Hello, I need help in identifying a sump pump configuration and operation/purpose. I will attempt to attach a photo and or explain the best I can. I am definitely familiar with the normal operation of a sump pump. This on is however plumbed to the exterior of a home I am in the process of purchasing. Most of the parts are Zoeller part 503. There is an additional float set up with water plumbed into it. And Hot water to boot. This is all located in the sump area by the washing machine. I have a great picture of the set up, but am having troubles attaching it. Any help would be appreciated. TIA, Ross



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It's a water powered back-up.
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Hot water to a water back up pump? Strange. It may shorten the life of the pump, and it would definitely run you out of hot water if the back up pump ever kicks on.

bruce, the water he is talking about has nothing to do with the pump.
the water is connected (in his case hot water) to a tee set up. the tee has a venturi built in so as the water runs by it, it syphons a little water out of the sump.
i don't know what the ratio is but running 40-50 gallons of water thru the tee set-up may suck out a few gallons from the sump ?
i do agree that running hot water thru a pump not designed for high temperatures isn't the best idea.

Maybe someone thought by using hot water, in the extreme cold winter of Wyoming, the discharged water could clear the outside pipes without freezing? That is the only slightly logical reason I could come up with. Probably they just got the H & C mixed up. When my son moved into their new home about 20 years ago, they discovered after a few months that hot water was piped to the guest bathroom toilet. The plumbing contractor immediately came out and corrected it. Unfinished basement made that a simple job.

been there, done that.
although it is much harder to mix up since we use blue and red pex.