Liberty Pumps S35M, S37, S37-P, S38 Installation Manual

IMPORTANT:

Prior to installation, record Model, Serial
Number, and Code Number from pump
nameplate for future reference.

MODEL ________________________

SERIAL ______________________

CODE ______________________
INSTALLATION

DATE _______________________

Models

S35M Manual Pump, No Switch

S37 Automatic Pump,

Vertical Switch

S37-P Automatic Pump, Piggy-Back

Vertical Switch

S38 Automatic Pump,

Wide Angle Switch

Installation Manual

7175000G

S30 - Series Builders Series Sump Pump

Contents

1.) General Information

2.) Sump Pit

3.) Installation

4.) Operation

5.) Maintenance and Troubleshooting

7000 Apple Tree Avenue
Bergen, NY 14416
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.libertypumps.com

*Do not throw away or lose this manual.

©Copyright 2016 Liberty Pumps Inc. All rights reserved

2. Sump Pit

1. General Information

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, grounding-type 15 Amp 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.
 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.

 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 140F (60C).
 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.

A sump pit not less than 14” in diameter is recommended. A larger diameter pit is preferred as it allows for longer pump cycling
and reduced switch cycling. The minimum depth of the pit should be 18”.

The bottom of the pit should be a solid level 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 2.75” 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.

©Copyright 2016 Liberty Pumps Inc. All rights reserved 2

Models S37 and S37-P have an
integrated vertical float switch. The turn
off position can be adjusted by sliding
a rubber grommet up or down the
length of the float rod.

3. Installation

4. Operation

A.) Removal of the old pump (NOTE: Disconnect 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).

B.) The discharge size is 1-1/2” NPT Do not reduce the discharge size to less than 1-1/4”, as this will affect pump flow and

performance. Schedule 40 PVC pipe is recommended; however, flexible discharge hose kits may be used for temporary
installations.

C.) Connect the pipe or the discharge hose to the discharge of the pump. HAND TIGHTEN ONLY, over-tightening can damage

the pump discharge.

D.) 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 back-flow of water

after each pump cycle.

E.) Connect additional pipe as necessary to direct the discharge to the desired location. Discharge should be kept

as short as possible with a minimum number of turns.

F.) Model S37, S37-P and S38: When placing the pump in the basin assure that float switch has adequate

clearance in pit and will not interfere with side wall.

G.) 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.

A separate branch circuit, properly fused and grounded, should be provided to the pump. Make sure the power
source is properly sized for the voltage and amperage requirements of the motor as noted on the pump nameplate.
If electrical receptacle is corroded or worn it should be replaced to ensure reliable operation of the pump. 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. Check to make sure installation is in accordance with the
National Electric Code and all applicable local codes and ordinances. Wiring extended over greater distances must
be in accordance with NEC requirements. DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION CORD.

©Copyright 2016 Liberty Pumps Inc. All rights reserved 3

5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Models S37-P and S38 are automatic pumps which come with two cords - one for the switch and the other for the pump motor.

DON’T

DO

TEMPORARY
MANUAL OPERATION

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 separate from the switch if necessary.

For automatic operation using the supplied switch, the two cords should be interconnected and plugged into a separately
fused, grounded outlet of proper amp capacity for your pump model. Both cords are equipped with 3-prong plugs and must be
properly plugged into a properly grounded 3-wire receptacle. DO NOT REMOVE THE GROUND PRONGS.

For manual operation, or in the event of switch failure, the pump cord can be separated and plugged directly into the electrical
outlet, bypassing the switch. The unit can be operated by directly plugging the pump cord (from the motor) into an approved
electrical outlet. To prevent excessive seal wear and overheating, the pump should not be run dry for extended periods of time.
A minimum 2-1/2” water level is recommended.

WARNING: ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PUMP FROM THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE HANDLING. The

guide on the following page is designed to help identify reasons for potential operating problems. It is not a service guide.
Dismantling of the pump voids the warranty. Servicing of the pump other than simple cleaning of the pump inlet or impeller
should be referred to the factory or its authorized service centers. NOTE: The manufacturer assumes no responsibility

for damage or injury due to disassembly in the field.

©Copyright 2016 Liberty Pumps Inc. All rights reserved 4

Troubleshooting Table:

Problem

Cause

Correction

Pump will not run
or hum.

 Blown fuse or other

interruption of power; improper
voltage.

