Your sump pump is an integral component of protecting your home from water damage and mold growth. They keep basements and crawlspaces dry, saving homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs and replacement expenses.
They can be a great asset when selling your home. Buyers often assume that houses with sump pumps are in better condition, especially if they reside in areas prone to flooding.
Power
Sump pumps are designed to keep your basement dry by pumping out water from low-lying areas. This keeps the foundation from getting saturated in rain, preventing mold growth, fungus damage, moisture damage to wood, carpeting, insulation, metal ductwork and more.
Sump pump systems come in a range of styles to meet your individual needs and preferences. Options include pedestal sump pumps, submersible pumps, and sewage pumps; each having different power capacities depending on how often your home experiences flooding.
Your sump pit’s size will determine which system you require. Generally speaking, larger pits allow more water to enter them and make installing a second pump easier.
According to your needs, a professional plumbing service can assist you in selecting the ideal sump pump for your basement or crawlspace. They’ll also advise how best to connect it to your perimeter drainage system.
If your basement is exposed to heavy rainfall and snowfall, you might want to consider investing in a sump pump that runs off battery power. Doing so will give you peace of mind should the primary system go down.
It’s wise to have your sump pump regularly assessed by a qualified plumber. They can verify its efficiency, clean the float switch and discharge pipe, as well as test your drain line for blockages.
A well-maintained sump pump will provide reliable performance for years, only needing repair when necessary. However, some issues like a jammed impeller or clogged intake screen may go undetected until it’s too late to do anything about them.
When in need of sump pump repair in Jenkintown PA, contact an experienced plumbing service provider. They can assist with installing a new one, inspecting your current system for leaks or malfunctions, and repairing any damage it causes.
A sump pump is an invaluable investment, particularly if you’re selling your house or moving into a new residence. It gives potential buyers peace of mind that you have taken steps to protect their property from flooding and water damage. Additionally, adding battery backup and an alarm systems may be beneficial as well.
Installation
Sump pumps are essential pieces of equipment for homes that may flood. Not only does it move water out of your basement or crawl space, but it can also protect against damage caused by leaking pipes and other issues that let water into your house.
Homeowners usually install the pump in a pit below their foundation. Once reached, it will activate when water levels reach a certain point, pumping away from their foundation and away from any potential flooding.
When installing a sump pump for your home, it’s best to hire an expert. They can suggest the most suitable model suited to your requirements and take care of any maintenance needed after installation.
The great news is, they offer discounts to homeowners who purchase multiple sump pumps at once. Plus, their battery backup will keep your pump running in case of a power outage.
It’s essential to select a pump that meets your home’s requirements. Don’t go for something too small; otherwise, you could exhaust it quickly and cause failure. Your pump should be large enough to move plenty of water while remaining quiet at the same time.
If your sump pump is working properly, testing it regularly is a must. Doing this ensures all components of the pump are in optimal condition and free from obstructions due to debris buildup.
You can test this by pouring some water into the sump pit to see if it activates and drains quickly. If not, you may need to replace or service the motor yourself with assistance from a professional.
Other issues that could hamper your sump pump’s function include power failure and switches that remain stuck on or off. To solve these issues, consider using a home generator for electricity supply or installing a battery backup system.
Another issue that could prevent your sump pump from functioning correctly is an impeller that’s been clogged with sticks or other debris. This causes the pump to screech and rattle as it attempts to draw water out of the pit.
Maintenance
Sump pumps are an effective way to safeguard your basement and possessions from floods. However, regular maintenance of this device is necessary in order to keep it working optimally.
If your sump pump isn’t functioning properly, contact a service technician right away. A skilled professional will inspect the pump for issues and replace any parts that need replacing.
They will inspect the entire system for any potential issues, such as checking the float switch, intake valve and impeller to guarantee everything functions correctly.
Your technician will then clean the sump pump liner to eliminate any sediment or silt accumulation, helping prevent future pump clogging.
Once the sump pump has been cleaned and disinfected, it will be checked for signs of wear and tear. If found to be in good condition, it can be plugged into a power source and turned on for testing purposes.
Your service technician will use a water hose to check the level of water in the sump pit. They also verify that the float switch is functioning correctly and triggering the pump to drain the pit when reached by certain levels of water.
The service technician will also inspect the outlet to make sure it’s connected correctly and connected to an adequate drainage system. This helps guarantee that the pump will function optimally during heavy rainfall or other severe weather events.
Your service technician will also check the battery backup, which helps your pump remain operational during a power outage.
If your battery backup isn’t functioning, it could be due to a damaged switch or excessive pressure in the wall of the sump pit. In such cases, pushing against this wall could force the switch against its intended position and prevent proper operation of your pump and/or battery backup system.
Maintaining your sump pump’s condition can extend its lifespan and ensure optimal performance when needed. Schedule regular service of your pump to avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Battery backup
Your sump pump may malfunction at some point, so having a backup plan for water damage prevention is essential. Thankfully, battery backup systems exist that will protect your basement if the primary pump does fail.
If your area is often affected by power outages due to rainstorms, hurricanes and snowstorms, a sump pump with battery backup can be an invaluable investment. It will enable your primary pump to work more efficiently during these times so water can be quickly extracted from your basement before it causes extensive damage.
Battery backup systems utilize a DC power source that works in tandem with your primary sump pump, automatically turning on when the latter stops working due to either power outage or mechanical malfunction.
Furthermore, many battery backup sump pumps can be monitored with a data logger that records the pump cycle, battery status and water levels. This allows you to check on your system’s performance anytime and identify issues before they become major problems.
For your sump pump, the best battery backup is one designed specifically to provide deep discharge over an extended period, such as a wet cell marine battery. These batteries are tough enough to withstand low voltage, high temperatures, and various levels of moisture.
They provide more energy capacity than gel cells, allowing you to run the battery for extended periods and enjoy more reliable performance.
These types of batteries can handle a large charge, making them perfect for backup sump pumps. Furthermore, they last long and require minimal upkeep.
Battery backup sump pumps can assist your primary pump when power is lost, helping it work more efficiently and saving you money by reducing the demand on your home’s electrical supply. However, keep in mind that a battery backup system isn’t a replacement for a primary sump pump and may not be suitable for every homeowner.
