It’s time to prepare your home for the hazards of frequent and unpredictable storms as temperatures rise. It is also time to protect it from floods and overflows of water. When it comes to protecting your premises from the damage caused by winter and seasonal storms, a sump pump is a tried and true piece of technology.
A sump pump is typically installed when a basement has persistent flooding or moisture problems. It comes particularly handy during months that receive an abundance of precipitation or significant snowfall, the melting of which can lead to a mess.
An emergency sump pump is needed when the mess gets out of control.
How do you use a sump pump?
Every house needs a sump pump to keep its basement dry. Installing the pump is much faster than ordinary pumps, and it is often placed in the lowest area, like a basement or crawl space, so water will not destroy things like furniture and appliances.
The water in your basement is pumped up and away from your house by a sump pump. A sump is a naturally formed pit. A hole is drilled under the basement floor. The sump pump is housed in a basin. The pump contains valves that detect rising water levels or pressure.
When water levels become too high, excess water is automatically pumped away from your house via a discharge line by a sump pump. An affluent connection connects the pump to a specified drainage point and helps avoid water damage in regions prone to flooding, such as basements.
Advantages of Sump Pumps
You can prevent floods, water damage, and mould growth with a sump pump installed at the lowest point of your home (such as a basement or a crawlspace) and pumps the water and soil below it into a drainage area.
A float usually rises with the water level and activates the engine to begin pumping water out before any problems arise.
The use of sump pumps continues to be one of the most effective water damage prevention methods.
Your basement is one of the most common sites for water damage in your house, incurring thousands of dollars in damage. However, there is a way to avoid basement flooding and water damage completely. Sump pumps have many advantages, including removing standing water before it gets out of hand and transferring the water away from your home.
How Do They Function?
Basement sump pumps can help direct water away from your home and into an appropriate drainage system or safe location. They are installed in the lowest part of your basement so that water may drain, and they only turn on when they come into contact with water, saving electricity. Most employ a float switch, a sensor that floats in the water, to alert the pump when the water level becomes too high.
Benefits of Sump Pumps
- Preventing basement flooding
- Aids in the prevention of sewage backups
- Aids in mould and mildew prevention
- Lower humidity levels in the basement
- Reduces humidity in the home
- Can greatly reduce heating expenses with a continuous drainage system
Different Types of Sump Pumps
A few distinct categories of sump pumps are typically installed in residential properties. The following alternatives are included here:
Sump Pumps on Pedestals
The motor of a portable sump pump is located adjacent to this sump basin. A pedestal pump will most succeed in small or deep sump pits or unoccupied basements. On the other hand, the sound of pedestal pumps is rather loud, although these pumps aren’t that strong.
Submersible Sump Pumps
The engine and housing of a submersible sump pump are positioned inside the hole. Submersible pumps are quieter and more powerful. Therefore, they are better for basements or have lots of water to pump out.
Backup Powered by Water
A water-powered system has the advantage of not requiring battery monitoring or replacement. This type of sump uses higher water pressure to clear your basin. Because it consumes more water, it can dramatically increase your water bill, and some cities do not permit their installation.
Backup Powered by Batteries
If your power is cut out during a flood, a battery backup sump pump will give you added security. It contains a float switch that activates when the main source, such as power or gas lines, is disconnected from their supplier due to storms.
What if your pump breaks down?
Your electricity may go out during storms or other natural disasters, causing your pump to fail. Having a battery backup sump pump is also critical to ensure that your home does not flood when the power cuts out. A combination system like this is the most effective approach to avoid pump failures and basement flooding. If your pump fails and your basement floods, take the following precautions to keep yourself safe while clearing up the flood water. Alternatively, contact Reztor Restoration to assist you with restoring your basement!
What Are the Benefits of Sump Pumps?
Sump pumps can not only drain water from your basement, but they can also pump groundwater away from it. Some pumps can operate when they detect water in the soil, preventing the problem from developing. The water will then be drained from the earth and away from your property.
