Top Reasons To Have a Sump Pump
There are a few different reasons to consider installing a sump pump in a home, but they all revolve around water and water damage. Sump pumps can help keep water from damaging property and provide peace of mind for many homeowners.
In this article, plumbing experts offer some tips to help homeowners find the ideal sump pump solution.
How To Determine If a Sump Pump Is Needed
The type of home that most needs a sump pump is one that has had flooding before. If left without a pump, multiple floodings can cause significant damage to a home foundation over time. Homes that lay low on the yard or are on a very flat area will also need a sump pump even if there hasn’t been flooding yet. Homeowners with large and well-finished basements will also want to consider installing a sump pump- one flood can easily ruin furniture and floors and can cause mold in some cases.
Homeowners with a sump pump over six years old should also consider replacing it. While many sump pumps are good up to ten years, it’s not a good item to let get old- if it stops working, it becomes apparent when it floods- which is exactly what it’s there to prevent.
Different Kinds of Sump Pump
There are two main types of sump pump: pedestal and submersible. Both operate on the same basic principle of pumping water that shouldn’t be in a home, out of the home.
- Pedestal sump pumps sit with the motor above the sump. This option is cheaper and easier to service, but because it is out in the open, it is also much more noticeable and probably not well suited to finished basements.
- Submersible sump pumps sit completely inside the sump. This has a few advantages. For one, it is much less noticeable and less likely to draw attention. It also is much safer if there are children in a home because it and the water it pumps are inaccessible. These pumps tend to be quieter and last longer than the pedestal kind, even though they are harder to service.
Choosing a Sump Pump
Whether getting a new pump or replacing an old one, there are a few considerations when choosing a sump pump.
One is space. Pedestal pumps tend to be well suited to smaller sumps since the motor doesn’t have to fit inside. The finish level of the basement may require a submersible to be less obvious.
Horsepower is another important consideration. Depending on the amount of water, the angle it is pumped along, and how far it has to travel, some homes will require a larger pump to ensure proper functioning.
If the pump is usually used in storms, it’s also worth considering a backup battery-operated sump pump. Since the pumps rely on electrical power, storms with power outages may cause floods, even with a sump pump. Battery backups exist in two forms. The first is operated solely off a battery and can be installed next to a wired pump as a safety precaution. Combination battery backups will plug in like a regular pump but will have a battery that kicks in if the power goes off. Either of these options will ensure that flooding does not occur, even if the power goes out.
About Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago
Captain Rooter is a family-owned and operated plumbing service in Chicago. Since 1998 they have been offering full plumbing services, including 24/7 emergency responses across Chicago and the surrounding areas. Captain Rooter has been recognized for both excellent service and value, and will properly care for any plumbing needs.
