A sump pump is essential in areas prone to flooding. However, it needs routine checkups to ensure it responds quickly during heavy rainfall and storms. Failing to do so leaves you exposed to expensive water damage.
Run a solution of vinegar and water through the pump to remove gummy deposits and crust that gum up intakes and moving parts. Also, make sure the float switch that triggers the pump moves freely.
Cost
If your basement floods during heavy rain or you’re worried about the cost of water damage, a sump pump can protect your home. A sump pump consists of a motor unit that’s placed in a basin or pit below the floor of your house or crawl space. It pumps water out of the area and away from your house, preventing costly water damage caused by floods or a buildup of groundwater.
A sump pump is a great long-term investment, protecting your home against expensive structural damage, warping and toxic mold growth. However, the initial price point can be high if you’re installing a new sump pump or replacing an old one that needs to be repaired or replaced. The cost of hiring a professional to install a sump pump can also be significant, especially in areas with more rain and flooding. It’s a good idea to get your house thoroughly inspected before the contractor starts work to ensure that the installation area is dry.
Type of Floor
Basement moisture is a frequent and expensive problem, but installing a sump pump can alleviate the issue. Sump pumps are most effective if placed in the lowest point of the basement, where water naturally collects. For this reason, plumbers often install them as part of a drain tile system.
When a sump pit fills, the float device on the pump rises and activates the motor. The water is ejected through a standpipe and into drainage pipes that run outside. The pump is typically a submersible model, which reduces noise. Pedestal models, with their motors resting above the floor, are less expensive but can be noisy.
To prevent clogging, a layer of gravel is usually backfilled around the pump basin. An airtight lid keeps odors and debris from entering the sump pump, and an air gap around pipe and wire connections discourages animals or children from attempting to play in the water. A check valve is installed above the pump or in the standpipe to stop the water from running back into the basement.
Geographical Location
The geographic location of the home has a huge impact on how much the sump pump installation project will cost. It is more expensive to install a sump pump in a city than it is in a rural area, as the floor must be drilled and excavated to get to the pump.
Sump pumps are a necessary part of any basement waterproofing system and help to prevent wet basements. If you notice that your sump pump is making strange noises, taking an excessive amount of time to drain water, or building up rust or foreign materials, then it is likely that your sump pump needs to be replaced. Contact Cooper Plumbing today to discuss your options for a new sump pump. We offer free estimates on all of our services.
Equipment
Whether your basement is already prone to flooding or not, a sump pump can help keep water and other unwanted materials from infiltrating your home. The sump pump sits in a pit in the lowest level of your basement or crawl space and is triggered to turn on by rising levels of water. It then pumps the water away, helping prevent costly and messy damage.
Depending on your needs, you can choose from pedestal or submersible sump pumps. Pedestal sump pumps are more affordable, but they require regular maintenance. They are also more difficult to troubleshoot if something goes wrong. Submersible pumps are more expensive, but they can be more efficient. They can also resist the gummy build-up of minerals that can gum up intake vents and working parts on pedestal models.
A routine sump pump checkup by a licensed plumber can save your belongings, tools and other valuables from the costly effects of flooding and water damage. It can also save you the stress and expense of dealing with the mess and mold that will inevitably follow when you don’t get the situation under control.
