Sump pumps are essential in protecting your home against floods and water damage, both underground and surface-level. Not only do they stop basement flooding but they can also minimize mildew and mold growth which could otherwise pose health concerns to you and your family.
Installing one in your home can be particularly helpful in areas with heavy rainfall and flooding, and can save money on homeowners insurance premiums while giving you peace of mind knowing your property is protected against potential disasters.
Water-powered
Water-powered pumps use water pressure to effectively pump out your basement or crawlspace, making them an excellent solution if you don’t have access to electricity or live in an area prone to flooding.
Water-powered pumps also come with the advantage of not requiring batteries – an especially valuable benefit if your area experiences regular power outages.
These sump pumps, known as sewage ejector systems, can be installed in separate pits from your normal sump pit and designed to eject waste water when levels reach certain heights.
Pumps that expelling liquid should be regularly checked to make sure they’re operating at optimal capacity. You can easily test this type of pump by pouring water into its pit to see if the pump activates and expels it through its pipes.
Battery-powered
If your primary sump pump stops working, battery-powered backup sump pumps may still help protect your basement. These systems typically run off municipal water supply and can continue pumping as long as there is water flowing into them.
Homeowners with numerous basements in their home or those who reside in areas subject to flooding and heavy rainfall often find these systems beneficial as they help save on insurance premiums and decrease costs overall.
Maintenance-wise, battery-powered sump pumps should typically be reviewed twice annually to ensure optimal functioning. However, if there is high water pressure present, more frequent checks should be undertaken to ensure everything is in working order.
An investment in a battery-powered backup sump pump can be an excellent addition to your home, but selecting the correct type of battery can be daunting. Dual purpose and deep cycle AGM or Gel-Cell SLA batteries are among the most preferred types.
Pedestal
A pedestal sump pump is an alternative solution to submersible pumps that sits above waterline in a sump pit. These models may be better suited to homes that lack space for submersible ones.
Pedestal pumps tend to be cheaper and simpler to repair than their submersible counterparts, lasting much longer before needing repair or maintenance. Many pedestal models also include built-in battery backup systems so they continue functioning even if power goes out.
These pumps work by moving water up and out of your basement or crawlspace using a float switch when its level reaches a predetermined threshold.
These pumps do an effective job of pumping groundwater, but may struggle with other substances like rocks and sediment. While they are quieter than submersible pumps, their longevity may not meet your requirements; so make sure that you select the appropriate one for you.
Submersible
Sump pumps are systems designed to prevent basements from flooding by pumping excess water out from the lowest point of a home and sending it towards drains or sewers. A typical installation would place the sump pump near its foundation and connect directly with these.
There are various kinds of sump pumps on the market today, from pedestal to submersible models and those hardwired into your home’s electrical system.
Battery backup sump pumps provide peace of mind during long power outages by making sure that when electricity returns it continues functioning and protecting homes from flooding. Having such an assurance ensures that sump pumps continue their job of keeping homes from flooding.
These pumps run more quietly than pedestal pumps due to being enclosed in a watertight housing that helps cool and protect their motor, thus increasing lifespan significantly.
Submersible sump pumps are an ideal choice for homes prone to heavy flooding and areas prone to moisture, as they are more energy efficient because they don’t waste energy sucking up water from its source.
