Prior to installation, record Model, Serial Number, and
Code Number from pump nameplate for future reference.
MODEL ________________________
SERIAL ______________________
CODE ______________________
INSTALLATION
DATE _______________________
*Do not throw away or lose this manual.
7000 Apple Tree Avenue
Bergen, NY 14416
Phone: (800) 543-2550
Fax: (585) 494-1839
www.libertypumps.com
Contents
General Information
Dewatering/Sump Applications
Effluent Applications
Electrical Service and Operation
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Warranty
Installation Manual 7035000L
Heavy Duty Submersible Effluent/Dewatering Pumps
Models
250-Series 1/3 HP
280-Series 1/2 HP
290-Series 3/4 HP
FL30-Series 1/3 HP
FL50-Series 1/2 HP
FL60-Series 6/10 HP
FL70-Series 3/4 HP
FL100-Series 1 HP
FL150-Series 1-1/2 HP
FL200-Series 2 HP
Before Installation, read the following instructions carefully. Each Liberty pump is individually factory tested to assure
proper performance. By closely following these instructions, potential operating problems should be eliminated, providing
years of trouble-free service.
Risk of electric shock. Always disconnect the pump from the power source before handling or making adjustments.
The electrical connections and wiring for a pump installation should only be made by qualified personnel.
This pump is supplied with a grounding conductor and grounding-type attachment plug. To reduce the risk of electric
shock, be certain that it is connected only to a properly grounded receptacle.
Always wear rubber boots when water is on the floor and you must unplug the pump.
DO NOT bypass grounding wires or remove ground prong from attachment plugs.
DO NOT use an extension cord.
Always use a replacement power cord assembly of the same length and type as originally installed on the Liberty
product. Using a cord of improper gauge or length may lead to exceeding the electrical rating of the cord and could
result in death, injury, fire or other significant failure.
This pump requires a separate, properly fused and grounded branch circuit. Make sure the power source is properly
sized for the voltage and amperage requirements of the pump, as noted on the nameplate.
The electrical outlet shall be within the length limitations of the pump power cord, and at least 4 feet above floor level
to minimize possible hazards from flood conditions.
The installation must be in accordance with the National Electric Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, International
Plumbing Code, as well as all applicable local codes and ordinances.
Sump and sewage pumps often handle materials which could cause illness or disease. Wear adequate protective
clothing when working on a used pump or piping.
Never enter a pump basin after it has been used. Sewage and effluent can emit several gases which are poisonous.
Keep clear of suction and discharge openings. To prevent injury, never insert fingers into pump while it is plugged in.
DO NOT use this product for flammable or corrosive liquid.
DO NOT use this product in applications where human contact with the pumped fluid is common (such as swimming
pools, fountains, etc.)
NEVER dispose of materials such as paint thinner or other chemicals down drains, as they can chemically attack and
damage pump components, potentially causing product malfunction or failure.
DO NOT use pumps in water over 140F (60C).
DO NOT use pumps in mud, sand, cement, oil or chemicals.
DO NOT modify the pump in any way.
DO NOT lift or carry pump by power cord.
DO NOT remove any tags from pump or cords.
If pump is installed during construction before power is available, it must be protected from the environment to prevent
water from entering through the cord plug end, etc.
Tools Required:
- Pipe wrench
- Regular screw driver
- Hacksaw (For replacement or removal of existing rigid piping.)
Removal of old pump
Disconnect old pump from power source before handling.
Separate the discharge pipe at either the check valve or at the union. If neither a check valve nor a union is part of the
existing discharge pipe, cut the pipe with a hacksaw and remove the pump (A union or check valve will need to be
installed at this cut).
Always use a replacement power cord assembly of the same length and type as originally installed on the Liberty product. Using a
cord of improper gauge or length may lead to exceeding the electrical rating of the cord and could result in death, injury, fire or other
significant failure.
