Are your sump pump not functioning optimally, it could be time for replacement. Keep reading to discover more about this straightforward project and how to do it correctly.
Sump pumps are an integral part of a home’s basement or crawl space. Not only do they keep moisture out, but they also protect your foundation from damage.
Cost
When it comes to cost, there are numerous variables that can influence how much you’ll pay to replace your sump pump. The type of sump pump, where in your basement it will be installed and whether you choose a pedestal or submersible model all have an effect on pricing.
Sump pumps work to prevent water accumulation beneath a home’s foundation, which could weaken or destroy its structure. Furthermore, they help prevent mold and mildew growth in basements and crawl spaces which may make your home less healthy for your family members.
Installation of a sump pump involves digging a pit in the basement for it to sit, connecting it to drainage pipes and hoses, as well as installing an electrical outlet and check valve. Due to its dirty nature, many homeowners opt to hire professionals for this task.
Installing a sump pump is no small task and requires both skill and experience to do it right. You’ll need an in-depth knowledge of plumbing and electricity, along with knowledge about where to dig, what size hole to excavate, where to connect electrical outlets, and how to set up the discharge pipe. With these prerequisites in place, installing your sump pump should be no problem for anyone!
Before you begin, it is essential to have your basement and surrounding areas inspected. Doing this will allow you to identify any structural issues that will need more expensive repairs later. Additionally, knowing what can be expected from a new sump pump will give you peace of mind.
When selecting a pump for flooding prevention, it’s wise to select one with an appropriate horsepower rating. A pump with too little power may run constantly and wear out sooner, while one with excessive capacity may be difficult to turn off.
Selecting the ideal sump pump is an important decision, and you should always shop around to find the best deal. Look for one with an efficient motor, battery backup and water level alarm.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a sump pump depends on several factors, including its model, how often you use it and how well it’s maintained. On average however, sump pumps have an expected life span of 10 years or more.
Sump pumps are used to drain water from your basement. They come in either pedestal or submersible versions and work by sucking up water and sending it through a discharge line outside your home’s foundation walls.
It is essential to remember that pumps can only pump water out if the discharge line is clear and unobstructed. Frozen or clogged discharge lines can cause flooding in your basement and necessitate costly repairs.
If your sump pump is constantly running, this could be a sign that it is nearing its end of life and needs replacement. Selecting the appropriate size and capacity is key for long-lasting performance; if it is too small, water won’t drain away effectively resulting in failure eventually.
An excessively powerful pump will quickly wear out its motor, forcing it to work harder and faster. To prevent this from occurring, make sure your pump has sufficient horsepower for the amount of water expected in your sump pit.
Another potential cause of sump pump failure is an uneven discharge line from your pit. When water has to bend over and under the pipe, it will generate considerable noise as it passes through.
The ideal solution to this is to have the discharge line rerouted away from the sump pit, which can be done by a plumber and eliminates any noise issues caused by an excessively noisy sump pump.
Consider installing a battery backup sump pump. This can be an excellent way to keep your basement dry in case the power goes out and is relatively cost-effective to install and keep running. Make sure it gets inspected and serviced regularly to guarantee its optimal performance.
Installation
Installing a sump pump correctly is essential to prevent basement flooding. A properly functioning sump pump will keep water away from your foundation, reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth in your home, and minimize rainfall on your floor.
Before you can begin, it is necessary to determine where all water and sewer lines enter your basement. Ideally, the sump pit should be situated near the lowest point of your basement – a laser level can help with this!
Next, you’ll need to dig a hole for the sump basin. Doing this is easier if you work in a crawlspace rather than trying to access concrete basement floors.
Once you’ve finished digging the basin, it’s time to install the pump. Make sure the float on your new pump is correctly aligned so it can rise and fall with water levels in the sump. You may use plastic shims to level it before installing it in place.
Once the pump is installed, you should connect it to a GFCI outlet. Doing this helps protect against short circuits that could result in fire or an electric shock.
Additionally, you’ll need to attach a discharge pipe and check valve. Doing so helps channel water away from the pump into an appropriate drainage system such as a well, storm drain or retention pond.
If your local building code allows it, run the discharge line from the pump to a dry well outside your house. Alternatively, you could connect it directly to an adjacent drain if that is more suitable.
As your guide, insert a 1 1/2 inch PVC pipe through the hole. Make sure it has enough length to reach from the rim joist outside your house and attach an elbow joint that will eventually join with pipe coming from the pump.
Once this is connected, use silicone caulk to seal both inside and outside of the pipe with airtight integrity. Doing this ensures no air or water can get into or out of it.
Troubleshooting
Sump pumps can be an incredibly useful tool in protecting your home from water damage. Unfortunately, they don’t last forever and may need replacing sooner or later. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to extend their lifespan and help maximize their effectiveness.
First, ensure your sump pump is plugged in and operating correctly. If not, there could be an issue with power receiving to the pump or with its float switch or impeller.
Next, open up the sump pit and clear away any obstructions. Doing this will enable your pump to run more smoothly and efficiently.
Next, ensure the float switch is free to move up and down. It may become stuck if there’s mineral or dirt buildup on it or too much calcium in the system. If this is the case, soak it in vinegar to help clean things up.
Finally, inspect the discharge pipe that drains water away from your basement. If this pipe becomes clogged or frozen, your sump pump won’t function properly and may need to be replaced.
This issue could be caused by a damaged check valve, which prevents water from returning into the sump pit. This puts undue strain on your pump and increases its likelihood of breakdown sooner.
One common cause of sump pump failure is overwork. This can occur when the pump is put to the test by excessive water, such as during floods or intense rainfall.
If this occurs, the pump must run constantly to keep up with the inflow of water. This could prove hazardous as it could overheat and burn out prematurely.
One way to prevent this problem is by hiring a licensed contractor to install your sump pump. They know how to properly size the pump and ensure it’s installed correctly, helping it last longer and saving you money in the long run.
