An essential feature for homes located in flood-prone areas, sump pumps are essential safety features to have. By pumping excess water out through their discharge pipe and sensor-triggered discharge pipes, they help keep basements dry while protecting belongings from damage caused by rising levels of water or pressure in your basement. There are various models on the market including those powered by battery backup and water power to meet this demand.
Selecting the ideal contractor is key to making sure that your system runs efficiently and preventing flooding in your basement. To save time and effort when selecting an installer/repairer for sump pump installation/repair services, look for one who provides both. Plus, this way they can check it after storms/floods for any possible issues with the same contractor!
Installing or replacing a sump pump generally depends on a range of factors, including its type, flooring in the basement and your geographic location. Sump pump replacement costs may increase if there is concrete in your basement floor.
Sump pump issues can be costly to ignore. From issues with the pump itself and/or float switch to running on and off repeatedly, professional advice should always be sought for solutions to such problems. One sure sign that something may be amiss with your sump pump may be when it runs intermittently – which could signal that its size needs upgrading, for instance.
Problems arise when sump pumps produce strange sounds. Grinding, rattling or squealing noises could indicate mechanical issues with either its motor or impeller, prompting immediate professional intervention from a plumber. If your sump pump has made these noises it would be wise to contact one immediately for services.
Step one in maintaining the health of your sump pump is regularly inspecting its pit and discharge pipe. Do this before heavy rainfall, flooding season or snowmelt occurs and ensure that debris-free pit is in use and no blockages exist in discharge line. Once complete, test pump by pouring water into pit to see that it activates and drains off any collected water from pit.
If your backup sump pump runs on battery power, you must also perform tests using this same approach. A maintenance-free AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery should be used and then tested using a multimeter to ensure it can activate your backup sump pump when necessary.