Note:Manual models (“M” suffix) and 3 phase models, as designated above, require a separate approved pump control device or panel for automatic
operation. Operation of these models will be according to the control selected. Make sure the electrical specifications of the control selected properly
match the electrical specifications of the pump. 3 phase models require overload elements selected or adjusted in accordance with the control or panel
instructions.
Drill 1/8” antiairlock hole.
Water spray is
normal.
1. For ordinary ground water pumping applications, a sump pit of not less than 14" in diameter is recommended.
Vertical float (VMF) models (257, 287 and 297) may be used in a minimum 10" diameter sump; however, a larger
diameter pit is preferred as it allows for a longer pump cycle and reduced switch cycling. The minimum depth of the
pit should be 18".
2. If the pit is not already enclosed on the bottom, provide a hard level bottom of bricks or concrete. DO NOT place
the pump directly on earth, gravel or debris since this can cause excessive wear of the impeller and possible
jamming. “The Brick” (sold by Liberty Pumps as part # 4445000) is a pre-molded stable platform designed to fit
your submersible pump. It raises the pump 2.5” off the bottom of the pit, reducing the potential for jamming from
rocks and debris. Contact your local distributor to order. Remove all debris from the bottom of the sump pit
before installation of the pump. A sump pit cover is suggested for safety and to prevent foreign objects from
entering the pit.
3. Set the pump in the pit making sure the switch has adequate clearance and will not hang-up on the pit wall. The
float must be free to move throughout its travel and not contacting the pump body, piping, or other objects. A 11/2" threaded discharge is provided for connection of the discharge pipe. Do not reduce the discharge size to
below 1-1/2”. Schedule 40 PVC pipe is recommended; however, flexible discharge hose kits may be used for
temporary installations.
4. Connect the pipe or the discharge hose to the discharge of the pump. HAND TIGHTEN ONLY. Over tightening
may cause the pump housing to crack. Install a union or other means of separating the discharge line just above
the floor to facilitate removal of the pump if necessary. A check valve is recommended just above or in place of
the union to prevent the backflow of water after each pump cycle. (All Liberty effluent/dewatering pumps come
equipped with an air bleed hole in the base of the pump to help prevent airlock. A small spray of water from this
hole is normal while pump is running.)
5. Connect additional piping as needed to direct the discharge to the desired location. Discharge should be kept as
short as possible with a minimum number of turns. Check all connections for security.
6. Install a union or other means of separating the discharge pipe just above the floor to facilitate removal of the
pump if necessary. A check valve is recommended just above, or in place of, the union to prevent the
backflow of water after each pump cycle.
7. If a check valve is used, a 1/8” anti-airlock hole should be drilled in the discharge pipe just above the
pump’s discharge outlet to prevent pump “airlock” (see Fig. 1)
8. For added protection, consider the addition of a back-up pump such as Liberty’s SJ10 SumpJet, as well as an
alarm such as Liberty’s ALM-2 in applications where loss of pump function could result in property damage. If
an alarm is used, it must be connected to a separate electrical circuit.
Vertical Magnetic Float (VMF) models (257, 287 and 297) are not recommended for effluent applications due to their short
On/Off cycle. Wide angle float models are better suited for effluent applications and are easily adjustable for different
On/Off levels.
The basin required for effluent applications must be sealed and vented to meet health and plumbing code requirements.
Proper basin size and basin materials for effluent applications vary depending on the type of effluent system and local
codes. Check with your local codes official prior to purchasing and installing the basin. Follow the manufacturer's
recommended guidelines for installation of your specific basin. A minimum diameter of 18" and depth of 24" is required
for proper pump operation, but larger basins are preferred for longer pump cycles and increased switch life. Installation
should be at a sufficient depth to ensure that all plumbing is below the frost line. If this is not feasible, delete the check
valve and size the basin and/or adjust the pump differential to accommodate the additional backflow.
These pumps are not to be installed in locations
classified as hazardous in accordance with the National
Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, or where prohibited by
local codes.
