Prior to installation, record Model, Serial Number, and
Code Number from pump nameplate for future reference.
MODEL ________________________
SERIAL ______________________
CODE ______________________
INSTALLATION
DATE _______________________
7000 Apple Tree Avenue
Bergen, NY 14416
Phone: (800) 543-2550
Fax: (585) 494-1839
www.libertypumps.com
Contents
1.) General Information
2.) Precautions/Pre-installation
3.) Installation
4.) Operation and Maintenance
5.) Troubleshooting
Installation Manual 5722000F
SBX-Series
Models
SBX35 1/3 HP 115V
SBX35A 1/3 HP 115V ALM-2 Alarm
SBX280 1/2 HP 115V
SBX280A 1/2HP 115V ALM-2 Alarm
IMPORTANT: For future strainer, switch, and pump service, be sure to allow easy access to the system covers when the
unit is being positioned in the basement.
Before installation, read the following instructions carefully. Each Liberty pump is individually factory tested to insure proper
performance. Closely following these instructions will eliminate potential operating problems, assuring years of trouble-free service.
Risk of electric shock. To reduce risk of electric shock, always disconnect pump from power source before handling.
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 receptacle. For added safety, this receptacle may be
protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Do not bypass grounding wires or remove ground prong 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.
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 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 these pumps in water over 140 F.
When the risk of property damage from high water levels exists, an independent high water alarm such as Liberty’s ALM-2 and/or
a back up pump system such as Liberty’s SJ10 SumpJet or battery backup FKIT441 should be installed.
1. The SumpBox™ is shipped factory assembled; inspect tank, pump, float(s), and accessories for shipping damage. Contact your
dealer with any problems prior to installation.
2. Read all instructions and familiarize yourself with the unit's operation prior to proceeding with the installation. Read pump
specifications to assure pump has adequate head performance prior to installation.
3. Risk of electric shock. Always disconnect the pump from the power source before handling or
making adjustments. The pump power cord is equipped with a grounding conductor and grounding-type 3-
prong plug. To reduce the risk of electric shock, be certain that the SumpBox™ unit is connected only to a
properly grounded grounding-type receptacle. This receptacle may be protected by a ground fault circuit
interrupter (GFCI). All electrical circuitry should be installed in accordance with the National Electric Code
(NEC) and all applicable local codes or ordinances. Never remove the ground pin from the plug. Always wear
rubber boots when water is on the floor and you must unplug the pump.
4. Never use an extension cord. 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.
5. Check to ensure that your power source is adequate to handle the pump amperage. Pump amperage can be found on the
nameplate and/or the product literature. Ensure that the electrical supply circuit is equipped with fuses or breakers of the proper
capacity.
6. It is recommended that a separate branch circuit be installed for the pump. Such a branch circuit should be sized in accordance
with the NEC.
7. Each electrical outlet should be tested to ensure that a proper ground has been established. A UL listed circuit analyzer will
indicate if the power, neutral, and ground wire are properly connected.
8. A qualified licensed electrician should install and test all electrical circuits.
9. All plumbing (waste and vent) should done by a qualified professional and in accordance with applicable codes.
10. Liquid temperature must not exceed 140F (60C).
11. Always disconnect the pump from the power source prior to removing or servicing. Keep clear of suction and discharge openings,
and to prevent injury, never insert fingers into pump while it is plugged in.
12. Tools required prior to installation: Teflon pipe tape, a hacksaw (or something similar), and a hammer or small sledge hammer.
Rough-In
IMPORTANT: During the rough-in process the clear disposable protective cover should remain on the system to protect the
covers and accessories from dirt, gravel, concrete, and other objects.
A. Excavation: Choose a location in the basement that will allow easy access to the
system. Excavate the hole as small as possible, with a minimum recommended
8" clearance around the tank. Never place the basin directly in contact with rocks
or other sharp objects. Place only fine, 1/8" to 3/4" pea gravel or 1/8" to 1/2"
washed, crushed stone as bedding between the basin and the hole walls. Do not
use sand or native soil as backfill. Properly compact underneath the basin to
provide a solid, level base that can support the weight of the filled basin.
B. Staking Locators: The SumpBox™ basin has 4 staking features in the anti-
flotation flange that will accept up to 1/2” rebar (see fig. 1). Staking will help
support the system during inlet connection and backfill.
C. Inlet Connection and Initial Backfill: Only fine, 1/8" to 3/4" pea gravel or 1/8" to
1/2" washed, crushed stone should be used around the bottom of the basin to
hold it in place. Do not use sand or native soil as backfill. Make the inlet
connection(s) at any of the three inlet hubs on the basin. Select the inlet hubs you
wish to use. Cut 1/4” (but not more than 3/4”) of material from those inlet hubs to assure a good drain tile fit (see fig. 2) . Insert the
drain tile into the cut inlet hub. Allow about 1” of spacing between the end of the drain tile and the internal strainer basket for good
operation and easy removal of the strainer during maintenance (see fig. 3).
D. Final Backfill. Large rocks, clods, and foreign objects should be kept out of the backfill material. Only fine, 1/4" to 3/4" pea gravel,
or 1/8" to 1/2" washed, crushed stone is recommended. Do not use sand or native soil as backfill. Provide access to the basin
cover for maintenance and service.
IMPORTANT: Do not exert heavy pressure or run heavy equipment on the backfill as this could cause damage to the tank.
Finish Plumbing and Alarm Installation
IMPORTANT: All plumbing installations (waste and vent) should done by a qualified professional and in accordance with
applicable codes.