 If blown, replace with properly sized fuse or reset

breaker; if voltage is under 108V, check wiring size.
Remove extension cord if connected.

 Water level in pit may be too

low to activate switch.

 Add more water to the pit.

 Plug on power cord may not

be making contact in
receptacle.

 Check security and connection. If receptacle is

corroded, have it replaced by a certified electrician.

 Piggyback plugs may not be

connected tightly together.

 Tighten connection of plugs.

 Switch is defective Model S38

only.

 Verify that water level is at least 4” above pump. To

test the switch, plug the power cord directly in to the
electrical receptacle bypassing the piggyback plug. If
pump operates, then the switch needs replacement.
(See Switch-Servicing procedures on page 5).

 Motor winding may be open.

 Consult factory.

 Float switch obstructed Models

S37 and S38.

 The float must be free to move unobstructed – if

bound remove debris or position pump to prevent
float from rubbing on side wall of sump.

Pump runs or
hums but does
not remove
water.

 Check valve may be installed

backwards or is defective.

 Make sure it’s installed properly and flapper in valve

is free to move.

 Discharge line may be blocked

or frozen.

 Make sure line doesn’t pass through cold areas or

isn’t blocked.

 Vertical lift is beyond pump’s

capability.

 If possible, try to reduce the discharge head to a

lower height.

 Inlet screen of pump is

plugged or the impeller is
jammed.

 Remove the pump screen and clean inlet and

impeller.

Pump runs and
removes water
but does not shut
off.

 Switch is defective or

obstructed.

 Make sure switch is free from obstruction or replace

switch.

 Pump has met or exceeded its

maximum lift.

 Route discharge piping to a lower level. If this isn’t

possible then a larger pump may be required.

Pump runs but
removes very
little water.

 Vertical lift is approaching

pump’s maximum lift capability
of 27’.

 If possible, try to reduce the discharge head to a

lower height.

 Pump’s inlet is partially

blocked.

 Remove volute and make sure inlet is clear of debris.

 Discharge line is partially

blocked.

 Remove blockage.

 Check valve is not opening all

the way.

 Remove blockage or make sure check valve is not

defective.

Circuit breaker
trips or fuse
blows when
pump starts.

 Fuse or breaker is too small.

 A 15-amp breaker should be used.

 Other major appliance is on

the same circuit.

 Pump should be on its own circuit.

 Pump is connected to an

extension cord or wiring is
inadequate.

 Have an electrician check for proper wiring.

 Defective motor or switch.

 Consult factory.

©Copyright 2016 Liberty Pumps Inc. All rights reserved 5

6. 3 Year Limited Warranty

7000 Apple Tree Avenue
Bergen, NY 14416
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.libertypumps.com

Liberty Pumps, Inc. warrants that pumps of its manufacture are free from all factory defects in material and
workmanship for a period of 3 years from the date of purchase. The date of purchase shall be determined by a
dated sales receipt noting the model and serial number of the pump. The dated sales receipt must accompany the
returned pump if the date of return is more than 3 years from the "CODE" (date of manufacture) number noted on
the pump nameplate.

The manufacturer's obligation under this Warranty shall be limited to the repair or replacement of any parts found
by the manufacturer to be defective, provided the part or assembly is returned freight prepaid to the manufacturer
or its authorized service center, and provided that none of the following warranty-voiding characteristics are
evident.

The manufacturer shall not be liable under this Warranty if the product has not been properly installed; if it has been
disassembled, modified, abused or tampered with; if the electrical cord has been cut, damaged or spliced; if the
pump discharge has been reduced in size; if the pump has been used in water temperatures above the advertised
rating, or water containing sand, lime, cement, gravel or other abrasives; if the product has been used to pump
chemicals or hydrocarbons; if a non-submersible motor has been subjected to excessive moisture; or if the label
bearing the serial, model and code number has been removed. Liberty Pumps, Inc. shall not be liable for any loss,
damage or expenses resulting from installation or use of its products, or for consequential damages, including costs
of removal, reinstallation or transportation.

There is no other express warranty. All implied warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose, are limited to three years from the date of purchase.

This Warranty contains the exclusive remedy of the purchaser, and, where permitted, liability for consequential or
incidental damages under any and all warranties are excluded.

©Copyright 2016 Liberty Pumps Inc. All rights reserved 6