You may have heard of sump pumps if you reside in an area with a high water table or frequently severe rains. Understanding sump pumps and how they work can be essential to preventing water damage to your property, whether you own it or rent it. So what is a sump pump exactly, and how does it operate?
Hence, the team at Drain Pro Plumbing Services would like you to know all there is to know about sump pumps.
What are Sump Pumps?
Sump pumps are often found in the lowest area of the basement or crawl space of a house, in a specifically dug pit meant for it. They are frequently employed to remove water that accumulates in those areas.
The sump pump automatically activates and pushes the water out and away from the house through a discharge line when water builds up in the sump pit. This reduces the likelihood of flooding and water damage to the crawl space or basement.
Sump pumps are an essential component of many homes’ waterproofing systems and are frequently utilized in regions with high water tables or a lot of heavy rain.
How Do They Work?
A float switch and an electric motor work in conjunction with power sump pumps.
The sump pit is intended to catch any water that enters the area and is normally situated in the lowest point of the basement or crawl space. The float switch is triggered when the water level in the sump pit exceeds a predetermined level, which activates the sump pump.
When the sump pump is turned on, water is pumped from the sump pit through a discharge pipe and outside the house. To prevent water from seeping back in, the discharge pipe typically drains the water a safe distance from the home’s foundation.
A battery backup system or energy can also be used to operate sump pumps. When the main sump pump malfunctions or there are power outages, the battery backup system kicks in.
What are the Types of Sump Pumps?
There are two primary types of sump pumps.
Submersible Sump Pump
The most popular kind of sump pump, a submersible sump pump can be fully submerged in water. They are mounted within the sump pit and often have greater power than pedestal pumps. Since they are installed underwater and thus less noticeable, submersible pumps are often quieter than pedestal pumps.
Pedestal Sump Pump
These pumps feature a pedestal-mounted motor above the sump pit. A lengthy shaft connects the motor to the pump at the bottom of the pit. Compared to submersible pumps, pedestal sump pumps are less expensive, but they are typically noisy and less powerful.
Based on how they are activated, pedestal and submersible sump pumps can be further divided into two types:
- Pumps that automatically start when the water level in the sump pit rises above a specified level are known as automatic sump pumps.
- As they don’t have a float switch, manual sump pumps need to be turned on and off by the homeowner.
To guarantee optimal performance, it’s critical to select the perfect type of sump pump for your unique needs and to ensure that it is installed correctly.
What Size of Sump Pumps are Available?
Sump pumps come in different sizes, and the size you require will depend on things like the size of your basement or crawl space, how much water regularly gathers there, and the pump’s pumping capabilities.
Sump pumps typically range in size from 1/3 horsepower to 1 horsepower. While larger pumps with 3/4 to 1 horsepower are normally utilized in larger places with higher water flow rates, smaller pumps with 1/3 to 1/2 horsepower are typically suitable for smaller basements or crawl spaces.
To make sure that your sump pump can handle the volume of water that can collect in your basement or crawl space, it’s crucial to select the appropriate size for your unique needs. A sump pump that is too big could be inefficient and waste energy, while one that is too tiny could not be able to keep up with the flow of water. A professional should always be consulted to identify the right size sump pump for your particular circumstance.
How Much Do They Cost?
The type of pump, the pumping capacity, the brand, as well as any other features or attachments, can all affect a sump pump’s price.
A basic sump pump typically costs between $100 and $300. Higher-end models with extra features like Wi-Fi connectivity or battery backup might cost $500 or more.
The difficulty of the task and where the sump pit is located will also affect the cost of installation. While some homeowners might be able to install a sump pump on their own, others would need to engage a professional to make sure the job is done well.
Remember that the expense of a sump pump is a worthy investment in preventing water damage and potential flooding to your property, particularly if you reside in an area with high water tables or regular severe rainfall.
How Are Sump Pumps Maintained?
For your sump pump to function effectively and be able to shield your house from any flood damage, regular maintenance is crucial. Here are some techniques to keep your sump pump in good working order:
- Clean the sump pit regularly to remove any silt, filth, or debris that may build up. This may assist to keep the pump from clogging and increase the sump pump’s lifespan.
- To make sure the sump pump is functioning properly, test it frequently. You may check this by filling the sump pit with water and seeing if the pump activates on its own.
- Check the float switch to ensure it is operating normally and is not being hindered by any debris. The sump pump is activated by the float switch, therefore it’s crucial to make sure it’s functioning properly.
- Examine the discharge line: Look for any blockages or obstructions in the discharge line. Verify the line’s cleanliness and that it is securely attached to the sump pump.
- If your sump pump has a battery backup system, it’s critical to do so regularly to make sure it will work correctly in the event of a power outage.
- To make sure your sump pump is operating correctly and to spot any potential problems, it could be a good idea to have a professional inspect it once a year.
Frequent upkeep can help your sump pump last longer and guarantee that it is functioning properly to prevent water damage to your property.
Drain Pro Plumbing Services – Victoria’s Leading Plumbing Contractors
Sump pumps are a crucial piece of equipment for homeowners and renters who live in locations that are prone to floods or excessive moisture. They assist to keep your home safe and dry by eliminating extra water from your basement or crawl space, preventing costly water damage to your home. You can have peace of mind knowing that your property is safeguarded from water damage with the right sump pump installed, even during torrential downpours or flooding situations.
Please contact us if you need help with sump pumps or other plumbing issues. Drain Pro Plumbing Services has provided Victoria and the surrounding areas with top-notch plumbing services for over 40 years. We provide licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing services. We are passionate about the plumbing contractor services we offer, and we will treat you in the same manner that we would expect a respected member of the community to treat us. Drain Pro is the only plumbing company you need to contact if you need a plumber in Victoria.