A. Simplex (One Pump) Systems (see Fig. 2): Set the pump in place
making sure the float has adequate clearance to the side wall of the
basin. The float must be free to move throughout its travel and
not contacting the pump body, piping, or other objects. If an optional
control device or float is used, follow the directions for mounting that
accompany the optional control. Connect the discharge pipe to the
pump's threaded discharge. IMPORTANT: DO NOT REDUCE THE
DISCHARGE PIPE SIZE BELOW THAT WHICH IS PROVIDED ON
THE PUMP. Contact Liberty Pumps or other qualified person if you
have questions regarding proper pipe sizes and flow rates. Mount
the basin cover making sure it is properly sealed.
Installation of Discharge: After the pump has been mounted,
install the discharge line. A union should be installed to facilitate
pump removal if necessary. A free-flow swing check valve is
recommended after the union to prevent the backflow of liquid
after each pumping cycle. A gate valve should follow the
check valve to allow periodic cleaning of the check valve or
removal of the pump. The remainder of the discharge line
should be as short as possible with a minimum number of
turns, to minimize friction head loss. Contact Liberty Pumps or
other qualified person if you have questions regarding proper
pipe sizes and flow rates.
(All Liberty effluent/dewatering pumps come equipped with an
air bleed hole in the base of the pump to help prevent airlock.
A small spray of water from this hole is normal while pump is
running.)
B. Duplex (Two Pump) Systems (see Fig. 3): Set both pumps
in place in the bottom of the basin. The duplex control used
will include 3 or 4 floats that will either be tethered to one of the
discharge pipes or to an independent rod or bracket. Follow the
instructions provided with your duplex control device. Each
float must be free to move throughout its travel and not
contacting the pump body, piping, or other objects. Connect an individual discharge pipe to each pump.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT REDUCE THE DISCHARGE PIPE SIZE BELOW THAT WHICH IS PROVIDED ON THE
PUMP. Contact Liberty Pumps or other qualified person if you have any questions regarding proper pipe sizes and
flow rates. To eliminate fluid recycling in duplex installations, it is necessary to have a check valve on each
discharge line prior to tying the two discharges into one common line. Depending on the height of your basin, the
check valves may either be installed inside the basin or outside the basin. Mount the basin cover(s) making sure
they are properly sealed.
Installation of Remaining Discharge: Unions or flexible connectors should be installed to facilitate removal of the
pump if necessary. Free-flow swing check valves should be installed on each discharge after the union and prior to
the gate valve to prevent the back flow of liquid or gas. A check valve on each discharge line, prior to tying into one
common line, is necessary to prevent the recycling of fluid from one pump to the other. A gate valve is recommended
after the check valve to allow for periodic cleaning of the check valve or removal of the pump. The remainder of the
discharge line should be as short as possible with a minimum number of turns to minimize friction head loss.
Contact Liberty Pumps or other qualified person if there are questions regarding proper pipe size or flow rates. (All
Liberty effluent/dewatering pumps come equipped with an air bleed hole in the base of the pump to help prevent
airlock. A small spray of water from this hole is normal while pump is running.)
Risk of electric shock. Always disconnect the pump from the power source before handling or making adjustments.
The electrical connections and wiring for a pump installation should only be made by qualified personnel.
This pump is supplied with a grounding conductor or a grounding type attachment plug. To reduce the risk of electric
shock, be certain that the grounding conductor is connected only to a properly grounded control panel or, if equipped
with a grounding type plug that it is connected to a properly grounded, grounding type receptacle.
DO NOT bypass grounding wires or remove ground prongs from attachment plugs.
DO NOT use an extension cord.
This pump requires separate, properly fused and grounded branch circuit. Make sure the power source is properly
sized for the voltage and amperage requirements of the motor, as noted on the pump nameplate.
The electrical outlet or panel shall be within the length limitations of the pump power cord, and at least 4 feet above
floor level to minimize possible hazards from flood conditions.
