Sump pumps are essential tools for keeping water out of your basement or crawl space during heavy rainstorms and snowfall, especially during periods when flooding may be an issue.
Sump pumps can detect when their reservoir has become full of water and automatically turn on to remove it away from your house’s foundation, discharging through an outgoing discharge pipe into the soil.
Installation
Professional sump pump installation services offer one of the best ways to protect your home and foundation from excess water damage. No matter if it’s due to low water table or heavy rainfall, having a sump pump installed ensures your basement stays drier while protecting against mold growth in your foundation and keeping mildew at bay.
Professionals will first dig a hole in your crawl space that’s wide and deep enough to house the sump pump basin, while adding a lining for optimal functionality and to reduce possible clogging issues.
Next, install and connect the pump with a discharge pipe that will send water outside of your home. Finally, you must install pipework to spread out the flow.
Before beginning installation work, it’s essential that your installation area be inspected to eliminate potential risks. Furthermore, make sure you have both an electric source and battery backup ready so your pump will still function if the power fails.
Maintenance
To ensure your sump pump functions optimally, take proper care to protect it. Otherwise, it could fail and cause thousands in damages.
An Orange, CA sump pump contractor can provide essential assistance in maintaining and servicing your unit, helping to prevent costly repairs or replacement. Here are some ways they can keep it operating at peak performance:
1. Regularly clean out the sump pit after heavy rainfall to prevent excess water from collecting in it and forcing your sump pump to work harder than necessary. This will prevent flooding into the sump pit from happening, leading to its inefficiency being further compromised by standing water accumulation in its walls and forcing its operation beyond what should be necessary.
2. Check the float switch of the pump to make sure that it hasn’t become stuck in its on position, which indicates either an issue with its performance or that it hasn’t been connected correctly with its GFCI outlet. If this occurs, this may indicate either that there is something amiss with either it or its connection.
Pouring water into the sump pit to test a pump will test its functionality; the system should start automatically and quickly drain away excess liquid; otherwise, its float switch could be stuck open and may need replacing or further adjustments may be required.
Repair
If your home contains a sump pump, it is vital that it is regularly tested and repaired as needed to save both money and prevent basement flooding and moisture damage. Doing this will protect both you and your basement from potential floodwater and moisture issues in the long run.
Initial steps towards keeping your sump pump running efficiently include testing its power source. Be sure to verify that all outlets are protected with GFCI circuit breakers, and that no circuits have blown.
Once testing is complete, inspect your sump pump for signs of damage. Vibrating or visible signs of rust are both indicators that repair is required.
Signs that your sump pump may be on its last leg include running continuously without you activating it; this could indicate either an overheated motor, or too small of one for your home. In either instance, it might be wise to consider replacing it with one with an adequate flow rating, which measures the volume of water it can displace.
Replacement
If your sump pump is old or worn out, replacement could save money and protect against potential property damage.
An updated sump pump may run more efficiently than its older counterpart, and Scott English Plumbing experts can help you select and install one that best meets the needs of your home and basement.
Our team of knowledgeable plumbers in Milford, CT can install submersible pumps or pedestal pumps based on your specific requirements. Additionally, they can help determine which option would work best in your home environment.
Are You Shopping for a Sump Pump? Call Us! Our plumbers will come directly to your home, assess your needs and give an estimate for a new sump pump.
