DeWalt 1/2 HP Stainless Steel/Cast Iron Submersible Sump Pump (Tethered Switch)

Why I chose this pump and how I tested it

A string of hard rains pushed my old sump setup to the edge, so I swapped in the DeWalt 1/2 HP sump pump and let it run through a few storm cycles. My pit is a standard 18-inch basin with a 2-inch discharge, a vertical rise of about 14–15 feet to grade, and roughly 30 feet of horizontal run out to daylight. That’s a fairly typical residential scenario with a moderate head height and a couple of long sweeps. I wired a check valve close to the pump, kept the discharge at 2 inches to minimize losses, and gave the float ample space to swing.

Through several days of steady inflow, the pump cycled reliably and moved water quickly without drama. It’s quieter than the plastic-bodied unit it replaced—more of a steady hum than a buzz—and it didn’t skitter on startup thanks to its weight and low center of gravity.

Build and materials

This is a stout, all-metal pump built from epoxy‑coated cast iron and stainless steel. The weight (about 27 pounds) isn’t just a durability cue; it helps the pump sit solidly on the basin floor. A cast iron impeller and metal volute give it a reassuring, serviceable feel. Mine is labeled Made in China, and the overall fit and finish are clean: no flashing, smooth threads, and tidy fasteners.

A few design choices stood out in use:

• Bottom suction with a removable intake screen: It primes quickly and pulls water down to a low level, but it will hoover fines if you set it directly on silt. I put the pump on a paver to keep the screen above the muck.
• PSC motor with thermal protection and copper windings: PSC designs are conservative and efficient for continuous duty, and the thermal shutoff adds a layer of protection if your pit runs dry or a line freezes.
• Dual O‑ring motor seals: Standard practice on higher-end submersibles and a good hedge against water intrusion.
• 2-inch FNPT discharge (with a 1‑1/2-inch adapter included): If your plumbing supports it, stick with 2 inches to preserve flow and reduce head loss.

The integral handle makes lifting the unit in and out of the pit manageable, though at full reach in a deep basin you’ll still want a firm stance and gloves.

Installation notes

Setup is straightforward. I used PTFE tape on the discharge threads and tightened a 2-inch schedule 40 union to allow easy removal for service. The piggy‑back tether float switch plugs into a standard receptacle, and the pump plugs into the float—no wiring gymnastics required. The 10-foot cord length worked for my pit, but deep basins or distant outlets might require relocating the receptacle. For both safety and code compliance, I recommend a GFCI-protected, dedicated 15A circuit.

A few tips that paid off:

• Give the float room: Tethered floats need a clear swing radius. Keep the tether long enough to avoid rapid short cycling, but short enough that the pump doesn’t run unnecessarily long. In tight basins or crowded pits, a vertical float style may be easier to live with.
• Raise the pump an inch: A concrete paver or purpose-made pump stand keeps the intake out of sediment and extends cleaning intervals.
• Keep it 2-inch where you can: Using the included 1‑1/2-inch adapter is convenient, but the larger outlet materially improves performance at higher heads.

One nit: the clamp screw for the float tether on my unit was stubborn to adjust out of the box. It held tight once set, but I would love to see a combo screw/hex head here to make fine adjustments with a nut driver. A dab of anti-seize on the threads after setting the tether isn’t a bad idea.

Performance in the pit

DeWalt rates this pump at 6100 GPH (102 GPM) at 0 feet of head and about 5150 GPH at 10 feet, with a maximum lift of 35 feet. In practice, with roughly 15 feet of vertical rise and smooth 2-inch plumbing, the pump had no trouble staying ahead of a brisk groundwater inflow. My cycle times were short, and the basin cleared quickly without the pump “hunting” or chattering at the check valve.

Noise levels were modest—more a low thrum than a rattle—and vibration through the piping was minimal once I added a short rubber coupler above the check valve. The heavy cast iron base keeps the pump planted; it didn’t twist or lean on startup.

A few operational observations:

• Starts are confident without excessive flicker on the circuit. The motor is rated 10A at 120V; make sure the branch circuit is not shared with other heavy loads.
• The pump handled typical sump debris (sand, small pebbles, organic matter) without clogging. It’s spec’d for up to 1/2-inch solids; that’s appropriate for sump basins but not a license to skip a proper lid or pit maintenance.
• The bottom-suction design clears water down to a low level before the float falls, which helps reduce humidity and odor in the pit.

Maintenance and reliability outlook

Submersible pumps live and die by their shaft seals and the quality of their windings. The PSC motor and dual O‑ring design are promising on both counts, and the serviceable intake screen means you can restore performance with a simple cleanout rather than pulling the entire pump apart.

My maintenance routine with this unit is simple:

• Inspect and rinse the intake screen a few times a year, more often if your pit sheds sand.
• Test the float path and action seasonally. Tether floats are robust but require clearance.
• Listen for changes: grinding, squealing, or a sharp rise in cycle time can indicate a clog or a failing seal.
• Glance at the water surface; a sheen of oil is a red flag on any submersible and warrants immediate attention.

The pump is CSA and SSPMA certified, which means the published performance numbers have been measured to industry standards. The 10‑year limited warranty is longer than most in this class. As with any long warranty, read the terms—switches and labor are often excluded—but it’s a strong signal of confidence.

Operating temperature is rated 33–120°F. If your basin is in a space that sees freezing temperatures, insulate and heat trace the discharge where needed and keep the pit from freezing to protect the check valve and the switch.

Usability and everyday experience

Day to day, this pump stayed out of sight and out of mind, which is the job. The piggy‑back float is handy for manual operation: unplug the float and plug the pump directly into power to purge the pit or test the check valve. Just don’t leave it bypassed—automatic protection is the reason you own a sump pump.

The 10-foot power cord is adequate for most residential pits but worth measuring before you buy. The carry handle is well placed for grabbing with a hook or gloved hand, and the square-ish footprint sits neatly on a paver or riser without rocking.

If you’re upgrading from a lightweight composite pump, expect a notable bump in stability and a more subdued acoustic profile. If you’re replacing another cast iron pump, expect a familiar footprint with a bit more attention paid to sealing and motor protection.

What could be better

• Tether hardware: The float tether clamp could use a more service-friendly head (combo or hex) to facilitate fine adjustment without risking stripping.
• Space demands: Tethered floats need room. In narrow basins, you may prefer a vertical float or diaphragm switch.
• Cord length: Ten feet is fine for many installations, but deeper pits may strain placement. Don’t cut or splice the cord—relocate the receptacle instead to preserve safety and warranty.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth considering before you commit.

Who it’s for

This pump makes the most sense for homeowners who:

• Have a standard or larger basin with clear float swing space
• Need strong throughput at moderate heads (10–20 feet)
• Prefer durable, metal construction and a serviceable intake
• Plan to keep the discharge at 2 inches or accept some flow tradeoff when adapting to 1‑1/2 inches
• Value a longer warranty and industry certifications

It’s not a sewage or effluent pump and shouldn’t be used where larger solids are present. If your basin is very tight, look for a vertical switch variant.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 1/2 HP sump pump for its solid build, quiet and stable operation, strong performance at realistic head heights, and thoughtful service features like the removable intake screen and piggy‑back float. The PSC motor, dual O‑ring seals, and metal impeller inspire confidence, and the CSA/SSPMA certifications back up the performance claims. The long limited warranty is a welcome bonus.

Make sure your pit can accommodate a tethered float and, if possible, keep the plumbing at 2 inches to get the best from it. If you need a more compact switch arrangement or a longer factory cord, you may want a different configuration. Otherwise, this is a dependable, high-capacity option that should serve well through many storm seasons.