If you do not know what a sump pump is, then you are probably one of the lucky ones who never had a wet basement. A sump pump is a pumping device that sits in the basement (above or beneath the floor) and pumps out the water that collects in the sump basin. Before getting a sump pump, you should try to find an alternative solution to your water problem, for installing a sump pump can be really messy. If there are no other ways, and this is the only solution, then opt for buying a sump pump.
A Few Simple Rules
When you are looking around for a house to purchase, make sure that a real estate agent takes you to a house tour. It would be great if you could begin the tour in the basement, for if there are signs of a major water problem – feel free to give up on it before you fall in love with the master bedroom upstairs, or the rustic kitchen design. High-water marks on the walls or an active sump pit imply water problems, and water causes mold, rust, rot, and unhealthy indoor air.
If have already bought the house, try to stop water from flooding in. You can divert water to a pond by installing an outdoor curtain drain. Install or repair the gutters on your house so they do not drain near the foundation. Another thing that may be contributing to your water problem is a patio, walkway, or pool deck that slopes toward your residence instead away from it. The best solution would be having your slabs re-leveled (so they drain water away, not toward the house) or patios reinstalled with the right slope, advise us Hazlet-based plumbing experts. Before buying a sump pump, try to fix these problems. If you succeed, it may not be needed.
Purchasing A Primary Sump Pump
In the end, if nothing helps then you should buy yourself a sump pump, and make sure you go for the quality one.
– If your sump basin has enough space, opt for a submersible pump, for it allows the sump pit to be covered with a lid. In that way, pump noise is reduced, debris is prevented from falling into the pit, and moist air is kept into the pit away from your home premises.
– The chance of clogs should be minimized. Use a pump with a no-screen intake design and an impellor that can deal with solids (up to half an inch in diameter).
– A pump with a cast iron core lasts longer. Cast iron assists in dissipating heat to the surrounding water. It lengthens the life of a pump, unlike pump with a plastic core.
– The pump should have a mechanical switch, instead of a pressure one. The pump’s float should be solid. Otherwise, it can become waterlogged, fail to switch off, and the pump can then burn out.
Secondary And Backup Sump Pumps
In case you store certain valuables in your basement, or have converted it to a living space, then having a secondary pump installed next to the primary one is a good idea. If your primary pump happens to malfunction or is overloaded, that is when the secondary pump takes over.
Another great idea is a battery backup pump, in case of power blackouts. Nasty weather and storms can lead to power cuts, and a battery-powered pump can continue functioning for up to two days.
The safest solution is having a package combination with 2-3 pumps, available to you at any moment. You can also opt for installing a water alarm, with a spare pump on standby, as a less costly option.
Get yourself a sump pump if every other possible solution for your water problems fail. Have the primary one pumping the water out, and one or two pumps (the secondary and the battery-powered) at hand, in case the main pump gets overwhelmed. Test your pumps regularly and make sure the check valve is properly functioning.