Unfortunately, this is the smallest diameter pump that we offer and in this scenario you would need to take your own risk. A 7" diameter basin would make this an extremely tight fit and I would not recommend it.

The minimum sump basin size relates to the minimum size of your sump basin or pit, that a specific pump will safely operate in. Any pump needs a certain amount of space due to "on/off" levels, cooling factors and cycling that the pump is designed for. Most pumps will require a standard size basin of 18" wide by 24" deep but some will also operate in smaller basins. You want to pay very close attention to these requirements as they will insure a longer pump life.

That really depends on the pump. Some are more efficient than others. For example, the 1/3HP Basement Watchdog model BW1033 has a running amp rating of 3.5 and a starting amp rating of 7. When you figure the watts by the formula of amps times volts equals watts ( A X V = W), you get 420 running watts and 840 starting watts. But when you look at the Zoeller 1/3HP model M53, that pump has a running amp rating of 9.6 and a starting amp rating of 29.6 or 1152 running watts and 3552 starting watts.

With a 6 inch diameter, these pumps are the smallest footprint pumps that we offer. And as long as you have enough room, and you mention that you have 16 inches to work with, you should be fine. The 2-pump system is quite common for situations of sporadic heavy downpours and possible flooding and is a very good solution as opposed to over sizing a single pump and most likely reducing the life of that pump.

If you are replacing a sump pump and the pump has performed well for you in the past, it's best to replace it with a pump that matches the horsepower and/or gallons per hour rating as close as possible. If that information is unknown and the original pump's brand and model number is still visible on the pump, you can always look it up on the internet or call us for more help. If no information is available, an average sized home in a typical water table can usually use a 1/3HP - 1/2HP sump pump. Submersible sump pumps are more popular and will usually run quieter and last longer than pedestal sump pumps. You can also click HERE for more information on how to pick the perfect sump pump.
If you have additional questions, please let me know or give me a call.

A backup is never a bad idea as long as you're home when and if "the" event takes place. A BATTERY BACKUP System would be good insurance and would help ease your fears of having some pumping capability should you be away from home when a severe storm hits. Most systems will give you approximately 7 hours of continuous runtime or 24 - 48 hours of non-continuous runtime. The other consideration would be a STANDBY GENERATOR. This option would also give you peace of mind for your pump, refrigerator, heating or cooling, garage door and security system.

The dual float switch on this system actually mounts to the discharge pipe so you can set it at any height you desire. Keep in mind that the discharge connects to the top of this pump. The height of the pump is 12 inches so that would be the minimum that you could get this pump to turn on at.
Per the instructions:
The dual float switch contains two large floating rings enclosed within a protective cage. Water will lift the bottom float by a 1⁄4 inch, which will activate the pump. If
for any reason the lower float does not activate the pump, the water will rise and activate the second switch. As the pump evacuates the water from the pit the floats will drop. The pump will run for an additional 10 seconds to extend the cycle after the lower float drops.
Note: When mounting the float switch, position the bottom of the cage at the height you want the pump to activate.

If your pump is a 120V sump pump, I would suggest the StormPro Model SP20A201 vertical float switch or the Basement Watchdog Dual Float Switch and Controller, model BWC1, as long as your pump is not drawing more than 15 amps.

Hello Sherry,
The BW1033 is a new model even though Basement Watchdog has had that part number for a while. They have not conducted testing on TDH or max head. You are welcome to contact Jim Curren at Glentronics at 800-991-0466 x20 and he would be more than happy to help you out in answering your question.

The interior dimensions of a basement aren't a major factor in sizing a sump pump correctly.

Monitoring your current pump during normal operation and during a storm can give you a better idea of what size pump you would need.