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.