Basement sump pump systems are an effective way to protect your home from flooding. This is especially relevant if you live in an area prone to rainfall and humidity problems.
Your pump is located beneath your basement floor (also referred to as a “basin”), and when water levels rise it automatically switches on and pumps out the excess volume.
Cost
The cost of a basement sump pump system Jenkintown PA may differ based on your location, the type of flooring and desired features. It could also be affected by the type of pump purchased as well as labour charges.
The two most popular pumps are pedestal and submersible. Pedestal pumps have their motor mounted on a shaft extending from the floor, while submersible models sit entirely underwater. While more expensive, these types of sump pumps last longer and may be simpler to install.
No matter the type of pump, it is essential to replace its filters regularly. A new filter prevents sediment and other foreign objects from clogging the pump, improving its functionality and avoiding expensive repairs down the line.
Sump pump filters cost around $60 and should be changed at least once a year to maximize their life expectancy. A clogged filter could prevent your pump from working optimally, leading to excess water buildup that could potentially cause property damage due to flooding.
Are you uncertain of the best sump pump for your home? Speak to an expert who can suggest one that fits perfectly within the existing drainage system. They’ll help select a model that fits the size of your basement, connects to existing plumbing in your house, and has enough capacity to handle large amounts of water.
Some of the more sophisticated features available on pumps include alarms that sound when water levels exceed a preset limit. These can be especially beneficial in areas that experience frequent rainfall.
Other features may include an additional battery backup, a specified switch type or backup electrical outlet. Adding these items can add several hundred dollars onto your final price.
If your floor is concrete, digging to install a sump pump pit can increase the cost by $500 to $5,000 due to jackhammers and other specialized tools needed for breaking through the surface.
The cost of a new sump pump varies based on its type, size, horsepower and additional features. While installation may be costly, investing in one is worth the money if your area experiences frequent rain or flooding.
Installation
Basement sump pump systems are an integral component of any effective waterproofing plan. They prevent water from building up in your basement and flooding it, which could result in extensive damage to both the structure and contents of your home. Without them, flooding could occur rapidly.
Your certified waterproofing specialist can assist you in selecting the appropriate sump pump for your basement and installing it correctly. The initial step is to identify any low spots where water tends to collect on your floor after heavy downpours.
Once the location has been identified, the next step is to decide how large of a pump you need for keeping your basement dry. This can be done by estimating the capacity of your existing pump and taking into account weather conditions in your area.
The size of your pump will be determined by how much water is collected during a storm, so consult your homeowner’s insurance policy or an online resource to calculate the necessary size.
Your certified waterproofing professional will also guarantee your basement is properly sloped to prevent groundwater infiltration into your foundation. This may involve excavating some of the existing soil and installing a new layer.
Once the basement has been leveled, a certified waterproofing expert will use a laser level to verify that the sump pit is at its proper depth. If not, they’ll run a PVC drainage line from the low spot to the sump pump.
Install a check valve on the outlet of your sump pump to redirect water away from the pit. This is especially essential in areas with frequent rainstorms.
Installing a check valve requires both a male-threaded adapter and PVC pipe. Use primer and PVC cement to glue one end of the pipe onto the adapter, then thread it into your sump pump’s discharge tube.
Before you can complete installation, test your float valve. Pour five gallons of water into a basin and make sure the float moves freely up and down as the water levels rise.
Install a battery backup system to keep your sump pump running during power outages. This can keep the pump running up to 24 hours without mains electricity.
Maintenance
No matter when or where your sump pump was installed, regular maintenance of this system is key for extending its lifespan and avoiding costly repair expenses in the future. Simple tasks like cleaning, testing, and inspecting can help extend its life expectancy and ensure that you don’t end up paying costly repair bills in the future.
Maintaining the dryness of your basement is essential for protecting the health and safety of your family. A flooded basement can cause significant destruction to your home, leading to mold, mildew, and fungus growth. Aside from these health hazards, flooding also has the potential to severely damage foundations and flooring – which may require expensive replacement or repair.
The initial step in maintaining your sump pump is testing it regularly. Do this by pouring water into its pit and checking for any signs of trouble. If the pump won’t turn on or cycle off, contact a plumber for assistance.
Another essential part of sump pump maintenance is making sure the discharge pipe connecting the pit to the outside drains properly. Doing this prevents excess water from pooling up in the pipe and potentially leading to flooding. If your discharge pipe features a check valve that closes when turned off, this will prevent water from returning into the sump pit.
Additionally, it’s wise to clean out the grate on the bottom of your sump pump as debris can get sucked in and clog up its drains and impeller. Doing so now could prevent major issues in the future.
Additionally, regularly cleaning the sump pump’s cover is recommended to keep it running optimally and prevent blockages that could disrupt your system. You could also consider adding a backup battery to your setup which will enable the pump to function during power outages.
The average life of a basement sump pump is seven years, so it’s essential to perform regular maintenance and ensure it functions optimally. In the long run, well-maintained basement sump pumps save money on repairs while improving the health of your home in the long term.
Repairs
Basement sump pump systems are essential tools in preventing flooding in your home. Unfortunately, like all mechanical systems, they may experience issues that prevent them from functioning optimally.
If you detect any issues with your basement sump pump system, it’s time to seek professional assistance. A qualified technician can identify and fix the source of the issue for you.
Sump pumps are devices that pump water out of your basement during heavy rain, snow thaws, and other flooding events. This enables you to continue living in your home while protecting it from structural damage.
Sump pumps come in a range of features and benefits, so it’s important to pick one that meets both your requirements and budget. There is no single best choice when selecting a sump pump; find one that best meets both.
Some pumps feature battery backup, which can keep the pump running during an electrical outage. This saves you money and hassle in the long run.
Every year, it is essential to have your basement sump pump system assessed by a professional. This will guarantee that it functions optimally and any issues are caught early before they become bigger issues.
It is especially essential if you plan to sell your home in the future or are remodeling your basement. A flooded basement can be expensive to fix, so it’s wise to have it assessed by an experienced professional before making any changes or investments.
Another common cause of basement flooding is subsurface groundwater seeping through hairline cracks in the foundation. While this issue can be more costly to resolve than surface groundwater issues, it remains a major concern for homeowners.
A reliable basement waterproofing company will inspect your basement to identify whether there is surface or subsurface groundwater present. If it’s the latter, we will suggest installing a full perimeter drainage system to eliminate all moisture that’s seeping into your space.
