Sump pumps are essential components of your basement waterproofing system, helping to control moisture in your basement and avoid flooding. When installed correctly, sump pumps can become invaluable additions to any home.
Professional sump pump contractors possess the tools and expertise needed to safely install your new sump pump, while helping you choose the appropriate model based on your property and budget.
Water-powered
Water-powered sump pumps use your home’s municipal water supply to create a strong vacuum that draws in water from your sump pit and discharges it outside your house.
Pumps typically consist of an automatic valve/ejector jet unit connected to a home’s municipal water line and suction pipe, along with an access port for debris collection. A screen prevents large items from entering through this access port while a check valve prevents water from flowing back into its sump.
It has a float assembly which activates when water levels reach a preset height, enabling it to keep operating when your main pump fails or power goes out.
There can be advantages and drawbacks to using a water-powered backup sump pump as opposed to its battery counterpart; these can include more upfront costs and frequent battery replacement needs.
Battery backup
Battery backup sump pumps can help ensure your basement remains dry during a power outage, or when its primary pump stops functioning properly. They’re also useful if there’s no working primary system available – battery backup pumps will act as an excellent backup in such circumstances.
Battery backup sump pumps are installed in the same pit as your primary pump, but are powered by batteries instead. This allows it to start automatically should power be lost.
The backup pump will continue running until either its battery runs out of juice or power is depleted – how long depends on its amp hour rating and frequency of cycling.
Sump backup pumps come equipped with batteries of various types – Gel Cell, Wet Cell and AGM are among the options available – which range from the preferred Gel Cell as it won’t sulfate and its terminals don’t corrode to less costly Wet Cell which doesn’t need special charging setup but may still withstand humidity in basement environments but does not last as long or be durable as durable and long-lived batteries like AGM’s.
Maintenance
Maintenance for your sump pump can extend its lifespan and help protect against water intrusion into the basement, keeping your space dry while protecting from potential damages caused by moisture intrusion.
Periodic maintenance includes inspecting both the pit and discharge pipe for signs of corrosion or other defects, in addition to testing float switch and battery backup to make sure they work as designed.
Once every year, both the pit and pump should be thoroughly cleaned. Unplug power sources, disconnect discharge pipes, and rinse both with a hose to ensure optimal conditions for both components.
Check your discharge pipe to make sure it is directing water away from your house so as to not compromise its foundation. If it becomes clogged, try clearing it with either brushing or stronger water from a hose.
On an annual maintenance visit, it’s also essential that bearings be lubricated if required. If the float arm no longer moves smoothly up and down, replacement might be required.
Installation
Sump pumps play an essential role in safeguarding basements and crawl spaces from water damage, particularly in regions with high humidity levels and frequent rainstorms, where flooding risks are high.
To avoid such scenarios, it’s essential that your sump pump is installed professionally by hiring an experienced sump pump contractor who will follow manufacturer specifications when installing your system.
At first, they will ensure that the water has been effectively removed from your home by pumping. Furthermore, they may run test water into your sump pit to verify it’s working as intended.
They may also inspect the battery status of your backup sump pump – vital if power outages occur during storms.
Once your basement is dry, your contractor will install the sump pump and discharge pipe – usually by drilling a hole through its rim joist – which may require drilling into your foundation wall to accommodate.
