Liberty Pumps 257 pump, gray, 1-1/2"

The pump arrived in decent packaging and therefore I had no issues with any shipping damage.The finish looks great and the pump seems very sturdy. It's relatively heavy which is a good thing as it's not going to move around. I like the external plastic float fixed to the side that rises and falls verticaly - unlike my last pump which had an internal float (and which unlimately led to its demise after about 10 years).The base has built-in feet allowing the impellor to sit about 1 in off the bottom of the sump pit but note that, unlike my last pump which came on when water was about 2in high in the pit, the float on this pump has to rise about 7 or 8 inches before it activates the pump. Although this means more standing water in the pit, it also means less activation (and therefore, hopefully, longer service life).The next step was installation which took me about 2 hours since this pump was taller than my old one (about 12in vs 7in) and therefore I had to adjust the pipework to fit both this new pump and my back-up pump. If it wasn't for my back-up pump, installation would have been a breeze.When it was time to test, at first I became concerned as it didn't activate despite there being a couple of inches of water in the pit. Of course I then realised that the float had to rise a few more inches before activating and so I lifted the float by hand to see if the pump worked. I could hardly tell that the pump was on other than the water level dropping - that's how quiet it is !!! On that basis alone, I heartily recommend it.I was going to buy the Zoeller M57 but I'm so glad I didn't given the float switch issues with that pump. Naturally, I can't comment on longevity and how long the powder coated body , the float, the impellor etc will last as only time will tell. However, first impressions are very positive.All in all, I'm very happy so far with the pump.****UPDATE 05/01/2013 ****The pump has been worked hard this winter given the amount of snow and rain we've had. After just over 6 months and it's still as quite as when fitted. Working like a charm and still whisper quiet. So far so good...*** 2 YEAR UPDATE 11/12/14 ***It's been 2 years and the pump is just as quiet as it was on Day1. And still pumping as effectively as before. No issues whatsoever. This is one great sump pump.

I had a flotec 3/4 hp pump for about 7 years. It worked fine but it was quite loud. I would know upstairs that the pump was turning on.I investigated several pumps at Home Depot, Menards and online. Most pumps at HD and Menards were made in China but I think there were a couple made in USA. The made in USA pump was being sold in several different brand names - but they appeared to come from same manufacturer. Often they had a tethered switch - which is rather inconvenient to set up. Also, I checked the reviews of those pumps and they had one common problem - switch failure after a few years!Finally, this liberty pump. Made in USA and outer appearance does make it look superior to others - including the other unit made in usa (forgot the name brands).We have had constant rains for past week in Wiscosin and this pump is more than sufficient for my need. 3/4 hp was over kill. I suspect for most people, as a sump pump, 1/4 hp is more than sufficient (unless you have a special situation/problem).This liberty pump is very quiet. You would barely notice that it is working. It has a built in float and magnetic switch, which makes set up very convenient.You should buy a check valve. I bought Zoeller but I think Campbell Mfg Quietsump Chk Valve would have been better. Buy a check valve which allows 100% flow through diameter. Cheap ones open only about 45 degrees or so.If you are seeking to replace a sump pump and cannot afford failure (I have a $150,000 worth finished basement + $25,000 audio equipment), consider this liberty pump. Of course, I have not tested this for longevity. Flotec worked just fine for 7 years but based on the "sound of refinement", I get the feeling this liberty pump would work just fine for another 7+ years. Made in USA is a big plus for me and it outward build quality shows the attention to detail.And yes, I do have a backup system - I use zoeller water powered backup system.Btw, the instructions say that you should drill a 1/8th inch hole near the outlet - to avoid air lock. I did so but it was splashing water. Therefore, I replaced it with a connection without the 1/8 inch drill hole. The pump works fine. It does have a built in vent hole in the base/body of the pump and you don't need another vent hole. I am using zoeller check valve and I don't have an air lock issue.