What Is a Sump Pump and How Can It Help You Maintain a Dry Basement?
Sump Pump Installation Service in Montgomery County PA
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump helps you keep your basement dry by removing water from the bottom of your foundation. A flooded basement can be costly to fix and a breeding ground for mold, mildew and other harmful pests that can cause health issues. In addition, a flooded basement can cause structural damage to your home and even pose a fire risk.
Maintaining a Dry Basement
When you live in areas that experience flooding, one of the best things you can do to protect your property is to install a sump pump. A sump pump is an easy and inexpensive way to help prevent basement flooding from happening in the first place.
Choosing the Right Sump Pump
The two most important things to look for in a sump pump are horsepower and head pressure. A higher head pressure means that the pump can raise water to a height higher than it would without it.
Horsepower: This determines how quickly the pump can raise water. If you have a large amount of water to be pumped, you’ll want a more powerful sump pump.
Cord length: You’ll need a cord long enough to reach from the sump pump to your outlet pipe. The cord is usually insulated to protect it from the heat of the electric motor.
Battery backup: Many pumps come with a battery-operated back-up feature. These backups are great for ensuring that your sump pump will continue to work even when you lose power.
Keeping Your Pump Clean
It’s not uncommon for sump pumps to become clogged. To avoid this, periodically check the pit or basin in your sump pump to see if any debris has accumulated. If any mud or rocks have built up, remove them and clear away the clog. You can also use a garden hose to rinse out the pump and drain if there is a lot of buildup and gunk that needs to be removed.
You can also use a spray bottle with a mixture of vinegar and water to wipe your sump pump. This is a simple and cost-effective way to keep your sump pump in tip-top shape.
Testing Your Pump
If you have a submersible or pedestal sump pump, you’ll need to test it occasionally to ensure that everything is working properly. It’s a good idea to do this at least once a year.
Float Switch: If your sump pump has a float switch, it will automatically activate if the water level rises too high in the basin. A float switch can also help prevent the pump from shutting off during heavy rainstorms.
Troubleshooting Your Sump Pump
If your sump pump isn’t operating correctly, you may need to call a certified plumber in Montgomery County PA to make a repair. These plumbing professionals in Montgomery County PA are trained in all aspects of keeping your sump pump working properly.
They can help you with common problems like a noisy pump, a broken impeller or a drain hose that’s too low. They’ll also be able to suggest repair options that will fit your unique situation.
What Every Homeowner Should Know about Sump Pump Replacement Service in Bucks County PA
Sump Pump Replacement Service in Bucks County PA
If you’re preparing to install a sump pump in your home, there are a few things you need to know before getting started. These tips will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your basement dry throughout the year.
What Every Homeowner Should Know About Sump Pumps
If your home’s foundation is susceptible to water damage, it’s a good idea to have a sump pump installation in Bucks County PA. This is especially true if you live in an area that’s prone to flooding or your yard has poor drainage.
A sump pump will prevent water from building up in your basement, where it can cause serious structural issues. It also helps your home stay dry when the ground outside gets wet.
Aging
Experts recommend replacing an average-use sump pump every 7-10 years. You can do this yourself, or you can call a plumber to handle the job for you.
When replacing a sump pump, you’ll want to consider the quality of the brand you choose. High-quality models typically cost more, but they’ll pay for themselves in the long run by preventing costly repairs and keeping your basement dry.
What You Need to Know About the Drainage System
When you install a new sump pump, you’ll need to make sure your piping is connected to it properly. This includes draining away water from your rim joists and making sure the discharge pipe runs outside of the house. It’s best to hire a plumber in Bucks County PA or contractor to do this for you.
The drain pipe will need to be sized for your sump pump and may need to be cut to fit. If the pipe is too small, it’ll fail to function and cause your sump pump to overflow.
It’s a good idea to get a professional plumber in Bucks County PA to come and inspect the plumbing in your basement before you do any work on it. They’ll be able to tell if there’s something wrong and can fix it before the situation worsens.
You should check the float on your sump pump at least once a month to make sure it’s working properly. This part is one of the most vulnerable to wear and tear. If the float has fallen out, you’ll need to replace it or add a new one.
What You Need to Know About Floats
A sump pump float is a small piece of plastic that rises with the presence of water in the pit, triggering it to start pulling the water out. It can be easily damaged and should be checked at least once a month.
What You Need to Know About Battery Backups
A battery-powered backup sump pump is another option that will save you money in the long run. These are also available for sale in many online retailers and will work to pump out water without requiring electricity.
If you have a basement that has a bad odor, it may be a sign that the float on your pump isn’t working correctly. This can be caused by bacteria or a buildup of iron in the water.