In the event of a nasty rainstorm, you have likely heard friends or neighbors mention the need for a sump pump. In homes with basements that get any amount of water, residents will want to invest in a sump pump. Sump pumps are installed in the lowest level of a house, typically the basement or crawlspace as a way to prevent residential flooding. If you have experienced any form of water damage in the past and don’t have a sump pump, you should contact a contractor to receive an estimate on sump pump installation.
What is a sump pump?
Sump pumps are designed to remove water from the lowest point in the basement or crawlspace of a home. Both groundwater and rainwater are collected by the sump pump and then pumped several feet away from the property. A sump pump is designed to work in conjunction with a sump pit, also called a sump basin. The sump pit is a hole with a gravel base cut into the floor of the basement. Water will flow into the sump pit through the soil or through a drainage system. The sump pump will include a sensor that activates the motor once water is detected inside the sump pit. A pipe attached to the sump pump will be run out of the house as a way to redirect water away from the foundation. Check valves inside the pipes prevent water from flowing back into the sump pit.
The key benefit of a sump pump is keeping your basement dry. Sump pumps will mitigate flood risk and prevent any damage to items you may have stored in the basement. With a basement remaining dry, there is less of a chance of mold or mildew growth.
Types of sump pumps
There are two main types of sump pumps: pedestal sump pumps and submersible sump pumps. Both pumps work with a standard sump pit.
Pedestal sump pump: A pedestal pump has a motor mounted on a column while the pump is submerged. Benefits of pedestal sump pumps include reduced costs and the motor is easier to repair. Yet, pedestal pumps are also exposed to more dust and moisture than fully submersible types and may break down more often.
Submersible sump pump: This type of sump pump has both the motor and pump fully submerged into the basin. Submersible sump pumps have a quieter operation than pedestal types and will have a less intrusive appearance. They are also considered safer when children are in the household since a sump pump’s motor can become very hot to the touch.
Sump pump installation tips
Sump pumps can be purchased at any hardware store or big box retailer. At a minimum, residents will want to install a sump pump with 1/3 HP. In cases of residences with a lot of basement water, you may need a ½ HP pump. Getting too small of a pump puts your home at risk for flooding. Battery backup sump pumps are preferred since these models will keep running in the event of power failure. Although homeowners can choose to install a replacement sump pump, a waterproofing contractor is preferred for a new installation.
Water damage can be a serious issue for homeowners. As moisture seeps into the walls and flooring of a home, the materials can distend and become permanently distorted. Water can cause permanent staining on carpets and lead to delamination. Arizona residents are not alone in fixing the issues caused by flooding. Zona Restoration is the trusted source for repairing water damage and removing mold. Request a free no-obligation quote today and learn more about how we can help.
