PENTAIR 3983 Submersible Sump Pumps Owner’s Manual

PENTAIR 3983 Submersible Sump Pumps

Installation/Operation/Parts
For further operating,installation, or maintenance assistance:
Call 800-468-7867

Safety Specifications

Im portant Safety
Instructions
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important instructions that should be followed during installation, operation, and maintenance of the product.
This is the safety alert symbol. When you see this symbol on your pump or in this manual,look for one of the following signal words and be alert to the potential for personal injury!

DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION
indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE addresses practices not related to personal injury.
Carefully read and follow all safety instructions in this manual and on pump.
Keep safety labels in good condition. Replace missing or damaged safety labels.

California Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm.
NOTICE This unit is not designed as a waterfall or fountain pump, or for applications involving salt water or brine! Use with waterfalls,fountains, salt water or brine will void warranty.
Do not use where water recirculates.
Not designed for use as a swimming pool drainer.

NOTICE Read this Owner’s Manual for installation, operation, and safety information.

WARNING
Risk of electric shock. Can shock,burn or kill. To reduce the risk of hazardous or fatal electrical shock, follow instructions A through D, below:

• A. This pump has an approved 3-conductor power cord with 3-prong, grounding-type plug.
  Connect the pump only to a properly grounded,3-prong outlet. If the sump pump circuit has a 2-prong outlet, replace it with a grounded 3-prong outlet installed according to code.

• B. Unplug the pump before handling or servicing it. If your basement floor is wet, turn off all power before walking on it. If the shut-off box is in the basement, call your electric company or hydro authority to shut off service to the house, or call your local fire department for instructions. After turning off the power, remove the pump for service.

• C. Protect the electrical cords from sharp objects,hot surfaces, oil, and chemicals. Avoid kinking the cords. Replace damaged or worn cords.

• D. Do not lift the pump by the power cord.

CAUTION
Risk of burns. Modern motors may run hot. Allow 20 minutes to cool before handling.

1. Know the pump application, limitations, and potential hazards.

2. Do not use this pump in water with fish present, If any oil leaks out of the motor it can kill fish.

3. Drain the system completely before servicing it.

4. To prevent a flexible discharge line from whipping, which could cause injury or damage, fasten it down before starting the pump.

5. Before each use, check any hoses in the system for weakness or wear. Make certain that all connections are tight.

6. Periodically inspect the sump, the pump, and the piping for debris and foreign objects.
   Perform routine cleaning as required.

7. Personal Safety:

   • Wear safety glasses at all times when working with pumps.
   • Keep your work area clean, uncluttered and properly lighted; put away all unused tools and equipment.
   • Keep visitors at a safe distance from the work area.
   • Make workshop child-proof with padlocks and master switches. Remove any starter keys.
   • This pump installation must meet all applicable laws, codes, and ordinances.

Tools Required:
Pipe wrench, Strap Wrench, or Slip-Joint Pliers,Hacksaw, Screw Driver, File or Sandpaper

Materials Required:
1-1/2” ABS or PVC Pipe with Cement to match
Threaded Adapter (Pipe to Pump)
Check Valve – Purchase a check valve that goes in the discharge line or in the pump discharge.
If your check valve does not have a 1/8” anti airlock hole, drill one in the discharge pipe just below the check valve. Be sure to install the check valve so that the flow will be away from the pump.

Specifications

• Power supply …….115V, 60 HZ., 15 Amp Circuit
• Liquid Temp. Range………..32°F to 70°F(0°-21°C)
• Individual Branch Circuit Required (min.)…15 Amps
• Discharge…………………………1-1/2” Female NPT
• This pump is designed for use in a residential sump only. Pump water only with this pump.

Installation

1. Minimum sump size: 10” (254mm) diameter by 10” (254mm) depth for vertical switch models; 14” (356mm) diameter by 18” (457mm) depth for tethered switch models.

   • Construct the sump pit of tile, concrete, steel, or plastic; it must meet code requirements.
   • No clay, earth, sand, or gravel in the sump (they will clog the pump). Keep the pump inlet screen clear.

2. Install the discharge plumbing and check valve, using pipe thread sealant tape – NOT pipe joint compound.

   • Tighten the pipe into the pump (hand tight + 1-1/2 turns).
   • Install a check valve in the vertical pipe to prevent flow backwards through the pump when it shuts off. To prevent air-locking the pump, drill a 1/8” (3.2 mm) hole in the discharge pipe just above where it screws into the pump discharge. Install the check valve above this hole, but keep it as close to the pump as possible. Be sure the hole is below the waterline and below the check valve.
   • To reduce noise and vibration, cut the discharge pipe near the pump and fasten a short length of rubber hose (1-7/8” (48 mm) I.D., e.g. radiator hose) into it with hose clamps.

