5 Facts About Sump Pumps You Need to Know

sump pump

If you are living in an area that has a high-water table and your house is prone to flooding, then having a sump pump installed is the best option. As per the plumbers in Paso Robles, CA, a sump pump is quite useful for commercial and residential setups built in the floodplains. It helps you pump out the water that has collected after the rain or storm, and serves to clear the moisture that has gathered over the years.

If you own a sump pump or are looking to get one installed by plumbers in Paso Robles, CA, then below mentioned are five facts every homeowner should know about sump pumps.

Battery Powered Back-up Sump Pump

Numerous sump pumps rely on a power supply in order to operate. However, it is highly possible that during rainy nights and storms your power supply will be cut off for safety reasons. In addition, a sump pump can fail under high pressure, because of mechanical issues or if it is very old.

This is the very reason why plumbers in Paso Robles, CA recommend you to have a battery backup system in the place apart from the one you are using currently. This would prove to be a great help if a heavy storm strikes your area and you lose power.

One thing that needs to be checked regularly in battery-powered sump pumps by plumbers in Paso Robles, CA is that the battery should remain charged at all times. There are certain battery sump pumps that are designed in such a way that they give you an alert as to when the battery needs to be replaced.

Water backup sump pump

These back up sump pumps run on the pressure with which water is supplied rather than a battery. No charge is required in such sump pumps as it functions on the amount and flow of water available. A battery backup unit would require a frequent charge and might only hold enough charge that lasts a couple of days. On the contrary, a sump pump that runs on water would not run out of steam.

However, there is a possibility that if the sump pump lines of such a unit are not installed properly and are not buried at a proper depth, then the lines would start freezing once the temperature starts dropping.

Other types of Sump Pumps

Although all sump pumps are designed for the same job, there are a variety of such units that plumbers in Paso Robles, CA know that are available in the market with a slight difference in their features and functioning. Some have an electronic switch to activate. Some have a float or a screen as a filter or an open intake system.

This is why plumbers in Paso Robles, CA recommend that the type of sump pump that would be most suitable for your place should be decided between you and your plumber. Your plumber will have complete knowledge and understanding of every kind of sump pump and its suitability.

Testing of a Sump Pump

Plumbers in Paso Robles, CA, highly recommend that sump pumps should be tested after purchase and before they are installed and made ready for use. This can be done by dumping water into the unit. If the unit turns on and starts pushing water outside, this means it is ready for installation. It is always better to test your new unit or to check your already installed unit during the spring season before heavy rainfall season hits your area.

Installation at the lowest level of the basement

The installation of a sump pump according to plumbers in Paso Robles, CA is extremely critical. The pump should be installed at the right ground level, which is technically the lowest one. This is because the pump pushes water away from the house at times of rain or heavy floods before it can reach the basement level. Many times, sump pumps get rid of flood or rainwater by pumping it into a storm drain or a dry well nearby.

Maintenance of the Sump Pump

As per the plumbers in Paso Robles, CA testing and checking of a sump pump are essential for its maintenance and for it to function properly. A regular check is required which would determine if everything is in order. Some of the most common problems for which maintenance is required include:

Electrical issues

Signs that the outlet where the plug of your pump is inserted is not working, or signs of unraveling or worn out wires, or debris gathered on the screen of your pump.

Mechanical issues

The sump pump does not seem to work because either the float is stuck or the tilted pump needs to be readjusted.

The Bottom Line

A sump pump is an integral component of a house and helps you survive during the rainy or stormy season, especially if the rainfall is intense or sudden. That is why, it is imperative that you install the sump pump by hiring professional plumbers in Paso Robles, CA.

Installation and maintenance of a sump pump require help from an expert for the first time. Several homeowners have sump pumps installed at their place but fail to maintain them and face difficulty in the time of need.

If you too live in Paso Robles, CA, and want to get a new unit installed or are facing issues with your old unit, then contact Benjamin Franklin right away. Their team of professionals is well versed in handling complex issues and can get the job done without any problems.  They are best known for their quality services and you can take their assistance in the case of an emergency by calling their 24/7 emergency number.