Do you want a strong sump pump for your narrow sump pit? Well, then you are in the right place.
For people looking for quality pumps with a touch of modern technology, Liberty is the top choice. No matter what your need or budget is, Liberty would have already made a pump to suit your condition.
That’s why today we have picked three of Liberty’s most promising sump pumps for an evaluation.
Down below in our liberty sump pump reviews, you will find a basic comparison table, following by a separate review section and our final opinion at last.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s dive in.
Liberty Sump Pump Reviews: Liberty 257 Vs. Liberty 237 Vs. Liberty 287
Why should you choose a liberty sump pump? It can fit into narrow sump pits comfortably. None of their models are made of plastic. Even their ¼ HP sump pump is made of solid cast iron. No doubt liberty pumps have a name for long-lasting dewatering machines.
That’s why we have gone through a hip of reviews to bring you the top liberty sump pumps: Liberty 257, Liberty 237, Liberty 287.
But before we jump into the separate review section for a more detailed discussion, let’s have a look at their basic specifications.
| Sump Pump Models/
Specifications |
Liberty 257 | Liberty 237 | Liberty 287 |
| Model number | 257 | 237 | 287 |
| Motor capacity | 1/3 HP | 1/3 HP | 1/2HP |
| Dimension | 9.6×9.6×10.5 inches | 9.6×9.6×10.5 inches | 10x10x13 inches |
| Weight | 15 pounds | 11 pounds | 19.46 pounds |
| Flow rate | 50 GPM | 37 GPM | 67 GPM |
Liberty 257 1/3 HP Sump Pump Review
Our first sump pump for today’s analysis is the Liberty 257 1/3HP submersible sump pump. It is actually a cheaper version of Liberty’s 287-model. For people with a lower budget, you can get most of the features of this high-end sump pump at a reasonable price. No need to compromise with the quality!
The pump is made of one-piece cast iron. It is strong and can handle spherical solids up to ½”. For an extra sense of protection, you get a powdered epoxy coating to prevent corrosion and rusting in the water.
The maximum pumping height is 21 feet. And this 1/3 HP motor can flush out 50 gallons of water per minute. But the most eye-catching advantage of this 2xx series pump is the magnetically operated VMF switch. This type of switch uses magnetic force to open or close the circuit inside the reed. By doing so, it sends a specific signal to the pump. Not to mention the switch has less chance to fail and disappoint you.
As soon as you unbox the pump, you realize how heavy and strong it is. We often try to avoid a heavy pump but when it comes to powerful performance, heavy pumps are the best. Some previous customers even reported that they have been using the Liberty 257 for ten years and it is still doing great. So you can definitely expect a long time service from this little beast.
Another great advantage of this pump is how quiet it can work. According to customers, the only sound you will hear is from the check valves. The pump also comes with a 10 feet long power cord. It is quick to disconnect. Just make sure that the cord is always out of the way and doesn’t disturb the float switch
The installation process is easy too. You need to drill a 1/8″ hole to avoid an airlock. Though airlock protection is included in the pump by the manufacturers, a little caution would do no harm.
Pros
- The minimum requirement for the sump pit diameter is 10 inches.
- It comes with a 3-year warranty.
- No need for expert plumbers to help with the installation.
- It is the best sump pump under the $200 price range in the market.
- The advanced switch technology is less prone to failure.
Cons
- The switch is not adjustable according to your need.
- You don’t get the protection of a battery backup.
No product is immune to defects. But the benefits surely outnumber the cons. That’s why it is the best in the market with regards to astonishing and modern features and an average box store price.
Liberty 237 1/3 HP Sump Pump Review
The Liberty 237 comes with an efficient vortex or recessed impeller. It creates a flow of liquid away from its actual path. Thus, it never gets any contact with the liquid or gas it is dealing with. This mechanism enables the pump to reduce clogging. Moreover, it vibrates less than regular impellers and has more tolerance. The maximum solid handling capacity is ¾”.
Our next feature is its build quality. The pump is made of deep-finned powder coated aluminum. Aluminum is a versatile and strong metal with a lot of benefits. It helps the pump to stay cooler during excessive load. Also, the material is lightweight. Aluminum is one-third of the weight of steel. It means you get a lighter, cheaper, and stronger sump pump.