The installation must be in accordance with the National Electric Code and all applicable local codes and ordinances.
When the risk of property damage from high water levels exists, an independent high water alarm or
back up pump system should be installed.
All FL-Series automatic models (designated with the letter "A") and Models 253, 283 and 293, come factory-equipped with
a float switch mounted to the pump. These models come with two cords - one to the float switch and the other to the
pump motor. The switch cord has a series (piggyback) plug enabling the pump (motor) cord to be plugged into the back
of it. The purpose of this design is to allow manual operation of the pump.
For manual operation, or in the event of switch failure, the pump cord can be separated and plugged into the electrical
outlet, directly bypassing the switch (see Fig. 4).
Check three phase pumps for proper
rotation prior to installing pump(s) in
basin. To change rotation, reverse any
two of the three power leads to the
pump. Code the wires for
reconnection after installation.
Fig. 5 – Proper impeller rotation,
three phase models
Bottom View
For automatic operation using Liberty's supplied switch, the two cords should be interconnected and plugged into a
separately fused grounded outlet of proper amp capacity for your selected pump model. (See Section 1, General
Information or the pump nameplate for electrical specifications of your model.) Both cords are equipped with 3-prong
plugs and must be plugged into a properly grounded 3-wire receptacle. DO NOT REMOVE THE GROUND PRONGS.
208-230V single phase pumps shall only be operated without the float switch by using the circuit
breaker or panel disconnect.
Do not let the pump run dry.
The turn-on/turn-off levels vary depending on model. (See model specifications chart on page 3 for the "factory" preset
level of your specific model.) Other pumping differentials may be obtained by tethering the switch cord to the discharge
pipe. NOTE: A minimum cord length of 3-1/2" from the tether point to the top surface of the float is required for proper
switch operation. If using a differential other than the factory setting, be sure that when the pump shuts off, at least 3-1/2"
of fluid is left in the basin so the impeller remains submerged. (Models 251, 257, 281, 287, 291, and 297 have factory-preset switches that are not adjustable.)
Manual pumps with no switch are intended to be run using an approved liquid level control or approved motor control with
correct rating that matches motor input in full load amperes. Regardless of the control type, be sure that when the pump
shuts off, at least 3-1/2" of fluid is left in the basin so the impeller remains submerged.
NOTE: For automatic operation with optional control devices: If the pump(s) are to be operated by either a simplex or
duplex control panel or other optional control device, follow the installation instructions provided with the control and make
the power connections per those instructions. If necessary, certain models may be run without a separate control.
208-230V single phase pumps shall only be operated without the float switch by using the circuit
breaker or panel disconnect.
NOTE: The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for damage or injury due to disassembly in the field.
If a single phase pump is to be wired directly into a control device or junction box, and it is necessary to remove the plugs,
have a certified electrician do the wiring in accordance with the National Electric Code and applicable local codes. See
Fig. 6 for direct wire installation of single phase, automatic pumps.
For 208-230V installations: Install a
double pole disconnect near the pump
installation. One side of the line going to the pump is always “hot”, whether the float switch is in the “On” or the “Off” position. Use of a double pole disconnect will allow both hot legs to be de-energized.
Risk of electric shock. Always disconnect the pump from the power source before handling or
making adjustments.
Always disconnect the pump from power source before handling. This guide is designed to help
identify reasons for potential operating problems. It is not a service guide. Dismantling of pump voids warranty. Servicing of pump other than simple cleaning of pump inlet or impeller should be
referred to the factory or its authorized service centers.
1. Submersible Models: Submersible pump models have sealed permanently lubricated bearings and require
no additional lubrication.
2. Pump should be checked frequently for debris and/or build up which may interfere with pump or float
switch operation. The float must be able to move freely through its complete travel without any restrictions.
Pour enough water into the sump to activate the pump periodically (at least every 3 months) when not
normally in use to verify proper function.