Sump pumps are essential for keeping your basement dry and safe from water damage. Not only do they eliminate standing water, keeping mold at bay, but they can also mitigate damage caused by water logging or flooding.
These pumps are usually installed in a pit dug below the basement floor or crawl space. When water levels rise, the pump automatically activates and moves away from its pit location away from the foundation.
Costs
Sump pumps are an efficient and effective way to protect your basement, crawl space or other below-ground level floor from floods and water damage. These systems consist of a motor unit with water-level or pressure sensing valves that will pump the water away from your home’s foundation and into dry ground.
Installing a new sump pump is an intricate task best left to licensed plumbing contractors. Their experience and tools guarantee the job gets done correctly the first time, minimizing any potential damage to your property.
If your area is prone to flooding, installing a sump pump is worth the investment. Not only will this save you money in repairs down the line, but it can prevent your basement from flooding which in turn prevents costly water damage and mold remediation.
Installing a sump pump requires several factors, such as the type of pump you select and whether or not you require backup battery systems or other protection features. A typical battery backup costs between $200-$350; additionally, you may wish to invest in a pump filter or water-level alarm as well.
Installation
Sump pumps help keep your basement dry, decreasing the risk of mold, mildew and structural damage due to excess moisture. They may also eliminate pest infestations which are especially prevalent in damp basements.
If you require a new sump pump installation or need your current one replaced, a highly-rated professional in your vicinity can get the job done correctly. They provide free estimates with no obligations so that you can decide on the ideal solution for your home.
Installation costs can vary based on the materials used and how complex your basement or crawl space is. For instance, a concrete basement floor requires additional prep work before installing a submersible sump pump.
Sump pump installations typically involve some digging and electrical upgrades. You may need a backup battery system or additional water level alarms as well. Adding these costs onto your project could raise its total cost by several hundred dollars.
Maintenance
When it comes to sump pump maintenance, a reliable contractor near you can help you avoid expensive repairs. They’ll inspect and clean your pump, make sure it functions correctly, and ensure your basement stays safe from water damage or flooding.
They’ll also set you up on a maintenance program, so they can inspect it at least once every six months to avoid issues in the future.
Annual sump pump maintenance should include cleaning and clearing away debris that could negatively affect the float switch that detects water levels and turns on the pump. They’ll also inspect the impeller to make sure it’s functioning optimally.
Repairs
Sump pumps are essential elements of any home’s drainage system, and should be regularly serviced. If you notice an issue with your pump, contact a professional right away to arrange repairs.
Common problems include an unresponsive unit, sudden increases in utility bills and strange noises. Depending on the cause, you may need to repair your float switch, check valve or motor.
If your float won’t lift with rising water, this could be indicative of either damage to the device or an issue with its check valve. In such cases, you should likely replace the float with an upgraded version.
Submersible sump pumps that malfunction pose a serious safety hazard, making DIY repairs an electrical shock risk. Therefore, it’s best to leave this job to experts. A certified professional will know how to safely work with both water and electricity found in submersible pumps; they’ll quickly diagnose the issue and resolve it so you can prevent flooding or other property damage in your home.
