Sump pumps can protect your home from floods and other forms of water damage. They also keep your basement dry and free from toxic mold growth.
When installing a sump pump, the first step is to determine what type of foundation you have. A certified waterproofing specialist will use a laser level to pinpoint the lowest spot in your basement.
Choosing the Right Pump
Sump pumps are an effective way to remove water from a basement or crawlspace. However, they come in many different types, so you need to make sure you choose the right one for your needs.
When it comes to selecting a pump, there are three key factors to consider: the fluid type, the pressure requirement and the flow rate. You also need to consider whether the pump will be in a corrosive or hazardous environment.
Choosing the wrong pump can lead to issues such as clogging and breakdown. This is especially true if the pump isn’t built for chemicals, fuels and other corrosive liquids.
Preparation
A sump pump is an essential appliance for keeping your home free of standing water. It can also help prevent hazardous mold and mildew growth in the basement, crawl space or other areas of your house.
Before installing a sump pump, prepare the area in which it will be installed. This can include digging a hole in your basement floor and back-filling the pit with stone.
Install the piping: The piping needs to run from your new pump to a check valve and discharge pipe. It also needs to connect to a hose or PVC pipe that will send the water away from the house.
Test the float: The float on a sump pump must move freely up and down to function properly. This allows the float to signal the pump to turn on and drain the basin when the level of water rises.
Make sure the float valve is clear of obstructions. You may need to take a wet/dry vacuum to remove debris.
Installation
If you are considering a sump pump installation in your Irvington home, it is important to work with a reputable plumber. First Choice Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning offers a team of certified plumbers who are ready to get the job done right.
Our team of NATE-certified technicians are experienced in installing both submersible and pedestal pumps, and they are also familiar with battery-operated models. They will ensure that the installation is done in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Once the pump is in place, our team will add clean gravel around the base of the sump pump to keep it as clean as possible and prevent sludge from clogging it. This gravel also helps to keep the system airtight, which is beneficial in keeping odors and moisture out of your basement.
A sump pump discharge pipe is then run outside the house, to a dry well or other drainage point where water will be directed away from your home and into the public sewer system. This will help to ensure that you don’t have any damage caused by heavy rain or snowfall.
Maintenance
A sump pump is a small pump that sits in a hole called a sump pit and drains excess water away from your home. This helps protect your basement from flooding.
To keep your sump pump working properly, you need to perform regular maintenance. This will help ensure that it is not overworking or wasting electricity.
Every three to four months, you should remove your pump from its pit and clean the grate, inlet screen, and drainage pipes. This will help remove any debris that has built up and will prevent it from clogging.
You should also check that the float switch is working properly. If it isn’t, you should replace it. It will allow you to test the pump without having to pour a lot of water down it.
