Liberty Pumps 247 1/4 HP Review and Sump Pump Specifications
In this review we’ll have a look at Liberty Pumps 247 model. This neat little submersible sump pump is advertised as being ideal for smaller sump pits. Indeed, out of all of Liberty Pumps sump pumps, the pit diameter size required is the smallest for this model, at just 10 inches. The only other models that Liberty Pumps have produced that can fit inside such a small sump pump pit, are the models 287, 257, 297, 457 and the 237.
The model 247 packs a punch of ¼ HP, which is plenty for most domestic pump uses. It’s made of solid Cast Iron, which is as durable a material as any sump pump can come in. No wonder this sump pump comes with a warranty of 3 years! While all 32 Liberty Pumps that we have documented have a 3 year guarantee, there are many brands that offer just a 1 year warranty and the model 247 therefore has a warranty duration that is above average.
While iron may conduct temperature at a quick rate, pumping hot water is no problem for this sump. It can handle water of a temperature of up to 140 fahrenheit (60 celsius), which, too, is better than many other sump pumps. Let’s have a look at other specifications which may make this sump pump right for your situation.
Table of Contents
Performance and Usage
One of the reasons that this sump pump fits in such small basins is its switch type. Liberty Pumps has implemented their VMF (Vertical Magnetic Float) switch in this model, which requires less horizontal space than for example a tethered float switch. Its switch on point is at 7 inches, and it switches off when the water level drops to 3.5 “.
This sump pump is eminently designed to prevent the motor from jamming and the sump pump from clogging. It can handle solids of up to ¼ “ in diameter and has a no-clog design. Solids with a bigger diameter can easily be prevented from entering the sump by filtering the entrance to the sump pit with a mesh.
The gallons per hour curve starts off better than many competing ¼ HP sump pumps, but it drops off quicker too as the water is pumped up higher. Most residential sump pumps can’t pump water further than 25 feet away, but the Liberty Pumps 247 will struggle after 20 feet.
So if you’re looking to push the limits of physics and maintain a steady flow rate above 20 feet, you’ll be better off looking at different models, like for example the Liberty Pumps 457 (which pumps 1440 GPH at 25 feet) or the Superior Pump model 92370 (with 960 GPH at 25 feet).
Gallons per hour table
| GPH 0 | 2040 |
| GPH 5 | 1800 |
| GPH 10 | 1560 |
| GPH 15 | 900 |
| GPH 20 | 300 |
| GPH 25 | / |
Nevertheless, anywhere below 20 feet you’ll find that the Liberty Pump 247 will do just great.
The pump requires 115 Volts and uses 6 amps to run, while the circuit requires 15 amps, which is standard. No battery is required for the sump pump to run, although a battery backup is always recommended in case of power outages. The model 247 discharges on the side, at a size of 1-½ “.
Take notice that I always like to remind you to also purchase a check valve if you haven’t got one already. Manufacturers don’t include check valves in the sale of their sump pumps, but they are a necessity for any sump pump. They will prevent the sump pump from running continuously and having one does not only save energy; it also vastly improves the sump pump’s lifetime.
Our Review
In the model 247, Liberty Pumps has struck a fantastic balance between price and quality. It’s hard to find cast iron models like this one for such a good price. So we don’t hesitate for a second to recommend this pump to anyone who has a small sump basin and doesn’t need to pump water unusually far away. Those are the only two big reasons not to buy this pump: if your pit is too wide or if you need to pump water above 20 feet away.
Other points of critique can easily be amended: in case you need handling of bigger solids than ¼ diameter, just get a mesh in place where the water flows into your sump pump pit. One last issue that sometimes occurs, is that the vertical float switch can get stuck. All accounts of owners of this happening that we were able to find, albeit seldom, were all well after the warranty period. To prevent any issue in this area, it may be wise to install a water alarm. Even better, and in our opinion a necessity for all sump pump owners, is to get a proper backup system in place.
So in short, this is an excellent primary sump pump. It’s made for continuous duty, and the warranty of three years is really excellent for a sump pump that is designed to run all the time. Liberty Pumps has really put a competitive submersible sump pump on the market with the model 247, and it is no wonder to us that the product is still in production after its first launch in 2004.
Specifications
| Name | Liberty Pumps 247 |
| H/P | 1/4 |
| Dimensions in inches, X x Y x Z | 9 x 10 |
| Maximum gallons per hour | 2040 |
| Solids handling, diameter (inches) | 1/4 |
| GPH 0 | 2040 |
| GPH 5 | 1800 |
| GPH 10 | 1560 |
| GPH 15 | 900 |
| GPH 20 | 300 |
| GPH 25 | / |
| Battery included | No |
| Battery required to run | No |
| Housing material | Cast iron |
| Base material | Cast iron |
| Impeller material | Thermoplastic |
| Switch Type | Vertical float |
| Warranty yes/no | Yes |
| Warranty years | 3 |
| Link to warranty | Link |
| Link to manual | Link |
| Voltage | 115 |
| Weight in pounds | 21 |
| First year of production | 2004 |
| Is discontinued? | No |
| Running Amps | 6 |
| Cord Length (feet) | 10 |
| Discharge size (inches) | 1-1/2 |
| Discharge type | Side |
| No-clog design | Yes |
| Switch On Point (inches) | 7 |
| Switch Off Point (inches) | 3.5 |
| Pumps Down To (Ft) | 20 |
| Liquid Temperature Minumum | / |
| Liquid Temperature Maximum (F) | 140 |
| Motor: Continuous duty | Yes |
| Motor thermally protected? | Yes |
| Capacitor start motor | No |
| Requires check valve? | Yes |
| Check valve included? | No |
| Sump Pit diameter required (inches) | 10 |
| Circuit requirement (Ampere) | 15 |
