Flooding is a real threat to basements and crawlspaces. If you want to protect your home from the disastrous consequences of flooding, install a sump pump. These plumbing appliances protect your home from water damage caused by plumbing issues, such as burst pipes, heavy rainfall, and poor grading.
Here, you’ll learn more about the sump pump’s basic operation, the types of sump pumps, and why you need one.
How Sump Pumps Work
Sump pumps offer power protection, but they work quite simply. A sump pump system is composed of two parts: a basin or pit and the pumping mechanism.
The pit gets installed below the surface at the lowest point of the home. For some homes, the lowest point is the basement. If you don’t have a basement, the lowest point is the slab foundation. If you have a crawl space, the pit could get installed in that area.
Some homes have sump pump rough-ins. Don’t confuse this setup with having a sump pump. A rough-in contains the pit and nothing more. For the sump pump system to work, it must have the second part, the pumping mechanism.
The pumping mechanism gets installed inside the pit or basin. Once water rises in the pit to a predetermined level, the pump’s valves turn on and pump water automatically out of the pump through a discharge line that goes to a designated drainage area outside the house.
Most of the time, sump pits collect water from outside as the soil becomes saturated caused by heavy rainfall. However, if a pipe bursts under the foundation, the pit could collect this water, too.
Types of Sump Pumps
When shopping for a sump pump, take note of the various types, and their differences. For example, primary pumps versus backup pumps. Primary pumps get hardwired into the electrical system and include submersible and pedestal pumps.
Submersible Pumps
These pumps have been designed to work well underwater. They get installed in the sump pit and work well in finished basements because they operate quietly and are not as easily seen as pedestal pumps. However, because of their inconspicuousness, they tend to come with a higher price tag.
Pedestal Pumps
These vertical pumps have an impeller at their base and, unlike submersible pumps, don’t get installed underwater. instead, they get placed at the top of the pump. People like pedestal pumps for their cheaper cost and easier access to repairs. However, these pumps don’t pass the noise test. Since they have an exposed motor, they tend to operate more noisily.
Other Sump Pump Options
Primary sump pumps need electricity to operate. If a power outage occurs, these sump pumps won’t run and could put your house at risk of flooding. Also, if the primary pump malfunctions for a mechanical reason, you lose protection. Check out these options to pick up the slack.
Backup Battery Sump Pump
This sump pump’s main job is to take over the work of the primary pump if it fails. It runs on batteries but isn’t nearly as powerful as the primary sump pump. It’s not intended to perform the primary pump’s main duties for an extended time but can offer some protection for a short period.
Combination Pumps
A combination pump includes a primary and battery-operated pump in one package. You don’t need two separate pumps. If the primary pump malfunctions or loses power, the backup pump takes over.
Why Your Home Needs a Sump Pump
Sump pumps offer superior protection and can keep your home dry, preventing water damage and expensive repairs. But does your home really need one? The answer surprises many people, but the truth is that not every home needs this protective appliance. Sump pumps offer the most benefits to homes that meet the following benchmarks:
- Wet climate that receives heavy rainfall or snowfall
- Low-lying area and prone to flooding
- Standing water after a heavy rain
- High moisture levels
- Experienced flooding in the past
If your home doesn’t meet the above criteria, but you have a finished basement, consider installing a sump pump to protect your investment.
Professional Sump Pump Installation
Sump pump installation protects walls and foundations, removes excess water, keeps basements and crawl spaces dry, and offers substantial flood protection. If you think you want a sump pump or other plumbing system for your home, contact Efficiency Plumbing. Our South Shore plumbers install sump pumps, water heaters, water filtration systems, and more!
For more information about sump pumps in Hanover and surrounding South Shore areas, contact Efficiency Plumbing.
