All You Need To Know About Sump Pump Installation, Repair, Types, Benefits & Maintenance

One of the elements of a properly designed house is a quality drainage system. Not only does a good drainage system protect your valuables from damage in case of flooding, it also improves the overall value of your house. Should you ever decide to put your current house on the market, one of the features that prospective buyers will closely inspect is the drainage system. If you have a quality drainage system in place, your property will be more attractive to buyers.

As a homeowner, you may have quality plumbing but remember that even the best systems fail or develop issues occasionally. Without notice, your pipes can develop leaks and cause flooding. Extreme rains or strong storms can also lead to flooding in your house. Wichita averages about 34 inches of rainfall each year and can experience torrential downpours.

In the event there is flooding, the basement is usually the most affected area. The presence of excess water in your basement can cause property destruction running into thousands of dollars not to mention it can also destroy the overall structural integrity of your entire house. Here in Sedgwick County high humidity levels can result in excess water which creates the perfect breeding conditions for mold and mildew. Spores from mold and mildew are a great health risk to you and your loved ones not to mention that they also lower the quality of air you breath, aesthetic appeal and value of your residence.

As you can see, indoor flooding can have many detrimental effects. As a homeowner, you may be wondering how you can protect yourself from the effects of indoor flooding. There is a simple solution… Install a sump pump.

A sump pump is an appliance that is usually installed in the basement of a house to collect any excess water that finds its way to this area of the house.

A sump pump has a basin that is usually housed at the lowest level of the basement typically by placing the basin in an excavated hole. The sump basin usually collects runaway water in the basement and once full, a float switch in the basin usually triggers the pump to drain and discharge collected water away from your house.

If you own a house in an area affected by perennial floods or you are faced with the problem of a constantly wet basement, a sump pump is just what you need. This appliance is highly effective in controlling flooding and combating the problem of wet basements.

At this point, it is worth mentioning that there are two main types of sump pumps, namely:

Pedestal Sump Pump

Though the basin of this pump is located underground, the actual pumping mechanism is usually located above ground.

Submersible Sump Pump

For this type of pump, both the water collection basin and the pump are usually found underground. The pumping mechanism for this type of pump is usually found inside the sump basin. To prevent electrical shorting, the pumping mechanism usually has special sealing around it.

Wondering which type of sump pump is most ideal for you? To make the right choice when selecting a sump pump, it is imperative that you understand the key differences between these two types of pumps.

One of the main differences lies in the durability of these pumps. Pedestal pumps have a longer lifespan compared to submersible pumps. When properly maintained they can last for up to three decades while submersible pumps tend to last for around 15 years with proper maintenance.

Pedestal pumps are easier to install and repair in case of a breakdown since the pumping mechanism is easily visible and accessible at the ground level. Submersible pumps on the other hand are harder to install and repair given that the pumping mechanism is located inside the sump basin.

Another difference is the water storage capability. Submersible pumps tend to hold more water compared to pedestal pumps. When choosing a sump pump, consider the level of flooding that you experience in your basement. If you experience high levels of flooding, you should get a submersible pump or consider acquiring a sump pump that has a secondary sump basin to collect excess water.

It is also worth noting that though most sump pumps are electric, there are some pumps that rely on battery power. Ideally, if you are affected by constant basement flooding, you should consider acquiring a backup pump that relies on battery power. In case of a power outage when there is a storm, your valuables and basement will be protected if you have a backup battery-powered sump pump.

Now that you know all about the workings and benefits of a sump pump, you may be wondering how you should select a sump pump for your house. Below are the top tips and factors to consider when buying a sump pump.

Choosing a sump pump

First, consider the level of flooding in your basement. Sump pumps come in varying sizes and the size of a pump usually dictates its pumping power. Ensure that you check the horsepower on the pump you are about to purchase. If you need to get rid of a lot of water on a regular basis, you should go for a pump with a high horsepower.

For financial prudence, keep an eye on the cost of the pump. Bigger pumps with a high horsepower typically cost more compared to smaller pumps. However, do not sacrifice effectiveness on the altar of price. Better to invest more money in a sump pump that can effectively service your residence instead of buying a cheap appliance that will simply not get the job done.

You should also consider the level of noise you want in your residence when buying a sump pump. Since pedestal pumps are located above ground they tend to operate more noisily compared to submersible pumps which only produce a quiet him when running.

When selecting a sump pump, consider if there are any additional design features that can make your life easier. For example, you can go for a pump that has an alarm feature that can alert you when the sump basin is full and ready for pumping. You can also go for a pump with a mechanical switch since this kind of machine rarely burns out.

If you have already found the right sump pump for your residence, the next step is installation. It is best that you get your pump installed by a certified technician or plumber. With the help of a professional, you can avoid installation mishaps that can lead to pump damage or even an electrical short in your home. Additionally a skilled installation expert will help you obtain the requisite sump pump installation permits in your locality.

Maintenance

After getting your sump pump installed, you have to service it regularly to get optimal service from the appliance. You should ensure that you follow the maintenance tips given to you by the manufacturer of the pump as well as any advice that will be offered to you by your installation professional. Below are some other maintenance tips to follow if you do not want your sump pump breaking down.

The major cause of sump pump malfunction is clogging caused by debris. If you want your appliance to pump out flood water effectively and reduce the chances of a break down, remove any huge debris you notice floating on the flood water in your basement.

To prevent clogging by debris, it is best that you purchase a pump that does not have an inlet cover. However, if your appliance has this component, ensure that you remove any debris netted by the cover to ensure optimal operational efficiency.

After pumping out flood water, remove the cover on the sump basin and check for residual debris. If there is any debris at the bottom, clean the basin to avoid clogging the exit pipes when pumping water out again.

Another great way to enhance the durability of your sump pump is to avoid overworking it. Ideally, you should only operate your pump when the float switch in the sump basin activates meaning that the basin is full. It is worth noting that the duration of time that a sump pump can operate continuously depends on the quality of the appliance. High quality sump pumps can operate continuously for between 20-24 hours while low quality pumps can operate without stopping for between 6-18 hours. To avoid overworking your sump pump, check with your manufacturer how long you can continuously operate your pump.

Though sump pumps are extremely durable, despite your best efforts to keep your appliance in good condition, it can eventually glitch for one reason or another. Should your sump pump start to malfunction, call in a skilled and experienced technician to carry out the requisite repairs. If you have a warranty that is still in effect, you can take advantage of the guarantee to get free repairs from your retailer.

Additional Features

Your Wichita plumber can help you decide if other features might be a benefit to your home. Some items come with an alarm that will sound if water starts rising past a point where the pump should have switched itself on. You can also get special liners to keep your pump from wearing out too soon.

Do you want to take an additional step towards keeping out odor? You probably do. Ask your sump pump professionals about getting an airtight lid. It keeps odors and humidity out and keeps the pipes working without any inconvenient noises.

If that does not sound ideal, how about a pump stand? This item will keep silt and sediment from getting into your pump. All of these added items can add life and value to your sump pump system and can keep your basement as clean and dry as possible.

Sometimes those Wichita winters cause discharge lines to freeze. You can avoid this by asking your sump pump professional to add an antifreeze device on your system. Water will still pump even if the ground outside is freezing. No more worries about basement back up and the cost involved in fixing such a problem.