Maintaining dry basement and lower level spaces is one of the best ways to safeguard against damage from floods or heavy rainfall, with sump pumps offering one effective method to do just that and freeing your space of mold growth.
Before purchasing a pump for installation or to make repairs to an existing system, there are various factors you must take into account before making your decision. These may include cost, installation and whether any preventive items will be needed as preventative measures.
Cost
Sump pumps are an integral component of any home’s drainage system, helping prevent basement flooding, water damage and other issues from occurring in the first place.
Installation costs for sump pumps depend on various factors, including flooring material and size/type/location of pit or basin where pump will be located; whether installed in basement or another location; labor expenses, permit fees, pump size and quality being considered factors as well.
Pedestal sump pumps are more affordable and easier to install than submersible models, yet still capable of moving large volumes of water.
A sump pump can be powered by either batteries, water pressure, or both – battery backups allow your sump pump to continue functioning even in case the power goes out while water-powered pumps use city water pressure to extract water from underground. Combination pumps may cost more but are longer-lasting and more effective.
Installation
Installing a sump pump is a complex task requiring both plumbing and electrical knowledge, which may necessitate professional services if you do not possess these. If this task exceeds your capabilities or time limitations, consider hiring a professional service instead.
An expert has the tools and expertise necessary to ensure all necessary connections are made correctly, saving both you and your plumbing from further damage. They could save significant costs in terms of damage control.
Additionally, adding a battery backup can provide extra time when losing power in an extreme storm to get the pit clean up before flooding takes hold – although this adds cost to your overall system price tag.
Maintaining your pump correctly is also essential, including making sure its float rises and falls with the sump water levels. Furthermore, check that its discharge pipe doesn’t contain debris that might prevent its proper function.
Maintenance
If you want to extend the lifespan of your sump pump, conducting regular maintenance is a smart idea. Regular checks can prevent costly repairs or replacements in the future and can extend its usefulness for many years to come.
One of the easiest ways to extend the lifespan of your sump pump is through regular maintenance – this includes cleaning out its pit, basin, discharge line and all operating parts.
Once a year, have a professional come and inspect your sump pump for signs of wear and tear. He or she should check both its pit and pump assembly as well as its backup power source.
Professionals will inspect the discharge pipe to make sure it isn’t blocked with debris, so that water flows away from your home without endangering its foundation.
Once an expert has inspected and assessed your system, it’s important to conduct a test run and put its function through its paces. Pour several gallons of water into the pump pit so as to verify that everything works as designed.
Repairs
An improperly functioning sump pump can cause major flooding issues in your basement, whether the issue lies with its check valve, impeller or discharge line.
An overstuffed float may also indicate a problem, and not lifting when the sump pit fills can be an indicator. In many cases, loosening it and getting it working again should resolve this.
Your sump pump’s noise could be an indication that its impeller has become clogged up, as it should produce minimal sound during operation.
Sump pumps often experience issues when their discharge lines become clogged with sediment and debris, leading to backflow of water into their respective pits instead of flowing out.
If your sump pump has become the source of repeated flooding, it might be time to upgrade it with one with higher capacity. Elevate the pit or install additional sump pumps as ways of accomplishing this upgrade.
