Plumbers

Sump Pumps

Protect yourself from a basement flood and get a sump pump- your best defense against basement flooding. Almost all basements are at risk for flooding, especially houses on flat terrains where the water doesn't have anywhere else to go but to seep into the tiny little cracks in your foundation- plus, there's only so much water that the soil around your house can absorb, so it's bound to start entering into your basement- unless you have a sump pump! In certain areas in the U.S, such as Minneapolis, basement flooding is so common that some homeowners insurances won't even cover damage related to basement flooding unless there is a sump pump installed. This is because sump pumps do such an amazing job in preventing water from entering and flooding your basement. Find a qualified local plumber here to help you with your sump pump installation.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

A sump pump is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a sump pit, a pit which is found in the basement of your home for the purpose of collecting water. The water may enter through the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system, funneling into the pit, or may enter as a result of rain or because of natural ground water, if the basement is below the water table level. A sump pump is in many ways the last defense against flooding because it pumps out water from the lowest section of the basement before the water level reaches the basement floor level. As the groundwater level rises it is diverted into the sump hole. When the water reaches what is called ‘the critical level’, the sump pump begins to pump it out through a pipe that leads outside and away from your foundation.

Types of Pumps

There are two types of pumps: a Pedestal Pump and a Submersible Pump. A Pedestal Pump has it's motor mounted on a pole, typically 30 inches above the floor and has a hose which extends to the bottom of the the pit to drain out the water as needed. Pedestal pumps are easiest to maintain but are also the noisiest. Even if you do not spend a lot of time in your basement, the pumps often end up being so noisy that you can hear them on the first floor of your home. Some homeowners report that they can even feel vibrations while the pump is running. Submersible Pumps are pumps that are installed underneath the basement floor. The pumps are enclosed in iron or plastic and are placed in the bottom of the pit. These pumps are much quieter but are also more expensive. In terms of maintenance, you won't have to worry too much as most of the pumps come with screening on the bottom to filter out debris. That means just a bit less maintenance for you. Most plumbers would agree that this is your best bet unless noise is not a factor for you at all.

Pump Maintenance

Sump pumps need a general maintenance check once a year but it's always important to keep an eye and an ear out for any changes. This is what you will want to do to maintain your pump:

• Clean away dirt, gravel, sand or other debris. You will increase the efficiency of your pump and extend its lifetime.
• Listen for any change in noise while the pump is running- it could be a sign that there is a problem.
• Test the pump after any long period of inactivity by pouring 5-10 gallons of water into the pit (see picture below).
• Have some rags on hand as the pump may be a bit greasy.

If you are unsure about performing any of these maintenance checks, find a licensed plumber to help you.

Sump Pump Benefits

• Restores the proper value of your property.
• Keeps your foundation intact.
• Keeps the dampness from settling in, giving you a warmer dryer basement all year round.
• Results in a cleaner and healthier home.
• Keeps you worry-free no matter what the weather is like outside.
• Prevents fungus, molds and mildew.
• A dry basement will prevent termite and insect infestation.
• Prevents wall coverings and paint from peeling.
• No rust and corrosion of metal appliances.

For more sump pump information, you can read this Washington Post article or this one.