Guide
Product Guide Do It Building Materials

Do It Best 1/3 HP Thermoplastic Pedestal Sump Pump

The Do It Best 1/3 HP pedestal pump delivers 3,000 GPH at 5 ft lift through corrosion-resistant thermoplastic construction and a stainless steel impeller. It handles Montana’s spring snowmelt infiltration while offering adjustable float rod stops that let contractors customize pump cycles to match specific basement conditions.

This pump targets contractors installing basic flood protection in residential basements. The 10-1/2 inch switch-on and 2-1/2 inch switch-off levels provide an 8-inch working range that prevents short cycling while keeping water well below floor level. Engineered for easy replacement of most other pedestal pump brands, it drops into existing 12-inch pits without modification.

Exterior view of Western Building Center's Eureka location showing the main store building with prominent red signage on a be

Performance and Construction Details

The numbers contractors need: 2,460 GPH at 10 ft lift with a 20 ft maximum lift head. Those flow rates handle typical residential water tables and moderate storm events. The pump won’t keep up with catastrophic flooding, but that’s not what pedestal pumps are for.

SpecificationValueSource
Flow Rate (5 ft)3,000 GPHManufacturer
Flow Rate (10 ft)2,460 GPHManufacturer
Maximum Head20 ftManufacturer
Motor1/3 HP, 115V, 60 HzManufacturer
AmperageApprox 3.5AManufacturer
Discharge Size1-1/4 in. FNPTManufacturer
Solids HandlingUp to 1/4 in. particlesManufacturer

The thermoplastic base and pedestal won’t rust in Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles. More importantly, the stainless steel impeller and corrosion-resistant metal shaft handle the actual work without degrading. The enclosed positive switch keeps the mechanical components protected from debris and moisture.

6 ft waterproof cord and plug reaches most basement outlets without extension cords. The overload protected motor shuts down before burning out if the impeller jams or the pump runs dry.

Installation Requirements and Compatibility

Universal fitment makes this pump attractive for replacement jobs. 12-inch minimum pit diameter and depth matches standard residential sump basins. The 1-1/4 inch FNPT discharge connects to standard PVC without adapters.

Installation follows standard pedestal pump procedure: Place the pump level in a sump pit at least 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep, Connect a 1-1/4 inch discharge pipe to the threaded outlet, and Plug the 3-wire cord into a dedicated 15A GFCI-protected outlet.

Critical installation details that prevent callbacks: Install a check valve (back-flow preventer) on the discharge line to prevent water from siphoning back into the pit. Without it, the pump cycles constantly. Drill a 1/8-inch relief hole (vent hole) in the discharge pipe 3-4 inches above the base to prevent air-locking. That tiny hole prevents the pump from vapor-locking and burning out.

The adjustable float rod stops let contractors fine-tune the water level range. Adjust the float stops on the rod to set the desired on/off water levels, then Test the system by filling the pit with water to ensure the pump activates and shuts off correctly. Ensure the float rod has clear vertical travel and does not brush against the pit walls — interference causes erratic cycling or pump failure.

Exterior view of Western Building Center store in Eureka, Montana, showing the main building with prominent red signage on cr

Market Comparison

Three direct competitors show where this pump sits in the market:

ModelHPFlow RateKey Difference
Superior Pump 923331/3 HP3,000 GPHSimilar performance and materials
ECO-FLO EPP331/3 HP3,600 GPHSlightly higher flow rate
FLOWPAC B0CXJ3H6GN1/3 HP2,700 GPHSlightly lower flow capacity

The Do It Best model matches the Superior Pump spec-for-spec while the ECO-FLO pushes slightly more water. All three use similar thermoplastic pedestal construction.

Exterior view of Western Building Center in Eureka, Montana, showing a rustic building with cream-colored metal siding on the

The Bottom Line

This pump does exactly what a pedestal pump should do. It moves groundwater out of basements reliably. The thermoplastic won’t rust, the stainless impeller won’t corrode, and the adjustable float gives contractors flexibility during installation.

Perfect for rental properties, basic basement protection, or anywhere a homeowner needs flood insurance compliance. Not the pump for critical applications or homes with serious water problems. But for keeping typical basement moisture under control during Montana’s spring thaw, it’ll do the job.

1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty covers defects but won’t help with installation errors or misapplication. Follow the installation guidance, especially the check valve and relief hole, and this pump should deliver years of basic service.

Exterior view of Western Building Center store in Eureka, Montana, showing the main building with prominent red signage and s

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the actual amp draw on startup? A: Approximately 3.5A during operation with a standard 15A circuit recommended. Startup surge will be higher but stays well within a 15-amp breaker’s capacity.

Q: Can this pump handle sewage or gray water? A: No. This is a clear water sump pump rated for particles up to 1/4 inch. Sewage requires an effluent pump with different impeller design and larger solids handling.

Q: How loud is a pedestal pump compared to submersible? A: Pedestal pumps run louder because the motor sits above water. The product lists quiet operation suitable for indoor residential use as a feature, but “quiet” is relative. Expect mechanical noise during operation.

Q: What maintenance does a pedestal pump need? A: Annual inspection of the float mechanism, cleaning debris from the intake screen, and testing the float switch operation. The pedestal design makes inspection easy without pulling the pump.

Q: Will this work as a backup to my primary pump? A: Yes, with proper float level adjustment. Set this pump’s activation level slightly higher than your primary pump so it only runs when the primary can’t keep up or fails.

Ready to Get Started?

Our building materials specialists can help you find the right Do It products for your project.