A sump pump in your basement is an effective defense against flooding, helping protect it from costly water damage. These pumps require regular maintenance in order to function effectively when necessary – typically collecting water collected in pits around your basement and dispensing it elsewhere – however problems with either pump or float switch could potentially cost thousands in repairs to property if left unmaintained; fortunately though a few simple steps can often prevent sump pump malfunctions before they even arise!
Maintain a Battery Backup
One of the main causes of sump pump failure is an issue with either its float switch or pump itself, making a backup battery important in case there is an outage during a storm or other event which knocks out power for hours or days – this allows you to continue pumping out water from your basement without fear that its electrical systems might go down as a result of such outages.
If your basement floods every time it rains, your sump pump may be struggling to keep up with the amount of water coming into the basement. This may be a telltale sign of age; therefore, consult a licensed plumber about having one installed as soon as possible.
A properly maintained sump pump should be capable of handling the heavy rainfall load without flooding your basement and leading to mold growth. These sump pump systems may also be combined with french drains in order to further minimize moisture in your basement space.
Installation of Sump Pumps and Pipe Drains
Any sump pump or pipe drain installed must discharge into an unrestricted public right-of-way at least two feet below basement floor level and comply with International Residential Code section P3303 as well as International Plumbing Code section IPC requirements.
Beacon Hill sewage ejector pumps are necessary to discharging waste into the main sewer line on your property, so regular inspection of its pit should ensure its float arm does not become lodged against its walls or blocked by foreign objects, such as toys for children or rocks that do not belong in its passageways.
When the float arm obstructs the mechanism, your pump will run more frequently and constantly to remove water that has collected in your pit. This wear-and-tear will wear away at its components over time as well as increase utility bills as the constant running will require you to pay more in utilities bills than originally estimated.
Installing French drains will also be required if your basement is finished, which will incur significant expense as it requires excavating walls and demolition of interior finishes. Therefore, homeowners tend to install sump pumps before finishing their basement as this provides peace of mind that these expenses won’t arise later on.
