If your home’s basement is prone to flooding, an exterior sump pump installation could be beneficial. These vital parts of drainage systems help shield your foundation from serious water damage due to water accumulation.
Installing an exterior sump pump isn’t difficult, but there are a few things you should be aware of before beginning the installation process. Research the process, what types of pumps work best in your yard, and how to keep your basin from freezing temperatures.
Installation Process
If your basement or other subterranean level floor has water issues, you may want to consider an exterior sump pump installation near me. These pumps are designed to protect basements and crawl spaces from flood damage caused by water leaking from your home’s foundation.
A professional can assist you in selecting the ideal pump for your home and installing it securely. They’ll guarantee the pump is positioned correctly and running optimally.
Before you begin the installation process, be sure to determine where water typically collects in your basement. Generally speaking, the lowest point should be ideal for installing a sump pump.
Once you’ve identified the low point, draw an outline of where you wish to install your sump pump. With a jackhammer, break through concrete along this line.
Sump Pits
Sump pits are commonly installed near the foundation of a home to prevent basement flooding. These systems are especially beneficial in flood zones and regions with heavy rain or frequent storms.
Sump pumps are plumbing devices that pump water from a sump pit into an adjacent outlet, helping to prevent basement leaks and other issues associated with flooding.
Before installing a sump pump, first determine the appropriate size pit. This will depend on how much water needs filtering out and whether flooding has occurred in your area.
For instance, if your area experiences heavy rainfall, opt for a pit that’s larger than what your basement can hold.
Once you’ve chosen the appropriate size, cut a piece of PVC drain pipe to fit inside your pit’s rim joist and run it from the pump to its discharge area. Finally, cement it into place.
Drainage
Drainage systems are intended to redirect excess water away from a property or building, avoiding flooding and structural damage. They also reduce the likelihood of soil erosion and pollution by controlling stormwater runoff.
An exterior sump pump installation near me is usually part of a comprehensive drainage system that incorporates perimeter drain pipes, French drains or other yard draining solutions with an outdoor sump pump. This submersible pump will be installed inside a pit dug into the ground and connected to an electrical source.
When selecting a pump for your situation, the amount of water involved should be taken into consideration. For instance, if there’s plenty of rain falling on your property, then opting for a battery backup sump pump is your best bet.
Before beginning installation of your sump pump basin, it should be properly prepared for placement in an opening in your basement or crawl space. Cover it with filter fabric to prevent silt from clogging the motor and add gravel around the edge for improved drainage.
Maintenance
Sump pumps are an invaluable asset in preventing basement floods, but just like any other appliance, they require regular upkeep to stay working optimally.
In addition to regularly cleaning the inlet screen or grates on the bottom of your pump, it’s essential to also clean its power cord and connection. Doing this helps protect your pump’s power supply from becoming damaged.
If the power cord for your pump isn’t connected properly to the pump, water could back up into your basement due to wiring problems, a damaged check valve or malfunctioning float switch.
Testing your sump pump at least once a month is recommended in order to identify any issues before they worsen. If you hear any rattling or grinding noises, this could be an indication that your pump’s impeller isn’t functioning correctly, leading to a breakdown and need for professional repair.