Keeping Mould at Bay
Sump pumps can help reduce mould growth in your basement by preventing floods and water damage. Mould thrives in wet environments and can be extremely harmful to your health. It can be fatal in some situations. Sump pumps will remove moisture from your basement and prevent it from standing. Mould will not develop or cause damage if there is no standing water or moisture.
Preventing Fires
These pumps can also help avoid electrical fires and fire damage. Water can seep into electrical circuits or outlets when your basement floods, creating short circuits or electrical fires.
A Common Pump Error Is A Failure To Test It Regularly
It is important to inspect pump systems annually to see if maintenance or replacement is necessary. To test the pump, fill a five-gallon bucket halfway with water and pour it into your sump basin until the pressure or float switch is activated. If the water drains and your pump starts, you may need to buy and install a brand-new one.
Pump Disconnection
Surprisingly, one of the most prevalent problems with sump pumps, especially in basements utilised for more than just storage, is that the pump becomes unplugged. Most of the time, an outlet is required. Thus, the pump is removed and not put back in. It’s ideal to avoid unplugging your pump as much as possible, so plan your basement usage accordingly.
Failure to Perform Preventative Maintenance
When you have a sump pump system, preventative maintenance is critical. Debris in the pump, faulty wiring, and even broken pipes can cause various problems. Early detection of these concerns can help to avoid more severe, more expensive problems in the future.
Sump pumps are essential to prevent moisture from entering your home and causing problems, including basement flooding and mould. Keep your pump in good working order, and you’ll enjoy a dry, comfortable house for many years.
What Is The Correct Size Of A Sump Pump?
The average domestic sump pump removes 1,800 to 2,200 gallons of water per hour.
However, suppose you live in a flood-prone location (for example, Nashville near rivers or coastal towns near major bodies of water). In that case, it is wise to install a one-half horsepower sump pump capable of removing 3,000-5,000 gallons per hour.
Installing a Sump Pump in a Basement
Is it true that installing a sump pump requires a plumber? The answer is yes. It is not a household project for which you should put your DIY talents to the test. If it is incorrectly placed or connected, it may malfunction and fail to function during floods. It will create more headaches and costly repairs than the initial installation cost. A sump pump can save you money and time if your basement floods.
A certified and skilled plumbing contractor has the necessary equipment and knowledge to complete this task quickly and efficiently. It will avoid a flooded basement, property damage, and the possible threat to family safety.
Cleaning a Sump Pump
Do sump pumps need to be serviced? As with most systems in our houses, annual maintenance is required to ensure optimal function and durability of the pump, which normally lasts around 10 years.
Consider scheduling a maintenance visit once a year and cleaning the pump once every quarter or more frequently as needed. A skilled plumber or plumbing contractor normally inspects and modifies items such as the discharge pipe, check valve, alarm, backup power supply, and cover fit. As part of the sump pump repair, I perform this task.
They’ll also want to inspect the discharge point and the housing pit, which houses the sump pump and collects water.
Best Practices for Sump Pump Maintenance
Most pros recommend the following steps to care for your sump pump system:
- Disconnect the pump from the sump pit and clean the drain grate to avoid backflow.
- Ensure the air gap between the internal and external discharge pipes is clear to avoid backflow.
- Reset the GFCI outlet that is regularly plugged into the sump pump.
- To avoid failure, test the sump pump and ensure that the float is not trapped.
What Should You Do If Your Sump Pump Overflows?
If your sump pump stops working, you must act immediately. First, ensure that the pump is operational. Then reset the unit and restart the pump’s motor. Examine the float for evidence of wear and debris in the check valve. After inspecting those two sections, carefully clean the pump’s weep hole, impeller, and basin. Before you reach into the basin, be sure it is unplugged! Finally, inspect the discharge pipe to determine if any obstructions have formed.