3. Place the pump in the sump; make sure that nothing interferes with switch operation. For tethered switch models, the tether length should be 3-1/2” (See Figure 3).

4. Finish installing the necessary plumbing.
   Follow the glue manufacturer’s instructions for safety precautions and curing time.
   CAUTION
   Risk of flooding. Can cause
   personal injury and/or property damage. Make sure the pump cannot move in the sump. If the pump moves when it runs, the piping or sump wall may interfere with the switch and prevent the pump from starting or stopping.

5. Power Supply: This pump requires a 115 V.,60 Hz., 15 amp individual branch circuit.
   The circuit must be grounded and should be dedicated to the sump pump.

   • The pump is supplied with a 3-wire cord set with grounding-type plug. Plug the switch directly into the outlet and plug the pump into the opposite end of the switch’s plug.
     WARNING
     Risk of electric shock. Can shock,burn or kill. Always ground the pump to a suitable electrical ground, such as a grounded water pipe, a properly grounded metallic raceway, or a ground wire system. Do not cut off the round ground pin.

6. After you have installed the piping, check valve, and float switch, the pump is ready for operation.

   • Check the pump by filling the sump with water and observing the pump’s operation through one complete cycle. For switch settings see the Electrical and Switch Specifications chart.
     CAUTION
     Risk of flooding. Can cause personal injury and/or property damage. Failure to make this operational check may lead to improper operation, premature failure, and flooding.

Operation

1. The shaft seal depends on water for lubrication. Do not operate the pump unless it is submerged in water; running it dry may damage the seal.
2. If the pump overheats, an automatic-reset thermal protector cuts off the power and stops the motor before it can be damaged. The motor will automatically restart when it cools. If the protector trips repeatedly, unplug the pump,remove it from the sump, and check it for the cause of the difficulty. Low voltage, long extension cords, clogged impeller, very low lift,a plugged or frozen discharge pipe, etc., can all cause cycling and overheating.
3. This pump will not remove all the water in the sump. If you are running the pump manually and water stops coming out of the discharge,the pump has probably run dry. Shut it offimmediately and check the water level.

Performance

GPH At Total Feet Of Lift

Model

| 5 ft.| 10 ft.| 15 ft.| 20 ft.| No flow at height shown below
Capacity Gallons/Hour
3983| 4,020| 3,540| 3,000| 1,800| 26’
3984| 4,020| 3,540| 3,000| 1,800| 26’
3985| 4,380| 3,840| 3,300| 2,340| 28’
3986| 4,380| 3,840| 3,300| 2,340| 28’
3988| 4,700| 4,100| 3,500| 2,820| 32’

Electrical & Switch Specifications

Model

| ****

Motor HP

| Motor Full Load Amps| Individual Branch Circuit Req. (Amps)| *Switch Setting in inches Water Level

For:

---|---|---|---|---
On| Off
3983| 1/3| 6.9| 15| 15”| 7”
3984| 1/3| 6.9| 15| 6-1/2”| 3”
3985| 1/2| 7.0| 15| 15”| 7”
3986| 1/2| 7.0| 15| 6-1/2”| 3”
3988| 3/4| 7.7| 15| 6-1/2”| 3”

Figure 7 – Lift is the vertical distance the pump actually lifts water. The higher the lift, the lower the flow.

NOTICE The friction caused by water running through the pipe will also, on longer pipe runs, reduce the flow.

Repair Parts

Not illustrated.
NOTICE If motor fails, replace entire pump.
† See Impeller Replacement.

Troubleshooting

WARNING
Risk of electric shock. Can shock, burn or kill. Unplug the pump before touching it or servicing it.

Pump won’t start or run.

| Pump is not plugged in.| Make sure the pump is plugged into a proper outlet.
Blown fuse| Replace the fuse with a fuse of proper size.

Low line voltage.

| Check the size of the wiring on the circuit feeding the pump and from the main switch on the property. If everything is OK, contact your power company or hydro authority.
Defective motor.| Replace the pump.
Defective float switch.| Replace the float switch.

Clogged or jammed Impeller.

| If the impeller won’t turn, unplug the pump, remove the lower pump body, and locate the source of the binding. Replace the impeller if necessary.
Obstructed float.| Move the pump in the sump or remove the obstruction.
Pump starts and stops too often.| Backflow of water from piping.| Install or replace the check valve.
Faulty float switch.| Replace the float switch.

Pump won’t shut off.

| Defective float switch.| Replace the float switch.
Restricted discharge (obstacle or ice in the piping).| Unplug the pump, remove it from the sump, and clean the pump and piping.
Obstructed float.| Move the pump in the sump or remove the obstruction.
Restricted intake screen.| Unplug the pump, remove it from the sump, and clean the intake screen and impeller.

