A sump pump is a must if you live in a flood prone area. Right here is why!
If you live in a flood-prone area, near a body of water such as a lake, river, or ocean, or an area with a heavy rainy season, a sump pump in your basement, crawl space, or lowest point of your home is a must. You can make money, manual labor and save headaches. If your sump pumping system goes down during an event like a heavy rainy season, flood, or hurricane, your basement and lower parts of your home can flood your basement and lower parts of your home in minutes, causing significant damage to your valuables and property, not to mention the enormous cost involved are basement flood cleaning. Understanding which type of sump pump is best for your home is important as there are different options available depending on your needs and home infrastructure. Learning how to choose the right sump pump for your home is one of the best things you can do to keep you safe before you get into trouble.
Different types of sump pumps and their uses
A house swamp is a low space that collects liquids like rainwater and prevents spaces like basements and crawl spaces from flooding. A sump pump, as the name suggests, is a pump that is used in this room to remove the collected water. Sump pumps come in a variety of shapes, sizes, uses, and capacities, and they all function similarly, but in fundamentally different ways. There are two main types of sump pumps to consider when shopping: pedestal pumps and submersible pumps. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and you need to weigh them carefully to determine which is best for your particular situation. The following list of each of the features and functions will help you understand the factors to consider when choosing the right one for you.
Photo by: Unsplash
Submersible pumps
Submersible pumps consist of a motor and a pump in one unit and are generally located in the sump of the basement. It is usually enclosed in a waterproof container because it can rest in the water. Underwater operation reduces the noise level and helps to cool the pump motor. This type of pump also filters out debris that would otherwise clog the pump. This sump pump may come with a floating float switch that can be set to a preset depth so the pump will turn on when the water level rises above the preset level, protecting your home from flooding. The pump switches off automatically when the water level in the cellar system or in other areas is below the preset level.
When installing a new submersible tub, it is important to note that you will need a large power cord, as submersible pumps must be plugged directly into the wall outlet without the use of an extension cord, and stronger wiring may be required to ensure adequate voltage on the motor for proper pump performance . The correct type and length of the pump's power cord will protect you from malfunctions, short circuits and electric shocks.
Pedestal sump pumps
Pedestal sump pumps are at floor level and not, like the submersible sump pumps, under the floor. They are typically used in situations where the sump pump pit is either very narrow or shallow to use a submersible sump pump with the pedestal pump sitting next to rather than inside the sump pit. With pedestal pumps, the motor is mounted high, in a place that remains dry and well above the sump. It is important to ensure that the motor is mounted in an area where it will not get wet or submerged as it is not waterproof. In the absence of a watertight motor, pedestal sump pumps are only suitable for shallow sump pits. Some of their drawbacks are that they run louder than their underwater counterparts and cannot easily handle particles that can build up in the water.
Photo by: Unsplash
Battery and secondary sump pump backups, a smart investment
During a storm, high winds and lightning can turn off power lines. To prevent your sump pump from shutting down due to a power failure, we always recommend investing in a battery backup system and a second sump pump. When it comes to keeping your home and belongings safe from floods and water damage, preparedness and forward thinking are a must. What matters here is that battery fuses and a secondary sump pump make up the unfortunate event that your primary pump fails, or in the event of a power failure. Well worth the investment.
Protecting your home also increases its value
A sump pump in good condition makes the home more attractive to a potential buyer and can add to the overall value of the property. A basement that is kept dry is more likely to be structurally sound, clean, mold and mildew free than a basement that floods almost every time it rains. When you invest in a quality sump pump, backup battery backup and secondary sump pump, not only do you protect your home and have peace of mind, but you also add value to the property by protecting it from floods and water damage and, if you choose, the property for sale or rent, you can put your future buyers or tenants at ease