When it comes to flood prevention, sump pumps are an essential home system that channels water away from your house. They help keep the basement dry and prevent costly mold damage.
A home warranty protects appliances and systems from common wear and tear. It can also decrease your repair expenses. Here are some of the best home warranty companies in Cedar Grove.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A home sump pump sits in a pit that’s dug at the lowest point in your basement or crawl space. When the pump turns on, a screw- or fanlike device called an impeller moves the water out of the pump pit through a pipe that runs away from your house.
A check valve prevents the water from flowing back into the pit. A battery backup can also be added to a sump system to work during power outages.
A typical residential pump uses electricity and can range from a quarter to multiple horsepower. The motor can be plugged into standard household outlets, but it’s important to ensure the outlet is grounded and has a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) plug. It’s also a good idea to add an alarm to alert you when the sump is operating.
How Do Sump Pumps Work?
A sump pump collects water from the surrounding area in a basin or pit that’s dug at the lowest point of your home. The water is pumped away through a drainage pipe that leads several feet downhill and far enough from your home’s foundation so that it can’t seep back into the basement walls.
The pump is powered by electricity and relies on a motor to move the water. The motor turns a screw- or fanlike device called an impeller, which uses centrifugal force to push the water toward the outlet pipes. Ideally, the drainage pipe should have a one-way valve at the pump end to prevent water from flowing back into the basin. In addition, battery backups with float switches can be installed to keep your basement dry even during power outages.
Do I Need a Sump Pump?
No homeowner wants to experience the damage, mess, and health problems that come with basement flooding. One of the best ways to prevent this is by waterproofing your home with a sump pump.
A sump pump draws water from a pit that is dug into the ground beneath your house and pumps it out into low-lying areas of your yard, keeping your home free from flood damage. This method of basement waterproofing is also cheaper and less invasive than other options, like French drains.
Home warranties decrease homeowners’ out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs and replacements of major appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear. However, not all home warranty companies offer the same plan prices and coverage. Premiums, service fees, and add-ons all affect cost.
What Type of Sump Pump Should I Get?
Investing in a sump pump ensures that your basement stays dry and protects your belongings from damage. It also increases the value of your home as a low-risk basement is desirable for any potential buyer.
A sump pump is an electric-powered device that turns on when the water level reaches a certain point. It will then automatically discharge the water into a drainage pipe and away from your home, directing it to a location far enough away so that the floodwater won’t return.
You can choose between a pedestal-type pump that sits outside of the sump pit or a submersible one that is fully contained within it. The pedestal-type is more affordable but the motor and pump section can get hot during heavy use, whereas the submersible version has a longer lifespan.
Sump Pump Maintenance
A working sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against flooding and foundation damage. If this critical system goes down, it can lead to major water damage and colossal repairs. Regular maintenance is quick, easy and keeps your home safe.
Make sure the discharge pipe isn’t blocked with mud, mulch or debris. Also, if the float switch doesn’t rise with the water level or is stuck in the on position it could mean it’s overheating.
A home warranty is a great way to decrease out-of-pocket expenses on repairs and replacements of your most important systems and appliances. Get a free quote for a plan that fits your needs. Select Home Warranty has 3 simple plans making the selection and policy coverage easily comprehensible.
