The Little Giant 506055 combines a submersible pump with dedicated basin in one seamless water removal solution. This MPN 506055 model delivers 46 gallons per minute at five feet of head through its specifically engineered 1/3 horsepower shaded pole motor. Unlike modular systems requiring separate component assembly, the 506055 arrives as a pre-configured unit where the cast iron pump housing and polypropylene basin work as unified water management infrastructure.
The integrated approach eliminates compatibility concerns between pump and tank—every connection dimension, from the 1 1/2-inch FNPT side intake port to the strategically positioned top discharge outlet, has been precisely calibrated for optimal flow dynamics specific to this configuration. Contractors and homeowners benefit from knowing their submersible pump and reservoir were engineered together rather than retrofitted after purchase.
Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Pump Housing Construction with Continuous-Duty 1/3 HP Shaded Pole Motor & Sustained Performance Specifications
This 506055 submersible pump's cast iron construction withstands sustained operational demands in demanding plumbing applications. The housing material selection matters considerably—cast iron dissipates heat more effectively than aluminum alternatives, allowing the 1/3 HP motor to maintain consistent performance through extended water removal cycles.
Drawing 9 amps at full load operation with 115-volt household current, the motor produces approximately 720 watts of power delivery. The shaded pole motor design operates continuously without thermal cycling concerns that affect pump longevity, making the 506055 suitable for basement sewage systems, dehumidifier drainage lines, laundry tray overflow protection, and commercial plumbing installations where reliability supersedes intermittent-duty considerations.
The pump's 18-foot maximum head capability means it can elevate water vertically higher than standard utility pumps, addressing installation scenarios where drainage points sit below discharge locations.
Corrosion-Resistant Polypropylene Basin Technology with Five-Gallon Accumulation Capacity & Chemical Resistance for Effluent Environments
The 506055's five-gallon reservoir constructed from polypropylene delivers lightweight corrosion resistance for diverse water chemistry environments. This basin material selection prevents rust formation from sewage contact, effluent exposure, or extended water holding periods—problems that plague steel alternatives requiring protective coatings.
The five-gallon capacity balances accumulation volume with floor space requirements typical in residential bathrooms, basements, and under-sink applications. The basin includes 2-inch FNPT top vent port accommodating standard plumbing adapters, allowing pressure equalization during pump discharge cycles.
This ventilation feature prevents vacuum formation that would restrict water flow or damage basin integrity during extended operation. The polypropylene construction remains non-brittle in temperature variations between 32 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, matching residential climate conditions across geographic regions.
Automatic Diaphragm Switch Activation with Pressure-Based Water Level Sensing & Float-Free Operation Technology
The 506055 incorporates an integral diaphragm pressure switch eliminating float mechanism complexities found in competing sump pump systems. This activation method detects water level changes through pressure sensing rather than mechanical float movement, meaning the pump starts automatically when water reaches predetermined height thresholds.
The pressure-based approach avoids float stick situations that prevent automatic shut-off in systems handling sediment-laden effluent or grease-contaminated sewage water. The diaphragm remains sealed within the pump housing, protecting sensing components from environmental exposure that causes premature failure.
Setting shut-off points requires no field adjustment—the 506055's factory-calibrated switch responds to specific water column pressures corresponding to tank fullness. Homeowners managing water removal systems appreciate this maintenance-free operation compared to float-dependent competitors requiring annual inspection and adjustment protocols.
Integrated 1 1/2-Inch Discharge Piping with Threaded Port Connections & Optimized Flow Delivery from Pump to Basin Lid
The 506055 delivers 1 1/2-inch diameter piping pre-installed from the pump to the basin lid's discharge opening. This pipe sizing handles the pump's maximum 46-gallon-per-minute flow rate without excessive pressure drop that would reduce actual performance below published specifications.
The FNPT (female national pipe thread) ports on the basin lid accept standard plumbing adapters, allowing direct connection to existing drainage systems without specialized adapters or costly professional modification. The side intake port positioned at 1 1/2 inches below the lid surface optimizes water entry while preventing direct air introduction that would create cavitation noise.
The configuration differs significantly from modified sump pump installations using improvised piping—every connection specification in the 506055 system has been tested for continuous-duty performance in both residential and commercial plumbing scenarios.
