches backup float switch.
     • Result – Possible FLOOD
   • 12VDC to 120VAC Inverter System
     • Second pump will begin pumping adding to overall capacity.
     • Audible alarm sounds for switch activation (if equipped).
     • Phone dialler (if equipped) will notify you of switch activation.
     • Result – OK
   • 12VDC Pump
     • Typically installed with a tee that reduces pass though diameter of discharge line thus reducing main pump capacity.
     • Backup likely is not powerful enough to augment main pump. Pressure from main pump will push backup check valve closed preventing backup from pumping.
     • Audible alarm sounds for switch activation (if equipped).
     • Phone dialler (if equipped) will notify you of switch activation.
     • Result – FLOOD
   • Water Pressure Pump
     • Backup will not be powerful enough to augment main pump. Pressure from main pump will push backup check valve closed preventing backup from pumping.
     • Audible alarm sounds for float activation (if equipped).
     • Phone dialler (if equipped) will notify you of float activation.
     • Result – FLOOD

 

7. Power Outage and /or anycombination of the above
   • 120VAC Pump
     • Main pump will not run.
     • Switching to backup and backup may not run.
     • You may or may not be notified.
     • Result – FLOOD

The above systems cannot be considered to have Ai in any form.  The audible or visual notifications or the phone dialers do not and cannot give you details about what is wrong.  If these were our only options, I would agree that perhaps a combination of these systems would provide, however inadequate, the best available protection.

This bring us to Understanding Sump Systems – Part 5 -What would a comprehensive Ai system do that these systems cannot?

This sounds reasonable, but let’s consider the options available and see how they measure up in the real world. 

To review, the six failure points we discussed are:

1. Electricity Failure
2. Broken or jammed check valve
3. Failed float switch
4. Plumbing error
5. Mechanical failure
6. High volume of water 

Have you noticed a pattern here?  While all the solutions available have different positive aspects, they all have overlapping faults.  They are all susceptible to (2) check valve problems, (3) failed switches, (4) plumbing errors, (5) mechanical failure, or (6) high water volume.  Not only do they not protect you in these instances, they are themselves susceptible to the same failures.

 Our 4th segment in ‘Understanding Sump Systems’ will focus on the question – Can we realistically expect a sump pump system to protect us against all these potential threats?

Six Reasons Sump Systems Can Fail

1. The most common error that arises is electricity failure.  The only way to eliminate this problem is to have an electricity backup in the form of a battery pack or a generator. The most common is a battery pack.  A battery system can be designed around a power inverter or a 12VDC secondary pump.  We will discuss the pro’s and cons of these later.  For now we will just discuss failures in a standard 120VAC system.

 

2. The next problem that can arise is a broken or jammed check valve.  A check valve is a mechanical device with a flap that opens and closes. Depending on its construction, the flap can succumb to fatigue or debris may become lodged in it, thus preventing it from opening.  A valve that is stuck open will not be an issue unless there is a second pump as part of a backup system.  In this event, the water will mostly circulate through the open check valve back into the sump pit preventing the main pump from keeping up to the intake of water. If the water reaches the level of the backup float switch, the backup will begin pumping but the capacity will be further reduced due to the back pressure from the still active more powerful main pump. 

 

3. A third issue can arise from a failed float switch.  No matter what style of mechanical switch is used, age can take its toll and cause a breakdown.  A broken switch cannot turn your pump on.  Another problem external to the actual switching mechanism is a tangled or blocked switch.  Many float switches are at the end of a tether that can get wedged against the side of the pit, become tangled in a wire, or break at the point of attachment to the pump.  They can also detach from the sump and just float on the water as it rises without actually turning the pump on.

 

4. The fourth reason in our list is a plumbing error.  This could be a blockage in the discharge pipe or a blockage of the pump intake screen.   A check valve problem as noted above could be considered as part of this issue, but we are prefer to list it separately.  If you have your sump pump discharging to the outside, then you can have a blockage on the exterior from debris or frozen water in the line or at the end of the line.

 

5. Number five is just plain mechanical failure.  A motor that burns out or seizes, seals that let water in, or debris that jams the impeller.

 

6. Closing our list at number six is simply a high volume of water intake beyond the capacity of the pump to discharge.

Equipped with this information we are ready to discuss 3 important questions.  The first will be discussed in Part 3 – Is there anything that can be done to protect ourselves from these potentially critical failures? 

Don’t get me wrong.  There are a lot of knowledgeable people in the sales field and their opinions can be extremely valuable in helping make some decisions. However, how many times have you asked a question and had the associate pick up a product or two and just read the label?  Or have you ever been told, “We sell lots of this and never hear anything bad!” or, “I use it and love it!”  Opinions based on hearsay, conjecture, or personal experience are unreliable at best. 

