Upgrade Your Laundry Experience with the Powerful Shellback Auto Pump Laundry System
Meet the Shellback Laundry Pump, the ultimate solution to simplify and supercharge any laundry routine. The Shellback Laundry Pump is a key component of any utility pump system, as it helps prevent potential flooding in homes. By efficiently removing excess water from your laundry or other fixtures, this laundry sink pump prevents costly water damage and repairs.
- Brand: Shellback
- MPN: SHB31219I
- Part #: 3-12-19-I
- Phase: Single
- Switch Type: Electric
- Septic Pump Type: Effluent
- Motor: 1/8 HP
- Voltage: 115V
- Amperage: 15 Amps
- Flow Rate: up to 24 GPM at 3ft
- Hertz: 60 Hz
- Temperature Range: 40F - 100F
- Cord Length: 7.5 feet
- Housing Material: Cast Iron
- Discharge PipeThe pipe that carries water away from the Sump Pump and out of the building. Diameter: 1 inch
- Head: Up to 10 feet vertically; up to 100 feet horizontally
- Dimensions: 12 inch (H) x 8 inch (W) x 8 inch (D)
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Warranty: 1 year
Installation Guide
Specification Sheet
Keep Water Moving, Prevent Overflows
Automatic operation takes the guesswork out of draining: the pump is preset to start when the tub holds roughly 6–8 inches of water and stop with 1/2–1 inch remaining, protecting against sink overflows during wash cycles. The integral manual switch lets you clear the last bit of water on command.
Everyday Performance You Can Rely On
A dependable 115V, 1/8 HP motor handles up to 10 feet of lift to reach higher building drains. The top-outlet, 3/4" discharge design keeps the footprint small while maintaining smooth flow—pair it with a required 3/4" swing check for best results.
Durable, Easier-Care Connections
Shellback’s Quick-Mount fitting threads to the laundry-tub drain without rotating the pump—just tighten the slip nut and insert the included plastic washer for a sealed connection. A dedicated sensing tube controls cycling; adjust per the manual if you ever notice pulsation.
Installer-Friendly Design
Mounts directly to a standard 1-1/2" laundry-tub connection to save floor space; uses common 115V power on a circuit with no more than a 15A fuse. The 3/4" swing check valve and union are not included and must be added in the discharge line for proper operation. Water-softener discharge is not recommended.
Sized Right For Tight Spaces
At just 11.6 inches tall, the compact profile tucks neatly under a utility sink or laundry tray, keeping cleaning supplies accessible and leaving room for trap and hose routing. If you’re replacing an older unit, the top-outlet design simplifies like-for-like swaps.
Smart Controls & Simple Adjustments
Fine-tune start/stop levels by adjusting the threaded automatic control and copper tube height/position per the instruction sheet to match your sink and flow rate. The inline manual/auto switch gives you instant override control—handy for clearing the last inch after the auto cycle stops.
Serviceability & Repair Parts
Keep this pump running for years with commonly replaced parts available separately.
Review: Shellback Laundry Pump
Reviewed by: Expert Mack
Overall Score: 3.5/5 
I’ve installed quite a few Shellback Laundry Pumps, both as direct replacements and on new jobs. Overall, I’ve had a solid experience with them. I’d say it definitely fills a niche and generally performs consistently. There are only a handful of pumps that have this small form factor that can pump up to a hanging sewer, most of the other options available have a much larger discharge line. The Shellback 3-12-19 uses a ¾ inch discharge line, which gives it a lot of flexibility during installation. When it’s running, it’s quiet, reliable, and just does what it’s supposed to without any issues. In most cases, it really is a “set it and forget it” kind of pump that can last for years. While I’ve run into a couple of units that didn’t hold up as expected, those situations have been the exception, not the norm. In my experience this is often due to water quality that the pump is discharging, which takes its toll on any pump. It is not recommended to have the discharge from a water softener going to the utility tub this pump can be installed on. For homeowners, it’s a great option that offers good performance.
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Performance: 4/5 
The Shellback's performance is a mixed bag. It moves water quietly and efficiently, and for many, the automatic switch works reliably for long stretches. The manual override is a nice touch, as it allows you to drain the sink on demand. The major performance flaw, however, is the automatic switch's tendency to leave several inches of standing water in the basin. This can be a deal-breaker for some users and requires a constant manual override. If you are using the sink on a regular basis this is not a huge issue, but if you are going out of town, I usually recommend using the manual override to get the remaining water out of the sink, so you don’t come back to stagnant water. While its pumping power is good, this one quirk prevents it from being a top performer.
User Experience: 4/5
Installation is generally straightforward for those with basic plumbing knowledge, and the "Quick Mount" fitting is a helpful feature. This pump is installed directly to the drain on the laundry tub replacing the flanged extension tube. The quiet operation is a huge plus, as it's a relief compared to many noisy pumps. The frequent need to manually drain the last bit of water can be frustrating. The lack of clear instructions for adjusting the automatic switch is also a consistent point of contention.
Quality: 3.5/5 
While some older models are renowned for their longevity, many modern units are plagued by an inconsistent quality that leads to early leaks and switch failures. The warranty process is often described as unhelpful and costly to the consumer. This is due to Shellback insisting that they handle all warranty issues and damage claims. The replacement parts are reasonably priced and readily available and with a little DIY can do, the pump is pretty easy to keep in service.
Value: 3/5
Given its high cost, the Shellback laundry pump provides decent value. If you happen to get one of the units that lasts for 10+ years, it's an excellent investment. However, if your pump gives you problems or fails, it's difficult to recommend at full retail price. The cost of a replacement every few years can add up quickly, making it a poor long-term value compared to more consistently reliable alternatives.
Final Verdict
The Shellback Laundry Pump offers a rare combination of compact size, quiet operation, and solid pumping power, making it a great fit for certain installations. While it can run for years with minimal fuss, occasional quirks like leaving water in the basin and variable build quality mean it’s best suited for users willing to give it a bit of extra care when needed.
Additional Features
- Thoughtful design & versatility: Features a patented Quick Mount fitting for easy vertical or horizontal installation, perfect for any laundry room setup.
- Compact size: Measures just 12" x 8" x 8", saving valuable space in your laundry area.
- Automatic operation: Equipped with an automatic sensor that activates and deactivates the system as needed.
- Manual control: Includes a manual inline switch for full control when desired.
- Durable & reliable: Built with premium materials and backed by a 1-year warranty for long-lasting performance.
- All-in-one solution: Ideal for simplifying laundry tasks or managing water removal for multiple fixtures.
