Sump pumps are essential pieces of equipment for basements. Not only does it prevent flooding and water damage in your home, but it also eliminates excess moisture that has built up around the foundations.
Furthermore, a proper sump pump will protect your crawlspace from groundwater and unnoticed plumbing leaks, particularly if you live in a flood-prone area.
Automatic Switches
Your sump pump may not be working due to several reasons, but the primary one being a malfunctioning switch. There are various kinds of switches available, each designed for specific installations.
One type of switch utilizes a piggyback plug and is adjustable, making it suitable for most common installations. Another option is the tethered switch, which can either be internally wired or piggybacked.
Tethered switches are an inexpensive, straightforward option that involves using a float with either steel balls or mercury inside it. It connects to the pump or hangs from the basin lid with a cord for convenience.
When the water level in a basement rises, a float extends its cord in an upward motion. The ball or mercury inside will sink to the bottom and activate a switch which then activates a pump that draws up excess water out of the basement.
The float can also be set to a fixed position. This is useful in case of broken switches or to prevent the pump from running too long when water levels are low.
Other automatic switches include pressure switches, which use a sensor to trigger the switch. These are frequently found on newer sump pumps.
In most cases, a pressure switch is activated by the level of water in a sump pit. As such, it’s an ideal choice for basements with limited space and congested basins.
For other installations, you can opt for a diaphragm switch. These can be installed in most basins; however, they may not be the ideal choice for wide basins.
Some are even designed to work in combination with a water filtration system. This is especially important in crawl spaces, where mold and mildew can thrive and lead to health issues.
Battery backup models are also available, which can run off of battery power during power outages. These backups make a great addition to any home.
Other options include pedestal pumps. These are perfect for narrow or shallow areas and come in various sizes. Pedestal sump pumps are easy to install and maintain, allowing you to get the job done quickly and safely.
Battery Backup
Battery backups are an efficient way to safeguard your home and crawl space from flooding. They ensure that your basement or crawl space remains dry and secure even if the primary sump pump fails, offering additional protection from power outages as well.
For your home’s best battery backup system, you’ll need a powerful and durable sump pump, 12-volt marine battery and all necessary electrical and plumbing accessories. Generally speaking, you should top off the fluids in your batteries three to six months depending on their type.
A reliable battery backup can last several hours in case the main pump malfunctions, giving you time to contact for help before it’s too late. Most systems also alert you of an issue via your smartphone or computer.
Furthermore, UltraSump systems provide long-lasting protection against floods with their powerful batteries – capable of eliminating up to 12,000 gallons of water on a single charge! Plus, many times you have the option to add another battery to an existing UltraSump system for even greater pumping power.
Are you concerned about water damage in your crawl space? A smart sump pump with battery backup can save both money and stress. Not only does it prevent flooding, but it also shields the area from leaks or other unseen plumbing issues which could cause major structural damage to your house.
Battery backup for your sump pump is an essential element of any home waterproofing system, especially if you are frequently hit by storms or power outages. In the event that your primary sump pump goes offline during a storm, the backup battery can keep running for several hours until power is restored.
Discover how a battery backup for your sump pump can protect you and your home. Our waterproofing specialists serve East Stroudsburg, Bethlehem, Bangor, Pen Argyl, Bartonsville, Wind Gap and Pocono Pines areas. Contact us today to book an on-site estimate and determine which system is best suited to suit your needs.
Power Outage
Power outages can occur for a variety of reasons. Severe thunderstorms that cause lightning damage to trees and electrical equipment, high winds damage power lines, and ice may injure wires and poles.
Although these events may be commonplace to many, it’s essential to comprehend their potential effects on your home. Aside from the obvious effects of losing power, an outage could cause water damage in your basement and crawl space if your sump pump isn’t functioning correctly.
As previously discussed, having a backup pump on hand can be an invaluable solution when your primary pump fails due to power outage. A backup sump pump typically runs off battery power or from municipal water supply pressure, meaning it won’t require electricity for operation and will help keep your basement dry until your primary pump returns online.
For peace of mind in case of a power outage, installing a backup generator for your sump pump is the best solution. Make sure it has enough capacity to handle peak loads and decide whether it will be automatic or need manual activation.
A backup sump pump can be an excellent investment and should be considered before any storm occurs. Not only will it save you money on costly repairs and potential damage to your basement, but it may also help protect against flooding.
Get a quote for a new sump pump by answering some questions about your property and being connected with local professionals! Compare costs quickly and conveniently using our handy comparison feature.
Are you curious to find out how a sump pump can protect your home? Get in touch with AC WORKS today. We provide free estimates for sump pump installations throughout East Stroudsburg, Allentown, Bangor, Bethlehem, Pen Argyl, Bartonsville and Wind Gap, PA – giving our friendly staff the opportunity to find the ideal solution that meets both your home’s needs and budget. Book your free on-site estimate now!
Water Damage
If your home has a crawlspace, it’s essential to address any water damage that develops. Puddles or other sources of standing water can erode your foundation, rot wooden beams and joists, create mold and mildew issues which affect indoor air quality.
One of the best ways to protect your crawlspace from water damage is installing a sump pump. A reliable sump pump will automatically detect leaks, collect the water, then pump it away from your home’s foundation to avoid flooding.
Once a sump pump is installed, it’s essential to make sure it functions optimally so as not to cause any harm. You can accomplish this by positioning the pump at the lowest part of your crawl space and making sure its discharge vent isn’t clogged with sediment or silt.
Additionally, make sure your sump pump is appropriately sized for the amount of water it must remove. Furthermore, installing a battery backup in case your primary pump malfunctions during a storm is recommended.
It’s essential to have your sump pump regularly checked by a professional to guarantee its functionality. In some cases, all that may be needed is just a deep clean; in others, more extensive repairs or even replacement may be necessary.
Sump pumps can be an expensive investment, so be sure to select one that is suitable for your home and budget. Take into account the type of pump you have as well as any extra features like an alarm that will sound if water levels in the pump rise or fall too rapidly.
The best sump pumps come with backups in case your primary pump malfunctions, helping you avoid serious flooding and water damage to your home, basement, or crawlspace.
If you’re selling your home, having your sump pump tested by a qualified home inspector is recommended. This way, you can be certain it’s in optimal working condition and won’t cause any issues for potential buyers.