A. Remove and recycle the disposable protective cover before plumbing the system.
B. NOTE: Threaded connections at cover - HAND TIGHTEN ONLY and use Teflon tape as a thread sealant. Remove the gray
plug and install 1-1/2” PVC pipe to the cover connection labeled “1-1/2” DISCHARGE” (see figure 4). 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 or ball 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.
C. If your system is equipped with an alarm, refer to the alarm Installation Instructions for proper connection. The alarm box and
accessories are located under the clear protective cover. The alarm switch cord has bare wire leads and exits the cover through
the single hole grommet (see fig. 4).
Fig. 4 Finish plumbing, wiring and switch locations
Optional radon vent location (see
Radon Installation section). Use a 4”
hole saw to open the hole. The dimple
serves as a center mark for drilling.
1-1/2” threaded
discharge location.
Optional alarm
switch cord
grommet.
Optional alarm
switch.
Pump power
and switch cord
grommet.
Pump switch.
Fig. 5 Correct Access Cover Installation
There should be
no gap between
covers for the best
possible seal.
Secure Cover
Access Cover
Gasket tape should
contact access
cover in this area
Radon Installation
IMPORTANT: All installations in Radon environments should be done by a qualified professional and in accordance with
applicable codes.
A. The access cover must seat against the secure cover to ensure the gaskets provide a sealed gas-tight system (see fig. 5).
Additionally, ensure that the gaskets between the covers create a seal.
B. Install a 3” vent line at the cover connection labeled “OPTIONAL RADON VENT LOCATION”. Use a 4” hole saw to create a hole
in this location. A dimple is provided on the cover to properly center the drill (see figure 4, above). Install the provided 3” pipe seal
in the hole. Place 3” PVC vent pipe from the vent system through the pipe seal. Do not place the vent pipe more than 4” into the
basin.
Take hold of these
handles and lift the
strainer upward out
of the basin.
4. Operation and Maintenance
A. For automatic operation, the two cords should be
interconnected and plugged (see fig. 6) 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 GROUND PRONGS FROM ATTACHMENT PLUGS.
B. Pump and alarm switch levels are preset at the factory. If
for any reason the switch levels change, please refer to fig.
7 for proper re-adjustment of the switch. It is
recommended that the system be disconnected from the
power source and the switch be removed to perform this
operation. Periodically check the condition of the switches
to ensure proper operation by removing debris or build up
that would render the switch inoperable.
C. To clean the strainer basket, loosen the two wing bolts and
remove the access cover. Lift up on the two handles (see
fig.8) and remove the strainer basket. Caution: water will
continue to drip from strainer after removal. Clean the
basket by dumping the debris and rinsing. Reinstall the
strainer basket as soon as possible to prevent debris from
entering the tank. Reinstall the access cover. It is strongly
recommended that this be done frequently during new
home construction and every 6 months thereafter or as
needed.
D. To remove a switch, open the access cover and remove the
strainer basket. Remove the appropriate cord grommet on
the secure cover and pull the switch cord through the open
hole. Remove switch bracket using a 7/16” socket or nut
driver (see Figure 10). The switch can now be lifted from its
pocket and be serviced or replaced. To reinstall a switch,
place it back into the float pocket. Route the switch cord
around the internal inlet hub (see fig. 9). The switch cord
should not interfere with filter tray operation. Pull the end of
the switch cord through the grommet hole in the cover and
reinstall the cord grommet.
E. To reinstall a switch, place it back into the float pocket. Route
the switch cord around the internal inlet hub (see Figure 9).
The switch cord should not interfere with filter tray operation.
Secure switch with switch bracket using a 7/16” socket or nut
driver (see Figure 10). Pull the end of the switch cord through
the grommet hole in the cover and reinstall the cord grommet.
“turn off” position due to
interference with the side of basin
or other obstacle.
Position the pump or switch so that it has
adequate clearance for free operation.
Defective switch.
Remove and replace switch.
Pump runs or hums,
but does not pump.
Discharge is blocked or restricted.
Check the discharge line for foreign material,
including ice if the discharge line passes
through or into cold areas.
Check valve is stuck closed or
installed backwards.
Remove check valve(s) and examine for
freedom of operation and proper installation.
Gate or ball valve is closed.
Open gate or ball valve.
Total lift is beyond pump's
capability.
Try to route piping to a lower level. If not
possible, a larger pump may be required.
Consult the factory.
Pump runs or hums
but does not pump
Pump impeller is jammed or volute
casing is plugged.
Remove the pump from the basin. Detach the
pump base and clean the area around the
impeller. Reassemble and reinstall.
Pump runs
periodically when
fixtures are not in
use.
Check valve was not installed, is
stuck open or is leaking.
Remove check valve(s) and examine for
freedom of operation and proper installation.
Fixtures are leaking.
Repair fixtures as required to eliminate leakage.
Pump operates
noisily.
Foreign objects in the impeller
cavity.
Remove the pump from the basin. Detach the
pump base and clean the area around the
impeller. Reassemble and reinstall.
Broken impeller.
Consult the factory for information regarding
replacement of impeller.
Worn bearings.
Return pump to the factory or authorized repair
station for repair.
Piping attachments to building are
too rigid.
Replace a portion of the discharge line with
rubber hose or connector.
NOTE: Liberty Pumps, Inc. assumes no responsibility for damage or injury due to disassembly in the field. Disassembly, other than at
Liberty Pumps or its authorized service centers, automatically voids warranty.
3 Year Limited Warranty 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 damaged or
improperly spliced; if the pump discharge has been reduced in size; if the pump has been used in water above the rated temperature,
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 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.