Water damage from flooding is one of the most expensive home repair problems a homeowner can encounter. Keeping your basement dry is crucial to avoiding warping, toxic mold growth, and structural damage.
A sump pump can help you prevent flooding from occurring by removing accumulated water from your basement. It is an important investment for homeowners in Orange County.
Cost
A sump pump is an essential home appliance that protects your basement and crawl space from flooding. It’s not something you want to be without, especially in areas that experience frequent rain.
If you have a flooded basement, it can cause serious damage to your home and your belongings. It can also be a health hazard for your family.
It’s also expensive to repair a flooded basement. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your sump pump installed before the start of the rain season.
A sump pump is a small, inexpensive device that keeps your basement and crawl space from flooding. It works by directing water that otherwise would enter your basement or crawl space into a pit and then pumping the water away from your home.
Benefits
A sump pump is a great way to keep water out of your basement. They also keep your home safe from water damage and mold.
They are available in two types: submersible pumps and pedestal pumps. Both work well in basements, though pedestal pumps are slightly less expensive.
The best place for a sump pump is at the bottom of your basement, in an area where the ground naturally slopes downward and away from your house. You want the pit to be large and deep enough to fit your sump tank, with about six inches of extra on all sides.
You will need to dig a hole into the floor to form this pit. The hole should be wide enough to accommodate the sump pump and its discharge pipework.
You will need to connect this pipework to a discharge spigot on your sump tank. Non-return valves must be included at this point. Float switches should be fitted to the pump that will activate when the water level is too low for the pump to operate.
Installation
After heavy rains, water can seep into your home’s basement and damage the foundation of your home. It can also lead to mold problems and loss of stored items.
Sump pumps help prevent these issues by redirecting excess water into a sump pit in your basement or home’s lowest point. The pump then turns on and moves the water out of your home.
Both pedestal and submersible sump pumps are available for installation. Pedestals are easier to maintain but are more expensive than their submersible counterparts.
Sump pumps should be periodically examined to ensure they are functioning properly and not damaged by debris, rust, or corrosion. During the inspection, the discharge line opening should be checked for any obstructions that may hinder the pump’s ability to drain the basin.
Maintenance
A sump pump should be maintained on a regular basis to ensure that it works properly. This includes examining the electrical connection, water intake and discharge, the float switch mechanism, and any clogs in the sewage system.
It also involves checking the backup power source, which is important in case of a power outage or the primary sump pump fails. This is usually a battery backup, though generators are also effective.
In addition, the pit should be cleaned regularly to prevent items like children’s small toys and debris from hindering the float mechanism of your sump pump. This will keep your sump pump working efficiently and prevent it from failing.
To test the sump pump, dump a bucket of clean water into the pit and watch the float switch operate. If it turns on and off correctly, the pump is in good condition.