Easy-Access Filter Trap Design with Debris Prevention Technology & Serviceable Sediment Protection Components
The 506055 features a readily removable filter trap protecting the pump's internal components from sediment accumulation. Debris suspended in water—sand, lint, and scale particles—represents a primary failure cause in submersible pumps operating in drainage applications.
This model's trap design allows homeowners to extract accumulated material without complete system disassembly. The filter housing threads into the basin cap, creating a serviceable barrier between incoming water and the pump's intake chamber.
During routine maintenance occurring every 3-6 months depending on incoming water quality, technicians remove the trap, rinse accumulated debris, and reinstall the component in minutes. This accessibility contrasts sharply with sealed pump designs requiring professional servicing or complete replacement when internal blockages develop.
The trap's design also accommodates the common plumbing installation scenario where multiple drain lines converge into a single basin.
Eight-Foot Power Cord with 3-Prong Grounded Plug & Voltage Protection in Wet Residential Basement Environments
The 506055 arrives with an eight-foot power cord terminating in a certified 3-prong grounded plug suitable for standard household outlets. This cord length positions the pump for typical basement floor layouts while maintaining safe distance from standing water contact with exposed connections.
The grounded plug provides equipment protection in wet environments where static electricity or accidental contact creates electrical hazards—particularly important in plumbing applications where metal piping potentially carries stray voltage. The eight-foot specification allows installation in corner locations or along foundation walls without extension cord requirements that introduce moisture contact risks into electrical connections.
Contractors appreciate this standardized cord length matching common basement floor dimensions rather than requiring supplementary extension equipment that affects reliability. The outlet compatibility means the 506055 connects directly to standard household electrical infrastructure without adapter requirements.
IAPMO Basin Approval with Residential Plumbing Code Compliance & Building Inspector Recognition Standards
The 506055's polypropylene basin carries IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials) certification confirming conformance to residential water handling standards. This approval designation means the component meets specific requirements for materials compatibility, structural integrity, and drainage reliability within residential building code requirements across U.S. jurisdictions.
Building inspectors examining water removal installations recognize the IAPMO marking as evidence of regulatory compliance, streamlining permit approval processes. The certification applies specifically to basins used in beneath-floor drainage contexts where water quality and system reliability directly impact residential health protection.
When plumbing professionals specify the 506055 for new construction or renovation projects, the IAPMO designation eliminates documentation requests that delay final inspections. The approved status reflects Little Giant's engineering focus on components meeting established industry standards rather than competing on cost through non-compliant alternatives.
46 Gallons Per Minute Flow Rate Performance at Standard Five-Foot Head Conditions & Continuous Duty Water Displacement
The 506055 delivers 46 gallons per minute capacity at five feet of vertical lift, matching typical basement drainage scenarios. This flow specification directly addresses the common installation situation where water accumulates in a pit or basin positioned below the main floor level, requiring displacement upward to exterior or main-line drainage.
The flow rating represents continuous-duty delivery rather than peak momentary discharge, meaning the pump maintains this output throughout extended operating cycles. At reduced head heights below five feet—common in same-level drainage situations—actual flow approaches maximum nameplate capacity.
Understanding head performance characteristics helps distinguish the 506055's real-world capabilities from competing claims. The 46-gallon-per-minute specification aligns with typical basement water removal demands when managing roof drainage, foundation seepage, or condensation system discharge.
Professional installers calculate required basin volume based on inflow rates and desired pump activation frequency, with the five-gallon capacity satisfying residential applications handling typical 5-10 gallon accumulation between activation cycles.
Intermittent Liquid Temperature Range Limitations & Material Compatibility Specifications for Submersible Pump Applications
This 506055 model handles intermittent liquid temperatures reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit, defining operational suitability for specific plumbing applications. The temperature rating reflects the polypropylene basin's softening point and motor winding insulation capabilities.
Applications involving hot water sources—such as condensation systems in HVAC equipment, hot water heater discharge, or commercial kitchen drainage—require verification that temperature conditions remain within this specification. Sewage-handling installations typically remain well below the 104-degree threshold, as residential wastewater temperatures approximate room conditions or slightly warmer.
The temperature specification differs meaningfully from unrestricted applications; exceeding the rated range risks plastic deformation of basin structure or motor insulation breakdown. This clarity regarding temperature limitations distinguishes honest manufacturer specifications from generic product claims that fail to address practical operating boundaries encountered in real plumbing installations.
