If your basement is susceptible to flooding, a professional sump pump installation can help keep your home safe from water damage.
Adding a sump pump can be a smart way to protect your basement from flooding, but it requires regular maintenance to prevent problems down the road. Read on to learn about the best ways to keep your basement safe from floods and water damage in Montclair.
Installation
Sump pumps are a must-have in every basement to keep the area safe from flooding. They can be installed either manually or electronically to keep water out of your basement, crawl space or other areas.
The type of pump you choose depends on the severity of your flooding risk. If you live in an area that rains frequently, you may want a larger pump with more horsepower.
If your home has a second floor, a backup sump pump with a battery back-up may also be an option to help prevent a pump failure during power outages. These are connected to a large battery (like a marine or car battery) that springs to life when the primary pump goes out, ensuring your basement doesn’t flood.
Depending on the size of your basement, your sump pump may need annual maintenance to ensure it stays in good working condition. Inspect the float switch and check valve to make sure they aren’t clogged with debris.
Maintenance
A sump pump is an important part of a home’s plumbing system, and it should be maintained on a regular basis. This will help prevent costly repairs when your sump pump fails or is no longer working properly.
A professional plumber can perform sump pump maintenance, which typically involves cleaning the discharge pipe and the housing pit where the pump lives. They’ll also inspect parts like the check valve, alarm and backup power source to ensure everything is functioning at capacity.
Sometimes a discharge line can get clogged with rocks, sticks and other debris that are not meant to be flushed through the drainage pipe. This can cause the water to back up into the house.
A stuck float switch can also be a problem. The float switch will automatically activate the pump when the water level rises to a certain point, but it may become stuck if the pump gets out of position. If this is the case, reset and re-level your sump pump so it’s in the right position again.
Repairs
A sump pump is a critical part of keeping your basement dry and preventing foundation cracks. However, it can sometimes fail or be damaged due to normal wear and tear.
It is important to inspect a sump pump periodically to ensure that it is working properly. If you notice that your sump pump is acting erratically, humming, or making new noises, it may be time to call for repairs.
There are a few types of sump pumps available, including pedestal and submersible. Pedestal pumps are cheaper to install and repair, but they typically have a lower capacity than submersible pumps.
The type of sump pump you need for your home depends on the size and shape of your basement. If you have a large basement, installing a submersible sump pump is the best choice. It is also more affordable than a pedestal sump pump and saves space on the basement floor. In addition, a submersible sump pump can handle larger amounts of water.
Replacement
If your sump pump is failing, it may be time to replace it. This can happen for a number of reasons, including the motor failing or the pump being over 10 years old.
The cost of replacing a sump pump will vary based on the type of pump and the labor required to install it. If the job involves a lot of digging and prep work, it can be much more expensive.
You’ll need a new sump pump and a discharge pipe to send the water away from your home. The discharge pipe connects to a drainage point such as a pond, a neighborhood drain, or a dry well.
The discharge pipe should be at least 20 feet away from your house. If the discharge line is too close to your home, it could cause damage and allow sewage to flow back into the basement.
