What Is a Sump Pump – And Why Do You Need One?
A flooded basement is one of the most dreaded scenarios homeowners can face. The expense, the hassle, the days and weeks of remediation and restoration to undo the water damage… it’s something to be avoided at all costs. Fortunately, a sump pump can help do just that. So, what is a sump pump?
A sump pump is an electric pump installed at the lowest point in a home’s footprint, typically in a basement or cellar, to remove water collecting in the soil beneath the home’s foundation. Sump pumps are essential for preventing flooding during heavy rainfall or in homes with basements or cellars built below the water table. This article will explain some benefits of installing a sump pump, how they work, and the different types available.
Sump Pump Benefits
A sump pump sits inside a sump pit or “sump pump basin” – a hole in the floor about 1.5-2 feet wide and 2-3 feet deep. Water around the home’s foundation is funneled into the sump pit through the soil or foundation drains. When the water gets too high, it activates the sump pump float switch, turning on the motor and pumping the water out and away from the house through an effluent pipe.
The benefits of sump pump installation include:
- Helps prevent flooding and water damage during major storms.
- Reduces overall humidity in the home.
- Helps prevent mold growth, mildew, and infestations caused by excess moisture.
- Adds to the home’s property value.
Primary Sump Pumps
There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. Each has advantages and drawbacks.
- Submersible Sump Pump—Submersible pumps have the motor and pump housed in one unit designed to submerge in water completely. Since these fit inside the sump pit, they take up less space, are more discreet, and are quieter than pedestal pumps. However, since the motor spends all of its time underwater, submersible units tend to have a shorter lifespan, are harder to access for sump pump maintenance, and are generally more expensive.
- Pedestal Sump Pump—With a pedestal pump, the motor sits atop a pedestal or rod about 2-3 feet tall, away from the water. Only the pump and the float switch sit inside the sump basin. As such, pedestal sump pumps can be slightly unsightly, noisy, and take up more space. However, they are cheaper, easier to maintain, and longer-lasting than submersible pumps.
Backup Sump Pumps
Installing a secondary sump pump or battery backup may also be a good idea. There are a few different configurations of this to consider. Sometimes, a primary and secondary sump pump can be installed in the same sump pit. If the primary pump goes out, the secondary pump can take over.
A sump pump battery backup can also be installed as a failsafe for the primary pump. The backup can kick in to power the primary sump pump if the power goes out. Even water-powered backups use water pressure from the home’s water supply to pump out excess groundwater. Alternatively, homeowners could invest in a combination sump pump, which features a primary and backup sump pump all in one unit.
With so many types of sump pumps, homeowners should consult a trusted local plumber to determine which is right for their home and budget!
About Apple Valley Plumbing Company
Since it was founded in 2013, Apple Valley Plumbing Company has become one of the most highly-rated plumbers in Apple Valley and the surrounding areas. Their trustworthy, licensed, and insured technicians always arrive on time and leave every home better than they found it. As an award-winning local business, Apple Valley Plumbing Company is proud to offer up-front pricing, same-day service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job – so call them today for sump pump services in Apple Valley, MN!
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