Good submersible sump pump. Ridgid rusted immediately.

[johnseeley]

I had an emergency and went out and bought a Ridgid 1/3 HP submersible from Home Depot because they had good reviews. My failed Everbilt 1/2HP tether style lasted est. 10-15 years. (I first looked at the Everbilt aluminum vertical style float but didn't like how cheap the float system looked- to my untrained eye) Anyway, I picked up the Ridgid and It works nice, quiet but with a tiny 4-5 inch range, BUT.... the stainless steel housing started rusting immediately. This picture (link below) is less than 5 days old. I know it's rust because I've had real stainless parts in that pit for decades and they never rusted or turned orange The rust spots on the black cast iron impeller housing don't bother me as much, but on the stainless? These Ridgids are made by Wayne.

So I'm returning this to HD but not sure what else to buy. I need to get a replacement in place before I return the Ridgid. I was considering the Zoeller M53 from Fergusons as opposed to the more plasticy Zoellers from Lowes, but I heard of people having a hard time getting Zoeller to honor their warranty. Any other pumps to consider or does anyone know anything about Zoeller warranties from experience? Thanks!

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lj2v...4c88adfaw3r6o3ih3b14mfnv&e=2&st=opq62x9o&dl=0

EDIT, I PLACED THIS POST HERE IN THE Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice where I think it's more appropriate.

 

[Sylvan]

Did you have the water tested for acidity?


You may need a non ferrous pump

 

[Sponsor]

 

[johnseeley]

Did you have the water tested for acidity?


You may need a non ferrous pump

No, but I've had other stainless steel parts in that pit for a very long time and they were still shiny as could be. Something to look into . Thanks.

 

[Bannerman]

I suspect it's the cast iron components below that are rusting, which is causing the SS to become rust stained. Perhaps those cast iron components were not painted internally.

My failed Everbilt 1/2HP tether style lasted est. 10-15 years.

Was the 10-15 year lifespan a problem? I consider that lifespan as reasonable, and would cause me to at least consider the same brand and model for the replacement unless an alternate model offers additional benefits and has a superior proven track record.

 

[johnseeley]

I suspect it's the cast iron components below that are rusting, which is causing the SS to become rust stained. Perhaps those cast iron components were not painted internally.


Was the 10-15 year lifespan a problem? I consider that lifespan as reasonable, and would cause me to at least consider the same brand and model for the replacement unless an alternate model offers additional benefits and has a superior proven track record.

Not a all. I had a Everbilt tether style for 10-15 years and it just failed which is a great lifespan especially for a cheap unit. I would get another Everbilt tether style again but they're no longer in the stores. (you can order them online but I rather just pick one up) HD only stocks (on the shelves) the Everbilt with the cheap vertical float design. So I bought this Ridgid over a week ago. Stainless steel I guess stains huh? Still disappointing, no? Plus, that intake grill above the cast iron impeller housing is plastic I think. Maybe not.

Also that rust on the stainless steel doesn't come off when I rub my finger on it... feels rough--- like rust! That linked picture is at less than 5 DAYS OLD. Imagine in 6 months let alone 5 years.

 

[johnseeley]

There seems to be nothing decent in local stores. The Zoeller (at Lowes and Ferguson's) still has switch problems and iffy warranties for diy-ers who buy from unauthorized retail outlets.. The Liberty 1/3HP at Ferguson's seems like a good choice but it has a 3 inch range from 7" to 4". Does anyone find that range kind of ridiculous? At HD, the Ridgids rust out according to some reviews and the Everbilts have flimsy float mechanisms. Nothing else local. What about THIS one? Is a 1/2HP too much for a 6 foot vertical pipe and then 9 ft horizontal? After that, you have Drummond at Harbor Freight. lol