Understanding the Different Types of Sump Pumps and Their Benefits

Understanding the different types of sump pumps and their benefits is key to protecting your home from water damage. The right pump will help prevent costly repairs after a flood and protect your property value.

There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. Both types are waterproof and use a pump motor to pull water from a sump pit into a pipe that drains away from your home.

Submersible

A submersible sump pump is a great way to drain your basement and keep it safe from floods. They are especially useful during heavy rains, because they can quickly remove water and small debris.

They are also very energy-efficient. Since they don’t require any electricity to operate, they won’t use up a lot of your energy bill. They can be placed in a home’s basement or crawlspace, depending on where the flooding occurs.

In addition, they are more quiet than pedestal pumps because they are below the ground and don’t need to be above water. They can also be covered with an airtight lid, which reduces noise and keeps debris from falling into the pit.

However, they are more expensive than pedestal pumps. They’re also more susceptible to rust and other damage, which can limit their life.

If you have a sump pump, it’s important to keep it clean and properly working. This includes cleaning the sump basin and pump itself, as well as the pipes that connect the two. It’s also a good idea to change the sump pump’s filter regularly.

It’s a good idea to have a licensed technician service your sump pump on a regular basis. They’ll make sure that the system is working correctly and can test for any potential problems. They’ll also clean the discharge line and check the backup power source and alarm.

A battery-powered backup sump pump is another option for homeowners who want to add extra protection in case of a power outage. These systems don’t replace the main pump but spring to life automatically when it shuts off.

These are a good choice if your primary pump isn’t functioning properly or is nearing the end of its life. They don’t require a wired connection, but they do use a large battery (like a marine or car battery).

There are a number of other benefits to using a sump pump, including the ability to drain your basement and prevent mold from growing in the area. They also help to prevent mosquito populations from multiplying and can act as a deterrent for other pests that like standing water, such as rodents.

Pedestal

The pedestal sump pump is a good choice for homeowners who need a more compact device. These pumps sit on the basement floor and are easier to maintain than submersible pumps that need to be buried in a pit.

Pedestal sump pumps are also easy to install and operate. These sump pumps are less expensive than submersibles and offer a longer lifespan, making them a great value for your basement.

They are made to fit a wide variety of sump pit basins and come in sizes to suit your needs. Engineered bases of cast iron, thermoplastic and more provide excellent durability for these units.

These units can be installed in a wide range of areas and are available for both residential and commercial buildings. They are designed to eliminate water from the area and to move it away from your home, saving you time and money in repairs and maintenance.

A battery backup system is another way to protect your home and family from flooding. These systems use a large, maintenance-free marine battery to power your pump when the main pump stops working.

Most battery backups come with a float switch that will turn the battery operation on when water rises in the sump. This helps the pump continue operating even when power goes out during storms, and can be extremely helpful for a lot of homeowners.

One of the downsides to pedestal pumps is that they take up more space in your basement than a submersible sump pump because they aren’t completely hidden inside a pit. This can cause problems when the pump is unplugged and used for other purposes, as it may be hard to get at to check out or repair.

The pedestal pumps are also less powerful than the submersibles. This makes them less efficient at removing water from your basement.

It’s important to choose a sump pump that has the right horsepower for your area. If you live in an area that receives a high amount of rainfall, you may need a higher horsepower to effectively discharge the water from your basement. If you live in a lower rainfall area, a smaller pump will be enough to efficiently discharge the water from your basement.

Battery Backup

Battery backup sump pumps are an important part of any home’s flood protection strategy. They are designed to work as an emergency power source during a power outage, allowing them to keep your basement dry until the power is restored.

A battery backup system will come with a battery, a pump, and a charger that plugs into the wall. The system will automatically activate if your primary pump fails, and it will continue to run until the electricity comes back on. Many systems also have a loud alarm that lets you know when the battery is charged and when the backup system takes over.

One of the biggest advantages of a battery backup is that it will keep your basement dry during an outage, which means you won’t need to wait for a plumber to come and remove flooded water from your home. This is particularly helpful if you live in an area with frequent flooding or storms, because these events can leave your home vulnerable to water damage.

Another benefit of a battery backup is that it’s very easy to install. It only requires a small hole to be drilled into the wall, and it’s typically easy to attach to the main pump by a plumber.

It’s a good idea to have a battery backup installed by a contractor or waterproofing professional because they will be able to ensure the proper installation and help you choose the right system for your needs. They can also assist you with maintenance and repair if your system needs to be replaced.

The cost of a battery backup depends on the size of your home and the type of pump you want to install. It’s also important to consider the quality of the battery itself. It’s recommended to purchase a battery that has a long lifespan and can withstand the elements.

It’s also important to note that battery capacity decreases over time, so it’s best to purchase a new battery as soon as you can. You should also check the battery regularly to see if it has signs of corrosion or damage.

Installation

If you are concerned about flooding and want to protect your home from water damage, it is crucial that you have a sump pump installed. The sump pump helps to eliminate water from your basement and keeps it from causing long-term damage. It also helps prevent mold and mildew from forming.

The installation of a sump pump is a relatively simple process. To start, you will need to decide on the type of sump pump that is right for your home. Then, you will need to get a qualified electrician to complete the installation. They will have to wire the sump pump into your electrical system and ensure it is connected correctly. They will also need to add a battery backup to the system so that it can continue working during power outages.

When you are ready to begin the installation, locate the lowest point in your basement and dig a hole that will accommodate your sump pump. Depending on the size of your basement, this may require breaking through the concrete floor.

To prevent possible clogs, it is important to wrap the basin of your sump pump with filter fabric before placing it inside the hole. You can also use a small amount of concrete mix to cover the area around the pump.

Next, connect the discharge pipe of your new sump pump to the discharge opening in your pit. The discharge line should have a check valve in it to prevent water from flowing backwards into the sump pump.

A check valve can also help to prevent freezing or clogging of the discharge line in the winter. This can prevent water from coming into contact with your electrical appliances or causing an electrical fire.

Finally, make sure the arrow on your discharge pipe is pointing up so that the water can easily flow out of your pit. Then, you can test the pump by filling the basin with a five gallon bucket of water.

If you are interested in installing a sump pump in your home, contact the team at 3 Mountains Plumbing to schedule an appointment today! We can install, service and repair all types and models of sump pumps.