Whether you live in a finished or unfinished basement, you need a sump pump. If yours isn’t working properly, it can cause a flood in your basement, which can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage.
Luckily, our plumbers can diagnose your sump pump and make sure it’s in good condition. We’ll recommend the right type of repair or replacement to keep your basement dry!
Battery Backup
If a power outage leaves your sump pump inoperable, a battery backup can keep it going. It essentially doubles the pumping capacity of your primary sump pump.
The best type of battery for sump pump backup is a marine deep cycle or long-life standby battery. Standard automobile batteries, like the ones used in most autos, aren’t suitable because they don’t deliver a high enough current for a long period of time.
A sump pump battery requires a different battery design than car batteries, since it needs to discharge and recharge at a slow, steady rate. It also needs a battery that can be topped up with distilled water on occasion.
Many home centers sell sump pump kits that include a battery-powered backup system. These systems can be expensive, though.
Water-Powered Backup
Water-powered backup sump pumps run on the same principle as battery-operated back-ups: They take water from your city’s supply and use it to create suction. This makes them extremely effective at keeping water out of your basement during power outages and primary pump failures, especially if your home is on municipal water.
Since water-powered backups don’t require batteries, they are much more cost-effective to operate over time than battery-operated backups. Each battery can cost around $200, including the battery acid (which is typically purchased separately).
Unlike battery-operated backups, a water-powered back-up doesn’t lose its power when there’s an outage or if your primary pump fails. This means it can run for as long as you need to drain excess water out of your basement.
Another advantage to choosing a water-powered backup is that it won’t be affected by changes in temperature. During freezing temperatures, the discharge line can freeze and damage a battery-operated backup pump.
Submersible Pumps
If you’re looking for a reliable sump pump for your basement, there are several options available. You can have a submersible pump installed or choose a pedestal sump pump that’s built for easy installation.
These pumps are suited to handling a wide variety of liquids including acids, brines, caustics, bleaches, solvents and seawater. They also offer corrosion resistance to protect your pump from rust and salt damage.
Another option is a water powered sump pump, which uses the Venturi effect to pick up and eject water from your basement. They are most often used for septic systems but may be suitable for some home sump pump de-watering applications, too.
It’s important to note that water powered pumps are not permitted in many municipalities because they can back-contaminate municipal sewer drains with unsanitary floodwaters. This is not good for your environment or your home’s foundation.
Contact Us Today
If your home has a basement or crawl space, you’ll want to invest in a sump pump. These small pumps can protect your lower levels from flooding, leaks and other water damage issues.
They work by directing water into a pit in the lowest area of your home, after which they start to pump the water out. This can keep your basement or crawl space from getting wet, saving you a lot of money on water damage repairs.
Your Sump Pump Doesn’t Work – If your sump pump doesn’t run at all, it could mean that it’s clogged or broken in some way. It might also be a sign that your property’s drainage is particularly good, so the sump pump doesn’t need to run.
If you think that your sump pump needs maintenance or a replacement, contact us today at Southport Home Services to get started! Our experienced plumbers are here to help you choose the right sump pump for your home and install it correctly.
