If you want to keep your basement dry, invest in a quality sump pump. They’re an effective way to prevent flooding and save thousands of dollars in damage.
Basement sump pumps come in three varieties: submersible, pedestal and battery backup. Which type you select will depend on your individual requirements.
Submersible
If you want to prevent basement flooding, a sump pump is necessary. These pumps remove water from your basement and keep it dry until you can repair the damage.
When shopping for a sump pump for your home, there are several types to choose from. Ultimately, what type you select will depend on both your specific requirements and budget.
Submersible — A submersible basement sump pump sits within the pit below your floor and automatically begins pumping when water levels rise within the basin. These quieter pumps are ideal for frequently flooded basements.
Pedestal — A pedestal sump pump is similar to a submersible model, but has its own independent motor installed on a stand above the basin. These pumps typically have longer lifespans than submersible models and can be easier for technicians to repair when necessary.
Battery Backup — A battery backup sump pump will automatically switch on when the main pump cannot run, keeping your basement dry until power is restored. These pumps tend to be more expensive than standard submersible and pedestal models, but they can last hours or days on a single charge.
Horsepower — More powerful motors will pump out more water, but you don’t need to invest in a high-end unit if your moisture problem is minor.
Head Pressure — Higher head pressure will raise water a greater distance, but you must also account for physical limitations like bends in pipes. A pump with a head pressure of 12 feet (3.7 meters) can raise water up to that height with about 10% allowance due to physical constraints like bends.
Cord Length — Make sure the cord on a sump pump is long enough to reach its outlet pipe. If not, consider installing an extension cord with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet for extra reach.
Submersible basement sump pumps can be found at Lowe’s, home improvement stores or online. Most models come with either an electric motor or gas engine for convenience.
Pedestal
A pedestal basement sump pump is one of the more cost-effective and unobtrusive types of sump pumps available. It’s simple to install and requires less upkeep than submersible models, though this type of pump may not be ideal for your basement if it has large areas with severe moisture problems.
A pedestal sump pump is an ideal choice for homes without large sump pits or the space to add one. Additionally, purchasing a backup battery-powered sump pump is wise so you have an alternative method of pumping out water in case your primary unit fails or stops working due to an electrical outage.
Pedestal basement sump pumps come in various sizes and styles to fit a range of spaces. There are models that fit in smaller basins and use less energy than larger ones, as well as those with more horsepower for increased power and faster response time to flooding events.
They typically feature more vertical floats to regulate their pumping rate. This helps prevent the float from getting stuck or tangled and makes monitoring the amount of water being pumped out easier.
Another essential feature is the pump’s float switch. This switch regulates the speed and activates or deactivates it as needed. It should be placed conveniently so you can adjust it according to your home’s needs.
Some pedestal pumps feature a hose that runs down into the sump pit and then exits from the pump, offering greater efficiency. On the downside, these typically smaller motors make them ineffective for larger sumps.
These are the cheapest options available, but they may not be suitable for serious moisture problems in your basement or a large sump pit. Since they cannot suck out all water, you must have more than 1/8” of water in your basement before they will work.
Battery Backup
Battery backup basement sump pumps in Ambler PA are an integral component of a home’s waterproofing system. These devices use heavy-duty batteries to power a backup pump in case an electrical outage or other issues prevent your primary sump pump from functioning properly.
These systems usually include a control box that monitors water levels and activates the backup pump when necessary to keep a basement dry. They send alerts to homeowners when either their backup battery needs replacing or when their primary pump shuts off for any reason.
Depending on the type of battery, these can last anywhere from several days to a couple weeks before needing recharge. They can be refilled with either distilled water or acid and should be checked periodically for proper functioning.
Professionally installed battery backup systems can cost around $600, while cheaper models with lower quality may only cost $200. The higher end systems tend to be more dependable and have longer lives than their cheaper counterparts, so investing in one is definitely worth considering if you want assurance that your basement stays dry.
Another advantage of a battery backup is that they require no upkeep. Simply install it alongside your primary sump pump and wait for activation when water levels reach a predetermined level.
Some models even feature a float switch that activates when the pit fills with water, helping you save time and effort when changing out your primary sump pump’s float switch. This can come in handy during power outages or when the float switch gets stuck in the water.
If you are shopping for a battery backup, take into account these tips before making your purchase.
Make sure your water treatment system has enough capacity to address your current problems, and is durable enough to withstand power outages. Opt for a system with an amp hour rating of 40 or greater for optimal performance.
If you live in an area prone to storms that could cause power outages, having a battery backup system is wise. Not only can it save you thousands of dollars in damage from flooding but it could also prevent additional expenses related to restoration work afterward.
Float Switch
A float switch is an essential component of a sump pump system. It allows the system to detect changes in water level and activate the pump when necessary. Without working float switches, flooding could cause serious damage in your basement.
The float switch in your sump basin may malfunction due to wear and tear or other causes. When it stops responding to changes in water levels, your pump will stop working – leading to property damage, loss of belongings, and increased dampness within your basement.
Another issue can arise if your float switch becomes stuck inside your sump pit, preventing it from rising and falling properly. This usually occurs due to external interference such as dirt or debris in the pit, along with sediment buildup.
Obstacles can make it difficult for the float switch to move up and down, deactivating it from activating your pump. In extreme cases, your float switch may simply stop functioning altogether.
If you think your float switch might be malfunctioning, test it. Locate the float and lift it until it can no longer move any further. Once this height has been reached, trigger the switch so the pump begins draining water from your basement.
Other causes of float switch failure include power outage and mechanical problems. Without the ability to detect changes in water levels, a power outage could potentially result in flooding in your basement.
Float switches are built to last, so it’s essential to invest in a quality model that will perform reliably. Furthermore, make sure the switch is placed somewhere dry that won’t be susceptible to water damage.
When installing a float switch, waterproofing specialists will install them into a sump pit and connect them to a discharge pipe that pumps water out of your basement. Additionally, they attach a coupler and check valve onto this pipe, preventing sewage from returning into your home.
