The sump pump is an essential element of basement waterproofing systems that keep your basement dry. If it malfunctions, you could face wet basement conditions and potential flooding issues in your home.
Jamison Waterproofing offers a battery backup installation for your sump pump to avoid this situation. This system will automatically take over when your primary sump pump stops working due to a power outage or other emergency.
Water-Powered Sump Pumps
Water-powered sump pumps use your home’s municipal water pressure to pump water out of your basement. They’re an ideal option for people who don’t want to depend on battery backup sump pumps, which may not be as dependable as water-powered systems.
The primary disadvantage of water-powered sump pumps is that they use up your water supply, potentially leading to higher bills. A two gallon pump uses approximately two gallons of water for every gallon of discharged sump water, meaning this adds up quickly if your pump needs to run for extended periods.
Most water-powered sump pumps also require a backflow preventer on your water line, such as either a dual check valve or Watts 9D style. This stops the pump from accidentally backflowing water into your house and causing potential property damage.
Water-powered sump pumps work by harnessing your home’s municipal water pressure to generate a powerful vacuum that suctions up water from your sump pit and empties it outside of your residence. The system consists of an automatic valve/ejector jet unit as well as a float assembly which activates when water levels in the pit reach a predetermined height.
In addition to a water-powered pump, you may want to invest in a high-quality flood alarm that will notify you if the water level in your basement exceeds a certain height. Doing so can help you prevent needless repair work and costly damage.
When installing a water-powered sump pump, make sure it has an excellent reputation for reliability and is constructed with high-quality materials. Many cheaper pumps may break down or become ineffective after experiencing heavy storms.
These pumps may be more costly to install than battery-powered sump pumps, but they provide excellent protection for your home against flooding and other groundwater issues. Selecting the right model for your household is a challenge; consult with a professional before making your choice.
One advantage of a water-powered sump pump is that it won’t stop working suddenly during power outages or battery deaths. Instead, it works continuously as long as there’s water available in your home’s municipal supply.
Submersible Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are essential in preventing flooding in your basement and the growth of mold or mildew. With capacity to pump up to several thousand gallons an hour, there’s sure to be a model perfect for your needs.
Homeowners in areas susceptible to flooding from rain and storms need them. Furthermore, if your house is made up of wood frame or another structure that might be susceptible to water damage, then installing these can be invaluable.
Submersible sump pumps, located underwater in your basin or sump, can be an efficient solution for pumping water out of your basement. These are more noiseless than pedestal pumps and less susceptible to overheating than their pedestal counterparts.
Pedestal pumps are more visible than submersible sump pumps and ideal for smaller basins. Plus, these inexpensive options tend to have lower power ratings than their more powerful counterparts.
Another advantage of the pedestal model is its ease of upkeep, since its motor isn’t submerged in water. Furthermore, finding replacement parts and servicing the unit if it gets clogged with debris is much simpler.
In addition to the water-powered primary pump, you can also install a battery backup for added peace of mind in case power goes out. The backup pump will automatically activate when the main one can’t run and keep your basement safe from flooding.
Some of the best models are powered by solar energy or other sources of renewable electricity. They feature an internal battery that can keep water out of your basement even when there’s no power for hours.
Regularly testing the battery on your backup pump is important to guarantee its correct working and to guarantee there’s enough charge left before it runs out. This can be done by connecting a multimeter and testing its voltage, current and capacity.
To guarantee your pump works properly, do a test run with a large bucket of water. Most have an automatic switch that activates when the water level reaches a certain level – either through a float or electronic sensor.
Pedestal Sump Pumps
Pedestal sump pumps are a cost-effective and practical alternative to submersible models. They’re great for smaller pits where submersible models cannot fit, as well as being easier to install and maintain than their larger counterparts.
The primary distinction between pedestal sump pumps and submersible models is that pedestal models sit above the pit, not beneath it like submersible models do. This makes them less vulnerable to being knocked over, plus their motor isn’t buried in the pit like with submersible models. Additionally, pedestal sump pumps make less noise since their motor isn’t submerged in it.
They may also be more vulnerable to overheating. Therefore, it’s essential that the pump has a water-resistant cover over it for improved seal and protection from sunlight.
It’s also beneficial to regularly clean out the basin in order to prevent blockages that could prevent wastewater from being properly expelled. Use a hand vacuum, small brush, or other tool to remove any debris from inside the basin before replacing its lid and turning on power again.
If your pedestal sump pump is showing signs of wear or damage, it’s essential to regularly inspect it for damage. If you notice any rust or other indications of damage, replacing the unit is recommended.
Check the float switch for any signs of malfunction. If it’s running continuously, this could indicate that your pump isn’t functioning correctly; this could indicate jamming or shifting in its pit, causing the switch to stay on or off.
Alternately, it could be that the float has broken and no longer activates the pump. Repositioning the float switch usually solves this issue by allowing your unit to function normally again.
When selecting a switch for your pedestal sump pump, opt for one that’s accessible and adjustable. You have two options: either select a vertical switch with an arm activating the motor, or opt for a digital float switch which utilizes electronic circuitry to trigger its float arm.
Battery Backup Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are essential components of any basement. They remove water from the space and direct it into a drain or sewage system, helping prevent flooding. Furthermore, they work well at eliminating excess moisture from the air; however, these may become ineffective if they clog, jam or overheat.
Therefore, homeowners are advised to install a battery backup system for their primary sump pump in their basement. Battery backups are easy to set up and can be utilized alongside existing pumps, making them an excellent option for protecting your home from water damage.
A typical battery backup system for a sump pump involves a large 12-volt battery, converter that transforms AC power into DC energy and another heavy-duty pump attached to the battery. The second pump sits slightly higher than the primary one so that it can detect when the primary fails and automatically turn on.
When the battery is active, it provides power to a backup pump which then removes water from basements. How long it runs depends on how much water enters the sump pit and how often it must cycle to pump it out.
Depending on the model, a battery backup sump pump may be powered either by AC or DC current from your home’s utility system. Alternatively, some systems use a switch that switches between using home’s DC current and using the battery’s DC current when there is an outage in power supply.
Battery backup sump pumps also feature an alarm that sounds when the pump turns on or loses power. This alarm can be connected to your home security system so you are alerted when triggered.
If your basement is unprotected during a power outage, installing a backup sump pump is essential to ensure the pump doesn’t fail in case of an emergency. A battery backup system not only saves time and money but also provides peace of mind.
Battery backups for sump pumps can also be connected to a control box that will alert you when something goes awry with the system or when replacement is required. These control boxes can be installed by waterproofing contractors or plumbers, or they may be DIY-installed. Some even feature smart interfaces which monitor battery status, test it and send you notifications when trouble may arise.
