When it comes to protecting your basement from flooding, a sump pump is one of the best solutions. If yours needs repair or replacement, contact a qualified plumber right away so that it’s done quickly and efficiently.
Sump pumps come in two main varieties: submersible and pedestal. The former are quieter and more reliable, while the latter tend to be pricier and require longer operation time.
Installing a Sump Pump
When installing a sump pump, homeowners should carefully consider where their drain tile system will go. This is an essential step in keeping your basement dry and protected from water damage.
Start by inspecting your property to identify the lowest point on your home’s foundation and the area nearby that is most vulnerable to flooding. Generally, this will be where your basement floor meets the ground.
Once you have identified this low point, drill a hole near it about one foot to either the left or right of your house’s basement wall. This is the discharge line for your backup sump pump.
Next, thread 2-inch PVC pipes through each hole in your wall, using coupler and elbow fittings as needed to extend them to the low spot you identified earlier. Finally, use PVC cement to firmly join each of these pipes together.
Repairing a Sump Pump
If your sump pump fails to operate optimally, it can cause serious damage to your basement. Fortunately, there are simple fixes you can make to fix the pump and get it up and running again.
First, attempt to troubleshoot your system. If you can’t pinpoint the issue, contact a licensed plumber for assistance in determining what needs fixing.
Next, inspect the discharge pipe that collects water from your sump basin and drains it away from your home. This is often where clogs can occur, so make sure it’s free of obstructions and that its connection is secure.
If the discharge line is blocked, your pump won’t be able to remove water from your pit. In such cases, you may need to replace the discharge line.
Troubleshooting a Sump Pump
If your sump pump is malfunctioning or has stopped working, there may be times when it needs repair or replacement. When this occurs, make sure to troubleshoot the issue so that you can get it rectified quickly.
First, ensure the pump is plugged into an outlet and powered up. If not, try pressing the reset button or checking your breaker box or fuse system to see if there are any issues.
Next, inspect the discharge line to make sure it’s not clogged and water is flowing freely away from your home. This can be done by flushing with high-pressure water or using a plumbing snake to dislodge larger rocks and debris that could clog the pipe.
If your sump pump is running but not extracting any water, it could have a damaged impeller or leaky discharge line. To fix these problems, you’ll need to have the unit repaired or replaced by an experienced plumber.
Sump Pump Replacement
A sump pump is an integral component of your home’s drainage system, diverting water away from the foundation and helping to prevent basement flooding. Unfortunately, they can become ineffective with age; if it stops working or starts making strange noises, you may need to replace the sump pump in Verona.
On average, replacing a sump pump costs between $400 and $600. This includes the price of the new unit, labor, and materials.
The quality of a sump pump will also influence how much it costs to install. Cheaper models, made from plastic, tend to have shorter life spans and frequent failures.
Your choice of sump pump depends on how much water your basement experiences. For instance, if you live in an area that experiences frequent rainfall, then a more powerful unit is required than someone living in drier regions. This is due to how many horsepower is necessary for efficient operation.
