A sump pump is a great way to keep your basement from flooding. However, a failing pump could cost you thousands of dollars.
If your sump pump makes strange or loud noises, it’s a sign something is wrong. Loud noises could indicate a broken impeller. It could also be that the float switch is clogged with debris.
Water Infiltration
The sump pump is a mechanism that detects elevating water levels and pumps them out and away from the home’s foundation. A typical system includes a main electrically powered pump and a battery or water powered backup pump.
A float-activated switch triggers the pump when the water level rises in the basin, which is usually made of concrete or fiberglass. There are also electronic switches, which do not rely on a float and operate through sensors that monitor the water pressure.
The discharge point of the pump must be at least ten feet from any property line. It is important that sump pump or pipe drain discharges are not directed into a street right of way or across sidewalks, which create safety hazards for pedestrians. The discharge should be directed onto grass, gravel or a splash pad where the water is dissipated. In addition, caution should be taken not to direct sump pump or pipe drain discharges back into the basement, as this can result in a repetitive cycle of flooding and water damage.
Basement Flooding
Sump pumps are designed to help prevent basement flooding. They take water that seeps into the basement through the ground or walls, collecting it in a basin until it reaches a certain level where a float switch activates the pump. The pump uses an impeller to push the water through a discharge pipe, eliminating the excess moisture and keeping the basement dry.
When the sump pump fails, it can flood the entire basement and cause thousands of dollars in damages. One way to prevent this from happening is to test the system regularly by pouring water into the basin and ensuring that the pump is active.
The other way is to ensure that the pump is sized correctly and that the discharge pipe is properly routed. Industry best practice is to use non-perforated piping that extends far away from the house and terminates in a daylighted area. This helps prevent the ejected water from recycling back into the basement through the foundation wall and creating excessive hydrostatic pressure.
Mold Issues
A basement or crawl space sump pump can help you prevent expensive structural damage, improve the value of your home and protect your family’s health and safety. Moisture can eat away at the foundation of your home, ruin carpeting and furniture, and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
The sump pump is installed in the lowest part of the basement, usually in a specially constructed pit. It collects water from the area and pumps it away to a low lying area of the yard, which keeps moisture from leaking into your home.
A sump pump is a valuable addition to your home, especially when you live in a rainy environment. To make sure you get the most out of your sump pump, contact Stashluk to schedule regular maintenance inspections and repairs. If you hear rattling noises or strange grinding sounds, these are signs of damaged parts and should be checked out immediately. A sump pump with a bent impeller blade or other damage won’t function as well.
Electricity
Sump pumps are often forgotten, but they are one of the most important disaster prevention devices in a home. They collect groundwater, pump it away from the foundation, and prevent basement flooding. Moreover, they keep groundwater from causing mold and mildew.
A sump pump that cycles continuously indicates that the pump is either nearing its end of life or is entirely the incorrect size for the volume of water it is tasked with displacing. Eventually, this will cause the pump to exhaust itself and overwork itself to the point of breaking down.
Ideally, a pump will be equipped with a pressure switch that senses rising water levels in the basin and activates the pump at a certain level. Many systems also come with a backup pump that can be powered by water or battery in the event that the primary is not working due to power outages. This will help to clear the basin and prevent flood damage in the event of a major storm or power outage.