While the old adage is often true, “You get what you pay for!”, price alone can’t be used as a decision maker either.  Quite often the wear parts are not any better in a higher priced item than in the lower one.  A case in point is a simple spray nozzle for your garden hose.  You can buy one with a one piece cast metal body and a composite plastic trigger for under $10.  Under rigorous testing, the composite trigger will eventually break.  You can spend $20 on the same product  but with a metal body, a metal trigger and rubber grip.  If you look closely though, you will find that either the hose fitting will be seated on a composite material or some other moving part will be substandard.  $10 or $20, manufactures build in obsolescence or fail points.  No matter how many upgrades or improvements are made there will almost always be a fail point designed into or left somewhere in a product.  The truth is, that if you are spending $10-$20, you don’t worry too much and just buy another one.  But when you buy something to protect your loved ones, you home and your valuables,  you need to make sure it will always work.

This brings me back to the opinions of the sales associate.  While they can be valuable, anecdotal or personal experience are not reliable decision making tools.  It may be okay for small ticket items, but not safety equipment.  That’s what a sump pump is, safety equipment for your house.   A sump pump failure can result in tens of thousands of dollars of restoration work, mould remediation and losses in personal valuables.

With the advent of the internet, many consumers do product research before making buying decisions.  This can be another decision making minefield.  Filled with opposing opinions, commercials masquerading as forum posts, and more opinions than facts, surfing for help when making decisions can be even more confusing. 

I don’t mean to make a blanket judgement against getting opinions.  That is how most decisions in life are made.  The emphasis here is on asking the right questions.  To understand  what the right questions are, it is most important to understand the topic.  In part two, I will begin with an explanation of how sump pumps work and explain six things that can cause a sump pump to fail.

Admittedly, my goal here is to introduce you to a particular brand of sump pump.  However, as a foundation repair specialist with over 20 years experience with sump pumps, I invite you to seriously consider the following instalments and decide for yourself if my assertions are true.  Yes, the information is designed to lead you to the  conclusion that the best sump pump is out there, but also to help you understand why it is desperately needed. If you are still reading this, you obviously are one of the millions of households with a vested interest in sump pump technology.  I am not writing a technical article but I am hoping that the layperson can use this information to sift through all the misinformation and sales pitches and make an informed decision that will best suit their needs.  You may not end up buying the best sump pump, but at least you will have made an educated choice. 

Stayed tuned for Understanding Sump Systems – Part 2 – Sump Pump Theory

What this  really indicates however is that the pump is electrically inefficient.  The purpose of a sump pump is to translate electrical power (usually from a 120 volt a.c. or 12 volt d.c.  source) to mechanical power in order to move water from inside the house to the outside.   A sump pump is not supposed to be a heater.

The world’s most efficient pumps, such as those used in the NexPump Ai Intelligent Sump PumpSystem, are so efficient and produce so little heat that they can run without damage even when no water is present. The durable plastic housing will not overheat and does not need to be cooled the same way that inefficient sump pumps do.

The World's Most Reliable Sump Pump system

An important benefit of efficient pumps is that they can pump far greater amounts of water when powered by batteries. If you look at the total pumping capacity of cheap battery backup pumps, you see that it is 10,000 gallons or less on a new 130 mah Deep Cycle Marine battery. This compares to more than 40,000 gallons using the same battery with a NexPump Ai5600 System . This is in addition to the much lower gph pumping capacity of the low end battery systems which can be as low as 1/7 that of a NexPump system in battery powered mode.

“Be prepared” is the Boy Scouts motto. “Being prepared” is what every homeowner with a sump pump should be before a power outage or inevitable mechanical breakdown. The best insurance a homeowner can get against basement flooding is doing his/her homework before making a sump pump purchase and buy the best sump pump system on the market.

For a detailed chart on pump efficiency check this chart.

We are the Canadian distributor for NexPump Inc, the Elburn Il. USA based manufacturer of sump pump systems.

This product line is a marketer’s dream – products that are the best in their class. Words like “Best”, “World’s Greatest” and “Number One” are overused every day.

That’s not the case with NexPump. The NexPump Ai5600 Series are the “World’s most reliable sump pump systems” and we have the data to prove it. It doesn’t matter whether you bought a $100 pump from a Big Box store or paid a professional $4000 or $5000 for what someone else claims is “the best”;  the fact is Ai5600 sump pump systems will continue to operate and protect your biggest investment when all others have stopped. This chart shows what happens in real world operating conditions.

We invite you to visit the NexPump.ca website and see why NexPump Intelligent Sump Pump Systems are your best protection.  Who needs the hassle of a basement disaster due to inadequate sump pump protection.

Contact me directly with any questions or suggestions. And if you have any suggestions how we can make our website better, we would be very pleased to get your feedback.