FAQs

If a check valve is used, we recommend drilling a vent hole in the discharge pipe. This hole is located in the basin between the pump and check valve, usually a few inches above the pump “on” level but below the pit cover. The vent hole will prevent air-locking from occurring.

For submersible pumps, depending on the specific model, warranty could be either two years from the date of purchase, three years from the date of purchase, or five years from the date of purchase. Proof of purchase is required. Abuse or misapplication can void this warranty. Check with individual products for specific warranty information.

Under normal service conditions, we feel that the unit is designed for a 7-10 year service life. But during this period, the pump may require periodic servicing.

In a sewage system a check valve is required to prevent the sewage from draining back to the basin. They are usually recommended for all other submersible pump systems, but not required.

This is called short cycling. It is a function of the basin diameter and the “on/off” pumping range. Since the basin is in the ground it is unlikely that it can be enlarged. If you have an automatic unit which has a self contained float switch the “on/off” pumping range cannot be adjusted. But with a nonautomatic unit controlled with a pump switch you can have flexibility in the pumping range adjustment. Short-cycling can decrease the service life of a switch assembly. If this occurs, an automatic unit can be converted by using a long-cycle kit (P/N 10-0001) or by using a non-automatic pump with a piggyback variable level switch, which will expand its pumping range and decrease the amount of short-cycling. Installing a check valve in the discharge line will help decrease short cycling.

The noise you hear is the check valve closing. This is called “water hammer”, and it is the slamming effect caused when the flow reverses in the discharge pipe after the pump stops. Though it is more annoying than troublesome to your system, you can eliminate this noise by using a different kind of check valve. Check out our Quiet Check Valve.

The pump is probably air-locked. Check out our short video about Airlock Prevention!

If you have a check valve in the system, make sure your 3/16″ (5 mm) vent hole has been drilled and is not clogged. If it has not been drilled, disconnect the pump from your power source, and drill the hole (see questions #1 & 4).

If the vent hole solution is not the problem, remove the pump from the pit after disconnecting the power and piping, and make sure the impeller rotation is not being restricted.

If you have an automatic pump with an integral float switch, the switch assembly is malfunctioning, and the switch, switch arm, and case gasket should be replaced. The average switch life is 4-7 years, but it may vary depending on the application. If you have a non-automatic pump with a variable level float, it may be hung up on something or need to be replaced.

A Qwik Jon®  Upflush System is a convenient, affordable way to add a bathroom almost anywhere. Zoeller Pump Company offers two units: The Qwik Jon Choice is a quiet, preassembled pump and macerator system that requires minimal space for installation. Alternatively, the Qwik Jon® Premier is a preassembled 1/2 HP grinder pump system. There’s no need to break concrete so either Qwik Jon can be installed with Zoeller’s rear outlet, elongated toilet in a space anywhere wastewater removal is necessary, but gravity drainage is cost prohibitive.

Either system can handle a single bathroom consisting of a toilet, lavatory, and tub (or shower). A washing machine should not be used with the Qwik Jon®.

Consider using the Drain Pump system for washing machine applications.

Both Qwik Jon® Choice and Qwik Jon® Premier have national code approval as listed by IAPMO. Additionally, numerous individual state code approvals have been obtained.

Zoeller’s IP68  (Ingress Protection) rating means that gaskets and sealing surfaces must be tightly sealed. So, not only does it do a better job of preventing material from entering the system, it also does a better job of preventing nasty odors from escaping. If properly installed per the detailed instructions provided with the system, there will be no odors.

No, the Qwik Jon® requires a rear spigot toilet for installation. Consider the Qwik Jon Toilet, an EPA WaterSense and ADA compliant toilet with an elongated bowl, tank and cover.

The High Water Qwik Alarm is an audible alarm that alerts you when the tank water level is high. The Qwik Alarm is only for use on the Qwik Jon® Premier where a separate vent is used.

The float switch has not been properly adjusted. Move the switch mounting bracket to a higher position on the discharge pipe. A properly-mounted switch will turn the pump on at approximately 4″ to 4.5″ (102 to 114 mm) and deactivate the pump before 3″ (76 mm).

The float switch is out of adjustment. Move the switch mounting bracket to a higher position on the discharge pipe. A properly-mounted switch will turn the pump on at approximately 4″ to 4.5″ (102 to 114 mm) and deactivate the pump before 3″ (76 mm).

To properly size the pump, you need to determine what is being pumped and the required solids-handling capacity. You must know the voltage, system load (GPM/LPM), pipe size, vertical lift, horizontal run, number and type of fittings, and back pressure at the discharge point, if any. Additionally, you must determine whether a single or dual pump operation is desired, how the pump is to be controlled, and if it is an indoor or outdoor application.

Check out our Pump Sizing Program.

Yes! We offer two types of backup systems for sump pumps.

1. Battery Powered Backup Systems
2. 540 Flex water-powered pump, which uses municipal water pressure.

A marine-type, deep-cycle battery is used on the DC backup systems. If you purchase an Aquanot^®Deep-cycle battery,   the battery comes with a 36 month warranty.

Approximately 7 hours of continuous operation at a head of 8′ (2 m).

A high water alarm system is always recommended on a submersible pumping system, especially in those applications having only one pump.

The Zoeller Drain Pump system is specifically designed for this type of application. It enables you to locate a sink, drinking fountain, dehumidifier, or laundry tray tub in areas distant from the building sewer without the cost of installing an in-ground basin or extending the length of the drainage line.