Pumps, pressure, and machines that outlived their makers
How to Choose a Sump Pump for a Crawl Space
Size a crawl-space sump pump by inflow and total head, then check the basin, float, discharge, power, cover, alarm and backup.
By Walt Brenner · 23 September 2026 · 7 min readLatest
What Is a Proximity Switch? Types, Uses, and Selection
Compare inductive, capacitive, magnetic, photoelectric and ultrasonic switches, then match sensing range, output wiring, mounting and environment.
What Is a Well Pump Control Box?
Learn what a well pump control box does, how it differs from a pressure switch, and why voltage, horsepower and motor type must match.
Y Strainer Selection, Installation and Pressure Drop
Select a Y strainer by fluid, debris, screen opening, pressure drop and service limits—then install its pocket in the correct orientation.
How to Prime a Well-Water Pump Without Running It Dry
Prime a surface jet well pump safely, identify systems that do not need manual priming, and diagnose a prime that will not hold.
Liquid-Filled Pressure Gauge: Selection, Installation and Troubleshooting
Choose a liquid-filled pressure gauge by range, media, temperature and connection—and know when a snubber, seal or siphon is still needed.
Aerator for Septic Tank: How to Choose
Check system identity, airflow, pressure, dimensions, controls, treatment capacity, local approval and warranty requirements before buying.
More articles
Reducing Washer: Size Selection and Bonding
Match the existing knockout to the desired fitting trade size, then verify quantity, orientation, listing, conduit compatibility and bonding.
How to Choose a Water Tank With a Pump
A selection worksheet covers demand, pressure, elevation, suction, piping, reserve, power and exposure, plus controls, certifications and total cost.
Crimped Hose Selection and Safety Checklist
Match the exact hose, coupling, ferrule, dies, crimper and current specification, then verify crimp diameter, routing and required tests.
Normally Open Contact: Meaning, Test, NO vs NC
Defines the unactuated reference state, explains what counts as actuation, and separates NO behavior from PLC logic, electrical ratings and safety.
Wiper Seals: How to Select and Install
Match gland construction and dimensions first, then verify profile, compound, fluid, temperature, speed, contamination duty and outward-facing lip orientation.
Brass PEX Pipe Fittings: How to Check Compatibility
Match purpose, size, PEX type, barb or expansion system, fastener and tool, then verify potable-water documents and complete-assembly limits.
Flex Couplings: Types, Tradeoffs & Selection
Match damping, stiffness, backlash and displacement needs, then verify torque, speed, bore, balance, materials, mounting and service limits.
Pump Tubing: How to Confirm Compatibility
For breast pumps, check the exact model, revision, connectors and dimensions; for peristaltic pumps, match the pumphead and process conditions.
Aeration Pump Sizing and Selection
Calculate target CFM and backpressure from depth, line and diffuser losses, then verify airflow on the exact model’s performance curve.
Back Pressure Regulator Valve: Operation & Selection
Maps the fluid, flow, inlet and outlet pressure, temperature, materials and discharge data needed for preliminary selection.
How to Choose a Square D Pressure Switch
Compare PSI candidates, then match the full catalog number, motor voltage, phase, horsepower, contacts, port, enclosure, mounting, and control feature.
Alternating Relays: How They Work and How to Choose
Use a sequence-first method, then compare control voltage, inputs, contacts, starter interfaces, pinouts, sockets, timing, mounting, and approvals.