Cast Iron Pump Housing Durability Against Corrosive Sewage & Aggressive Effluent Contact in Harsh Plumbing Environments
The 506055's cast iron pump construction resists corrosion better than aluminum alternatives when handling sewage or effluent containing aggressive chemical compositions. Sewage systems expose pump components to hydrogen sulfide gas evolution, anaerobic bacterial byproducts, and acidic conditions that attack aluminum surfaces through localized corrosion mechanisms.
Cast iron's crystalline structure provides inherent resistance to these chemical environments, allowing the 506055 to maintain structural integrity through extended sewage handling exposure. The material choice reflects application-specific engineering rather than cost reduction compromises found in multi-purpose utility pumps.
Plumbing professionals specifying the 506055 for basement sewage systems gain confidence that corrosion won't compromise pump function during multi-year service intervals. The investment in cast iron construction justifies the 506055's market positioning compared to less durable alternatives designed for clear water applications exclusively.
Shaded Pole Motor Efficiency Technology & Continuous Operation Performance Without Thermal Stress or Cycling Degradation
The 506055's shaded pole motor technology enables continuous-duty performance cycles required in water removal applications without cycling thermal stress. Unlike capacitor-start motors that generate significant heat during frequent start-stop cycles, shaded pole designs operate efficiently at constant speeds during extended run periods.
The motor's full-load amperage of 9 amps represents relatively low electrical draw per unit power output, reflecting design efficiency improvements reducing operational cost compared to older generation utility pumps. The motor enclosure sealing protects winding insulation from moisture migration that accelerates electrical degradation in wet environments.
Homeowners managing continuous basement drainage systems appreciate the simplified motor design featuring minimal maintenance requirements. The shaded pole approach eliminates start capacitors that fail in humid basement conditions, representing a reliability advantage over more complex motor configurations requiring periodic electrical component replacement.
Professional Installation Applications in Commercial & Residential Water Removal System Integration Scenarios
The 506055 addresses commercial and professional plumbing installation scenarios involving laundry tray drainage, dehumidifier discharge, water softener backwash, and utility sink overflow protection. Commercial laundry facilities benefit from the pump's continuous-duty capability managing cumulative water discharge from multiple cycles.
Dehumidification systems require reliable condensation removal preventing water damage to surrounding structures—the 506055's automatic operation ensures unattended drainage without manual intervention. Professional plumbers specify the 506055 when designing water removal systems where reliability and code compliance supersede cost considerations.
The system's integration into commercial building mechanical systems demonstrates versatility beyond residential basement installations. Facility managers appreciate the submersible design eliminating external pump mounting requirements that consume valuable floor space in mechanical rooms or equipment closets.
FNPT Thread Port Compatibility Standards & Adapter Connection Flexibility for Diverse Residential Plumbing Configurations
The 506055's basin cap incorporates three FNPT ports allowing connection flexibility for diverse plumbing configurations. The 1 1/2-inch side intake accepts inlet piping from multiple drain sources converging into the basin.
The 1 1/2-inch discharge outlet connects directly to drainage lines using standard NPT fittings available through any plumbing supply channel. The 2-inch top vent port accommodates flexible drain hose or rigid vent piping depending on installation constraints.
This threaded port approach enables professional plumbers to configure connections matching existing drain infrastructure without fabricating custom adapters. The standardized thread specifications mean replacement parts remain readily available throughout the 506055's operational lifespan.
Homeowners encountering future system modifications can upgrade or reconfigure connections using common plumbing materials, supporting long-term cost management beyond initial installation.
Authoritative Premium Water Removal Solution Combining Professional-Grade Engineering with Residential Installation Accessibility & Code Compliance
Plumbing Supply & More delivers the Little Giant 506055 as a premium water removal system where professional-grade engineering meets residential installation accessibility. This model represents genuine innovation in submersible pump technology rather than marketing-driven feature aggregation.
The cast iron pump housing, polypropylene basin, automatic diaphragm switch, and IAPMO certification create a cohesive system addressing real plumbing challenges encountered in basement drainage scenarios. Contractors seeking dependable equipment for challenging applications discover the 506055's combination of continuous-duty capability, code compliance, and straightforward installation streamlines project execution while minimizing service callbacks.
The 1/3 horsepower motor delivers sufficient capacity for residential water removal demands without unnecessary oversizing that increases electrical consumption. This water removal system establishes the performance standard distinguishing quality plumbing products from commodity alternatives competing primarily on price.
