If you regularly experience flooding in your basement, then it may be time to consider investing in a quality sump pump. This pump will work to remove any excess flood water that makes it into your basement to help prevent issues like mold and mildew from happening. However, there are various steps that you’ll want to follow to ensure that your new pump is effective for your basement or crawlspace.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a device that moves water from one location to the next. In a residential setting, they’re typically positioned below the ground level in a basin. When flood waters reach your basement, they’ll be diverted into the sump pump basin. The sump pump will kick on once the water level reaches a certain depth. It will actively pump water from inside the basin to a location outdoors, away from your home’s foundation.
Submersible vs. Pedestal Pump
When you start researching potential sump pumps, you have two main options. These are the pedestal and submersible sump pumps. The pedestal pump is a traditional option in which the pump motor is positioned above ground level and attached to piping that runs down into the basin.
Submersible sump pumps are a newer and more popular option. This type of sump pump sits under the water in the basin. While the submersible and pedestal pumps will remove flooded waters from your home, the submersible pump provides more benefits.
Because the sump pump motor is below the water, you can install a cover lid over the basin. This will help to protect any loose debris from falling into your pump pit and prevent excess moisture from entering the air. Additionally, it will go a long way toward quieting the pump’s noise while it’s running.
Pump Size
Choosing the appropriate size of sump pump will make a big difference in how effective it is at removing water from your home. If you choose a pump that is too small, it won’t be able to keep up with the incoming water and will likely burn up as a result of overrunning. However, if you choose a pump that is too big, it will constantly cycle and prematurely wear out the pump’s internal components.
One of the biggest factors in determining the right size of your sump pump is its horsepower (HP). If you are replacing an existing sump pump, then you should invest in a new one with similar horsepower as long as you had no problems with your old pump’s performance in the past. If this is your first sump pump purchase, you’ll need to find the appropriate size for your home.
In general, there are going to be three main sizes of pumps that you’ll need to consider. These include 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP, and 3/4 HP. A 1/3 HP sump pump is sufficient for homes in areas with average water tables that only need a vertical lift of 7 to 10 feet to discharge the water. A 1/2 HP pump is recommended for areas with an above-average water table alongside a standard vertical lift.
Lastly, a 3/4 HP pump is best for low-lying areas and flood plains. It’s also important to know that other factors can play a role in determining the appropriate size sump pump for your home. For example, if your basement is deeper than most, it will need a sump pump with higher horsepower to provide enough vertical lift to remove water from your discharge line. Additionally, if you require a longer vertical run to get water far away from your home’s foundation, a larger size pump may be necessary. It’s always best to rely on a plumbing professional to help you determine the appropriate size sump pump for your home’s specific needs.
A Note on Float Switches
The sump pump’s float switch is designed to detect when the water level has risen to a set level. It turns on your pump to start removing the excess water. There are a few different types of float switches that your pump can have. These include piggy-back, tether, vertical, and electronic. Both vertical and tether float switches are prone to clogging issues as there are moving parts that are exposed to the water. These switches tend to experience more issues and can fail when you need them the most.
The electric float switch is the most desirable of the bunch. This float switch has all internal components, so it can’t get clogged by any debris that may find its way into the water basin. This type of float switch has no moving parts as it relies solely on an internal sensor to detect the water level in the basin. These are very small float switches that will typically outlast the life of your sump pump, so you’ll never have to worry about replacing them.
Battery Backups
When excessive flooding occurs, it usually happens during a nasty thunderstorm. Power outages are common during these events. Your sump pump isn’t going to do you much good if it doesn’t have any power. A battery backup can be a great add-on purchase that allows your pump to run whenever your power supply goes out. Most batteries are designed to last up to two days. However, the frequency of your pump turning on will play a large role in how long a potential battery will last.
Smart Alarm Systems
Some newer sump pumps integrate smart technology to ensure optimal efficiency for users. You can have your sump pump send a text, call, or even email notification to let you know when your pump has an issue. These include things like a stuck float switch, water filling the basin too quickly, etc. This way, you can respond quickly to remedy the problem before your basement floods. Smart systems often collect additional data on the amount of water your sump is moving. This can tell you how often your pump is working and whether it is able to keep up with the demands of large rain or flooding events.
Sump Pump Warranty
The average sump pump will last between 7 and 10 years, depending on many factors. These include things like how often it’s used, how clean the water is, and how much maintenance it receives. With a sump pump being a big investment for your home, it only makes sense to ensure you purchase one with a warranty. Many sump pump manufacturers will offer a 5-year warranty on their products. It’s important to note that sump pumps aren’t regularly covered under typical homeowners insurance policies.
Expert Sump Pump Service
Hope Plumbing offers expert sump pump services for the entire Indianapolis, IN community. We can also assist with all your sewer, drain, water heater, water softener, gas line, and septic tank needs. Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly experienced plumbing professionals.
