Basement sump pumps are an integral tool for homeowners to help prevent flood damage in their basements. Not only do they minimize water damage, but they’re also highly effective at keeping basements dry and habitable.
Basement sump pumps come in a range of styles to fit your home and needs. Their primary function is to drain excess water that builds up in the basement area.
Installation
Sump pumps are essential to the safety and comfort of a home. They prevent flooding by pumping water out of basements and crawl spaces, shielding your possessions from water damage and mold growth.
Sump pumps are composed of several parts that work together to drain water away from your home. This includes a pit, pump, and discharge pipe. When the water in the pit reaches a certain level, the pump turns on and pumps it out into an exclusive discharge pipe that empties it away from your residence.
Discharge pipes must be carefully installed to prevent water from backing up into pits and foundations of homes. A check valve should also be included that keeps the flow outward rather than back in.
Before installing the discharge pipe, you should prepare it by taking away the old pipe and check valve. Next, clean out any debris, mold or rust from the old PVC piping. Apply a coat of primer on the outside of the pipe before screwing in your new PVC threading union securely.
Once you’re ready to install the discharge pipe in your basement, dig a hole big enough for the pipe to pass through. Once that’s done, proceed with installation as normal.
Depending on the size of your home, you may require hiring a plumber for this task. The cost will depend on the location, complexity of the project and required plumbing tools.
Once you have all of the necessary plumbing tools, it’s time to install your sump pump. You can hire a plumber or do it yourself; even novices can handle this DIY task with ease.
Before you begin, dig a hole deep enough in your basement for the sump pump basin. It should be at least 3 feet deep and flush with the floor of the basement. Wrap filter fabric around the bottom of the basin to prevent silt from obstructing its motor.
Maintenance
Sump pumps are essential in every home. Not only do they protect basements from flooding, but also valuable items like furniture and electronics from water damage. But to guarantee its optimal performance, sump pump systems need regular maintenance and upkeep to stay functioning optimally.
Maintaining your basement sump pump Willow Grove PA is the first step to ensuring its proper operation. Checking the unit once a month will give you peace of mind that everything is functioning optimally.
Once a year, it is essential to clean out the pump in order to avoid debris clogging it. To do this, unplug the unit and take off its cover; then use a putty knife to scrape away any sediment that has built up in its pit.
Another essential maintenance task is replacing the filter. Doing this helps keep mud and other particles out of your system, keeps your sump pump running efficiently, and prevents water accumulation in its basin.
If your pump isn’t draining as well as it used to, it could be a sign that the filter is dirty or broken. Additionally, it could be that the discharge pipe is clogged, meaning excess water is flowing back into the basin and causing your pump to run continuously.
To prevent this, it’s wise to reroute the discharge pipe away from your foundation. Doing so will prevent additional water from entering into the groundwater table near your house.
Professional plumbers and plumbing contractors can perform this task as part of their routine maintenance service. They’ll inspect the discharge pipe, float switch, alarm, backup power source and cover to ensure it fits securely and tightly.
Are you in search of a plumber or plumbing contractor to maintain your basement sump pump in Willow Grove PA? Be sure to get quotes from multiple professionals by entering your zip code and being matched with up to three local experts!
Repair
Basement sump pumps are essential in homes that experience heavy runoff from snowmelt or rainfall. Not only do they keep a home dry, but they can also prevent mold and mildew growth in the basement.
These pumps should be serviced regularly to guarantee they are working optimally. Repairing them before water levels in your basement rise can make all the difference between having a dry, fresh basement and one filled with dampness and smells.
Your sump pump could potentially malfunction due to a number of reasons, including an errant switch or clogged discharge pipe. Before doing anything else, take the pump out of its pit or basin and inspect for any issues.
Examine both the float and check valve to identify any dirt or mud on the bottom of the unit. Also, inspect the discharge pipe to see if it’s clogged or frozen.
The pump’s motor may also burn out, necessitating repair. To check this, unplug it and open the cover to inspect inside. If you observe a dirty, greasy slick, this indicates something is stuck between the switch and motor.
Another potential issue with a clogged sump pump is that the sewage line for your house could get trapped under it, leading to problems in your system. In such cases, you’ll need to call a plumber to replace the line.
Finally, having a battery backup for your sump pump is crucial; this keeps it running during an electrical outage and puts you one step ahead of flooding in case there’s no power for long periods of time. This type of protection is especially crucial during heavy downpours when flooding could potentially occur in your basement.
Even if your sump pump doesn’t have a battery backup, it’s wise to have it checked out periodically. Doing so could help identify problems before they worsen and save yourself money in the long run.
If your sump pumps need repair, contact a Roto-Rooter plumbing professional near you for assistance. They can recommend the most suitable type of sump pump for your requirements and install it if required.
Replacement
If your basement sump pump has stopped working or developed an issue, you may want to consider replacing it. A new sump pump will help drain water out of your basement and keep your home dry without damaging floors or furnishings.
If your sump pump has malfunctioned, it is wise to have a professional install a new one right away. Doing so will protect your basement and save you from costly repairs in the future.
The cost of installing a new sump pump varies based on several factors, including the type of flooring you have, your geographic location and the installation process.
A reliable professional will charge less for a replacement since they possess all necessary tools and expertise. Furthermore, they may provide you with a warranty on the new sump pump for added assurance and peace of mind.
When shopping for a sump pump, ensure it can handle the amount of water entering your basement. While these numbers may differ from place to place, the most common model is a 1/3 horsepower model capable of moving up to 3,000 gallons of water per hour.
There are also more powerful models that can handle 5,000 gallons per hour. While these pumps tend to be pricier than their smaller counterparts, the investment may pay off in the long run by avoiding expensive flooding issues.
Installing a sump pump is achievable for DIYers, however it’s recommended that you hire an expert for the task. There are numerous plumbing and electrical issues which could go wrong during installation, making it best to hire an expert for assistance.
For instance, a clogged discharge pipe can prevent your pump from working properly. Therefore, it’s essential to flush out this pipe regularly in order to prevent it from becoming jammed up.
Before installing your pump, it is essential to inspect its check valve for damage. Doing this prevents water from returning into the pit and damaging your pump.
