Flooded basements and crawl spaces can become particularly susceptible to damage during heavy rainfall events or where basements have been built below the water table. Flooding is not only costly for property owners but it is also potentially hazardous to people and pets, leading to mold growth that can result in upper respiratory infections, allergic reactions or asthma complications if left wet for too long. Sump pumps help prevent wet basements by moving excess water outside, protecting both your health and home – but if yours is malfunctioning it may be time for replacement –
Installation costs vary widely depending on the type of sump pump you select; however, installing one is generally much less costly than treating the damage from flooding basements.
Before installing a sump pump, do your research on different types and costs involved. Different factors may impact price such as size, horsepower and optional extras like backup batteries or switches with specific functions.
Test your sump pump regularly to make sure it’s operating optimally. If in doubt, pour about five gallons of water into its pit until either its pressure switch or float switch activates, or observe whether water has been removed from your house using outdoor sensors such as yard or driveway observations. If the level continues to rise or drainage can’t be found it could be time for a replacement unit.
Sump pumps often become clogged with dirt or debris, leading them to malfunction and shorten their lifespan significantly. To protect against this happening again, regularly clean your filter screen of dirt or debris build-up. Should a clog develop, remove and flush out the filter with water; when this happens remove and flush with more fluid; this should help your pump run more efficiently while prolonging its lifespan. A dirty filter could also force overworked pumps into overworking thereby shortening their lives even more drastically.
Consider how often and the amount of water the pump will need to move before selecting one for your home. A quality sump pump should last at least ten years without issues; if yours is older than this it may be time for replacement.
Find where water, sewer and utility lines enter your home before placing the sump pump at its lowest point in the basement. At least eight inches (20 centimeters) away from any ground fault circuit interrupter outlets should do, within easy reach of standard PVC pipe that will carry water out to the outside world.
As soon as you’re ready to dig, use the liner as a template and dig a hole that is at least three inches (7.6 centimeters) larger than it. Fill your pit with coarse gravel and compact it down before adding your pump. Cut a PVC drain pipe that fits through a rim joist and connect it directly to the pump before routing it outside to its discharge location.
