All About Sump Pumps and How to Check They Work
If homes are at risk of flooding, installing a sump pump can be essential. But even with a sump pump already installed, heavy rainfall and flooding risks are inevitable, so it’s important to ensure the sump pump is working correctly and can continue protecting the home from flooding and water damage. This post will discuss sump pumps, different types of sump pumps, and how to ensure they function correctly.
How Sump Pumps Function
Sump pumps are a home’s defense against flooding and the effects of flooding, such as water damage and foundation damage. They are installed in basements or crawl spaces and work to remove water that has accumulated and transport that water outdoors to a designated area safely away from the home.
Sump pumps include a sump pump basin or pit located in the lowest part of a house, which is usually the basement or crawl space. Once the water level rises in the basin, the sump pump float switch is activated, automatically turning on the sump pump so that it will begin removing water through a discharge pipe to avoid flooding.
Primary Sump Pumps
There are two main types of primary sump pumps: pedestal sump pumps and submersible sump pumps. Both serve the same purpose, but each has its own pros and cons.
- Pedestal sump pump: Pedestal sump pumps are generally the least expensive of the two options and have a longer life expectancy. However, they are less powerful than the alternative and can be noisy since the motor doesn’t get submerged in the water.
- Submersible sump pump: Unlike the pedestal pump, submersible sump pumps have a motor that gets submerged in the sump pit and water, making them quieter but with a shorter life expectancy. Submersible sump pumps are also the more powerful of the two types of sump pumps.
How to Keep Your Sump Pump Running Smoothly
Because a sump pump is meant to protect homes from the threat of flooding and all the damages this brings, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that the pump is functioning properly so it is prepared whenever needed. The best way to do this is to schedule routine sump pump maintenance. However, homeowners should also test their sump pumps regularly.
Homeowners can test their sump pumps by pouring water slowly into the basin until the sump pump activates and removes the water. Once the water is gone, the sump pump should also automatically turn off. If it doesn’t turn on or off automatically or the sump pump fails to remove the water, then a plumber should be called for maintenance and repair services.
About Sewer Surgeons
Sewer Surgeons are commercial and residential plumbing contractors serving Chatham and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and emergency services. Call them for sump pump installation and repair services in Chatham, NJ.
