Pumps

Pumps for drainage, pressure and circulation — sump pumps, sewage and effluent pumps, booster pumps, hydronic circulators and pump accessories. MEKCO Supply stocks from GRUNDFOS, LittleGIANT, BOSHART, Leo Pump and Saniflo.

Sizing a sump or sewage pump

Size by total dynamic head, not by horsepower. Add the vertical lift from the pit to the discharge, plus friction loss in the pipe and fittings, then read the pump curve at that head to get real flow. A pump that moves plenty of water at zero head can be almost useless at fifteen feet of lift.

Sewage pumps are rated by the solids size they will pass — 2" solids handling is typical for residential sewage ejectors. Grinder pumps are used where the discharge line is small or the run is long. Effluent pumps handle greywater only and will jam on solids.

Check valves and switches

Every pump discharge needs a check valve, positioned so the column of water above it does not slam back onto the impeller. Float switch type and tether length set the pump's on-off band; too short a band causes short cycling that kills motors.

Booster and circulator pumps

Booster pumps raise pressure where municipal supply is inadequate. Circulators move water in closed heating loops. Both are stocked with contractor pricing at Richmond Hill.