Besides, liberty 237 has protection against corrosion, rust, or heat. None of these enemies can penetrate the tough guard of the powdered coating. The coating is thin yet effective when comes in contact with an oxidizing surrounding.
The 1/3 HP motor can successfully pump 37 gallons of water per minute at a 5-foot head. And the maximum pumping height is 21 feet. As the pumping height starts to increase, the GPM will begin to drop gradually.
The advanced magnetic reed switch is another eye-catching feature. It is also known as the VMF switch. Since most of the pumps in the market come with a regular float switch, this is one of the most reliable pumps for sure.
As for other features, this one is a thermally protected and hermetically sealed submersible pump. To protect the pump from serious danger due to overheating, some sensors are included. As soon as it detects overheating, the pump will immediately shut down. Plus, you won’t need to have a weep hole while plumbing. Isn’t it convenient?
Pros
- The upper and lower bearings are lubricated. It features an impeller with a non-clogging design.
- You can save up to 40% on your electricity bill.
- The minimum requirement for the sump pit diameter is only 10 inches.
- The cooling capacity is 225% more than the cast iron ones.
Cons
- Some customers found issues with the switch.
Liberty 287 ½ HP Sump Pump Review
The next one is Liberty 287 submersible sump pump. As we have already mentioned this is a high-end pump for premium services. Although the price is a bit higher than the others, the performance is worth every penny.
The rugged cast iron body and epoxy powder coat finish strongly guard against the water monster. No need to worry about corrosion or rust affecting your sump pump. Even the fasteners are made of 416 stainless steel so that you can rest assured.
It also comes with a quick-disconnect power cord. The purpose of this cord is that you don’t have to break the entire seal if the cord stops working. It also ensures that when you replace it, the cooling oil doesn’t leak and water doesn’t get a chance to enter the inner chamber.
Another great feature you get is ceramic seals to prevent leakage. Ceramic seals are more sophisticated and mostly found in top-notch sump pumps. It can stay in shape even if subjected to high vibration. Plus, the heat resistance elements make it more reliable in tough situations. Seals are often neglected by the customers. But Liberty has installed amazing quality seals to protect your basement at any cost.
All three pumps here feature a VMF switch that is less prone to back off during heavy water inflow. Regular float switch eventually ends up damaging or short-circuiting. And the rest is known to all. But luckily, this VMF switch doesn’t require a rubber gasket. It means that the switch won’t get stuck anywhere.
The Liberty 287 is actually an effluent pump for various dewatering applications. The ½ HP motor has 67 GPM or 3450 RPM capacity. It draws 8.5 amps and needs a voltage of 115V. Customers are highly satisfied with their purchases. It is nice, sturdy, and powerful.
Remember to not let your pump run dry. It can severely damage the motor.
Pros
- You get a 10foot long quick-disconnect power cord.
- It comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- The pump can flush out more water.
- The max fluid temperature is 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- It can handle ¾ inches of spherical solids.
Cons
- It is more expensive than previous models.
We suggest you also buy a DC-powered backup battery system for situations like power cuts.
Final Verdict
We have almost reached the bottom of this article. Throughout the whole article, we analyzed the three liberty pumps so that you can see the real picture in only one article. But the final choice is up to you. Every customer’s needs vary.
So here is our final opinion regarding these pumps we discussed just now.
If you are a very cautious person and looking for premium quality services then you should opt for the 287 models. It has everything you can possibly ask for. You get astonishing performance, long life-span, modern technology all packed in one pump. But the only drawback is its price. It is a bit pricier than a box store pump.
Now, for people with a tight budget, the 257-model should be useful. It is a lite version of the former one. You get a 1/3 HP motor with most of the basic features in it. It is also heavily built. But, many won’t like a heavy pump. People sometimes prefer lighter pumps for the ease of carrying it. If you are one of them, then the 237-model with an automatic aluminum motor-housing is your best option.
Finally, all three pumps are top-rated on amazon and deserve your serious look.
Thank you for keeping up with us. Hope you benefited from our liberty sump pump reviews.
