If you live in a part of New Jersey that experiences lots of rain, you need to protect your basement with a sump pump. Sump pumps keep lower levels of a house dry, prevent water damage and even prevent mold and other problems.
Many plumbers that do sump pump installation also offer repair services, so you can use one professional for both jobs.
Installing a Sump Pit
A sump pump stands in a pit, usually 2 feet deep and 18 inches wide, that sits in the lowest part of your basement or crawl space. When water reaches the level of the pit, a switch completes an electrical circuit and activates the pump. The system also includes a one-way check valve that prevents the water that is expelled from flowing back into the pit.
The pump moves the water out of the pit through pipes that run away from your foundation, often into a storm drain or dry well. In addition, gutters should be in good condition and sized to handle heavy rains, and the land should be graded so that water runs away from your house rather than toward it.
It is important to keep your sump pump plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet with a long cord and to make sure that the cord does not touch standing water or moisture. It’s also a good idea to periodically pour a bucket of water into the pit to ensure that it starts automatically and drains quickly after activation.
Selecting a Pump
Keeping water away from your home prevents both structural damage and costly repair bills. It also prevents mold, mildew and other harmful organisms from growing in your basement.
When choosing a pump, you must consider its horsepower and how deep the pit is, the diameter of the basin and its vertical height from the pump port to the discharge pipe leaving your house. You may also want a backup pump for extra protection.
To determine the correct sump pump horsepower for your situation, you need to know how much water it will typically be expected to pump during a heavy rainstorm. To do this, simply measure the height of the water in your sump basin and multiply by 1. Then, divide the result by your pump’s GPM to get the amount of horsepower needed. You may also want to consider the type of switch you’ll need, either a traditional ball float connected to an internal pressure switch or an electronic switch that measures water level.
Installation
Sump pumps protect your home from water damage, whether it is from floods or heavy rainfall. They can prevent warping and toxic mold growth in your basement, as well as keep electrical devices from getting wet and potentially causing fires.
A contractor can dig a pit for the pump and connect it to your current drainage pipes. The cost for this is about $500-$1,200. Additional costs can include battery backups, water level alarms and pump filters.
You can also opt for a pedestal or submersible sump pump. Pedestal pumps sit above the water level in the basin, while submersible ones are completely submerged and typically made of plastic, cast iron or stainless steel. They can be cheaper to install but require more frequent maintenance. They are also noisier and less powerful than submersible pumps. However, they can save you money in the long run by reducing your risk of water damage to your home. They can even save you from costly repairs to your foundation or drywall.
Maintenance
A sump pump prevents flooding and water damage to your basement. It also helps to prevent mold and mildew which may affect your family’s health.
The pump runs on electricity, so it should be connected to a GFCI outlet. This will reduce the risk of losing power during severe storms, which often cause power outages.
It is important to keep the area around the pump clean, as the discharge pipe must be free of clogs to work properly. It is also helpful to keep a back up battery to ensure the pump works when needed.
Like any machine, your sump pump has a lifespan. If it isn’t working correctly, you need to contact a professional to troubleshoot the problem and determine the cause of it. You may find that the pump was installed incorrectly, or that it needs to be replaced because of a mechanical or electrical issue. A backup battery or switch might be needed, too.