Pump operates but delivers little or no water.

|

Low line voltage.

| If the voltage is below 110 volts, check the size of the wiring from the main switch on the property. If OK, contact your power company or hydro authority.
Debris caught in the impeller.| Remove the pump and clean out the impeller.
Worn or defective parts or plugged impeller.| Clean the impeller if it’s plugged; replace the impeller if necessary; otherwise replace the pump.
Check valve installed without vent hole.| Drill a 1/8” (3mm) dia. hole between the pump discharge and the check valve (1-2” above the pump discharge and below the waterline).
Restricted intake screen.| Remove the pump and clean out the intake screen.
Check valve is installed either backward or upside down.| Be sure the check valve is installed correctly (the flow arrow should point away from the pump).

Impeller Replacement

First: Turn off power to the pump, disconnect the discharge piping, and lift the pump out of the sump BY THE HANDLE ON TOP OF THE MOTOR (not by the cord).

Step 1: Remove the three screws holding the motor to the base and lift the motor off the base.

Step 2: Hold the motor shaft with a screwdriver and unscrew the impeller as shown.
NOTICE The impeller has a left-hand thread, so it loosens to the right ( ).

Step 3: Thread the new impeller onto the motor shaft as shown (left-hand thread – tightens to the left ).

Step 4: Re-mount the motor on the base. Be sure to mount it so that the switch is clear of the discharge and all other obstructions in the sump.

Last: Run the pump through one complete cycle after it is assembled and reinstalled. It should operate correctly and you should not hear any sounds of scraping or dragging from the pump.

Warranty

Retain Original Receipt For Warranty Eligibility

Limited Warranty
This Limited Warranty is effective June 1, 2011 and replaces all undated warranties and warranties dated before June 1, 2011.
SIMER warrants to the original consumer purchaser (“Purchaser” or “You”) that its products are free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of the original consumer purchase. If, within twelve (12) months from the original consumer purchase, any such product shall prove to be defective, it shall be repaired or replaced at SIMER’s option, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein. Note that this limited warranty applies to manufacturing defects only and not to ordinary wear and tear. All mechanical devices need periodic parts and service to perform well. This limited warranty does not cover repair when normal use has exhausted the life of a part or the equipment.

The original purchase receipt and product warranty information label are required to determine warranty eligibility. Eligibility is based on purchase date of original product – not the date of replacement under warranty. The warranty is limited to repair or replacement of original purchased product only, not replacement product (i.e. one warranty replacement allowed per purchase). Purchaser pays all removal, installation, labor, shipping, and incidental charges.
For parts or troubleshooting assistance, DO NOT return product to your retail store. Contact SIMER Customer Service at 800-468-7867.
Claims made under this warranty shall be made by returning the product (except sewage pumps, see below) to the retail outlet where it was purchased or to the factory immediately after the discovery of any alleged defect. SIMER will subsequently take corrective action as promptly as reasonably possible. No requests for service will be accepted if received more than 30 days after the warranty expires. Warranty is not transferable and does not apply to products used in commercial/rental applications.

Sewage Pumps
DO NOT return a sewage pump (that has been installed) to your retail store. Contact SIMER Customer Service. Sewage pumps that have seen service and been removed carry a contamination hazard with them.

If your sewage pump has failed:

• Wear rubber gloves when handling the pump;
• For warranty purposes, return the pump’s cord tag and original receipt of purchase to the retail store;
• Dispose of the pump according to local disposal ordinances.

Exceptions to the Twelve (12) Month Limited Warranty

General Terms and Conditions; Limitation of Remedies
You must pay all labor and shipping charges necessary to replace product covered by this warranty. This warranty does not apply to the following: (1) acts of God; (2) products which, in SIMER’s sole judgement, have been subject to negligence, abuse,accident, misapplication, tampering, or alteration; (3) failures due to improper installation, operation, maintenance or storage;(4) atypical or unapproved application, use or service; (5) failures caused by corrosion, rust or other foreign materials in the system, or operation at pressures in excess of recommended maximums.

This warranty sets forth SIMER’s sole obligation and purchaser’s exclusive remedy for defective products.

SIMER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONTINGENT DAMAGES WHATSOEVER.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES,INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES SHALL NOT EXTEND BEYOND THE DURATION PROVIDED HEREIN.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to You. This warranty gives You specific legal rights and You may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SIMER

293 Wright Street
Delavan, WI U.S.A. 53115
Phone: 800-468-7867
Fax: 800-390-5351

www.simerpump.com

For parts or assistance, call Simer Customer Service at 800-468-7867

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