As a homeowner, you may feel overwhelmed by the numerous household appliance options. Apart from the essentials of a clothes washer and refrigerator, one appliance you might be uncertain about is a sump pump. Below, we'll dive into detail about what sump pumps are and how they can benefit your home.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a device that transports water. Whenever there's floodwater in your basement, a sump pump will activate and remove the water to a safe location away from your home. It does this through an integrated pump and a long discharge line. Sump pumps are available in a range of sizes, determined by their water output and horsepower. For a sump pump to function correctly, a pit must be located below the basement grade level. All the water in your basement will naturally flow to the lowest point, which will be the pit. As the water level rises in the pit, it will eventually reach a threshold that activates the sump pump float switch, causing it to switch to the "on" position. This activates the unit, allowing us to begin pumping excess water out of your home. Whenever the water level drops below your set threshold, the float switch will turn off, and the pump will shut off. Sump pumps can be extremely helpful in removing floodwaters without the need for manual intervention.
Benefits of a Sump Pump
There is no doubt that having a sump pump in your home can offer numerous benefits. We will discuss these below so you can make a more informed decision about whether a sump pump is the right appliance for your household.
Protects Your Foundation
One of the biggest threats to your foundation is standing water. Any standing water in your basement can quickly erode your foundation and cause unwanted cracking, which can significantly reduce its structural integrity. A sump pump is the perfect solution to quickly remove that excess water before it can rise to damaging levels.
Reduces Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew growth is not only unsightly and has an unpleasant odor, but it is also dangerous to your respiratory health. Unfortunately, when water accumulates in your basement, it creates a perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. In addition to the toxic spores that can irritate your allergies or asthma, mold can also damage your belongings and building materials in your home.
Protects Your Belongings
Basements tend to accumulate a variety of belongings that we don't use often. Some of us even use our basements for laundry and additional living space. It can be devastating to have water penetrate these items and cause permanent damage. A sump pump helps protect all of your appliances, furniture, and belongings from unfavorable water damage.
Qualifies You for Lower Insurance Premium
Insurance companies understand the devastating impact water can have on your home. Many will offer a discount on your homeowner’s insurance premium when you install a sump pump. In fact, you will likely find that a sump pump increases the overall resale value of your home.
Tips on Choosing the Perfect Sump Pump
Because sump pumps can provide numerous benefits for your home, they’re a great investment. When selecting your first sump pump, there are a few factors you'll want to consider to ensure you get the ideal one for your household.
Horsepower
One of the most crucial decisions you'll need to make is choosing the appropriate horsepower for your sump pump. You need a pump that can handle the volume of water you need to move over the total distance of your line. However, you don't want to choose a sump pump that's too large, as it will be more expensive. If your home experiences occasional minor flooding and doesn't have a high vertical rise for your discharge line, choosing a one-quarter horsepower pump is typically ideal. The most common pump size is one-third horsepower and is recommended for basements that experience regular flooding during periods of heavy rain and snowmelt. This pump size is best for vertical lifts up to 10 feet. Your home might be in an area with a very high water table level, and you may frequently experience water intrusion in your basement. If so, opting for a half-horsepower pump can be your best solution. This is also a great option for homes that experience regular flooding but have a vertical lift of over 10 feet, where a third-horsepower pump won't be effective. Larger homes and those that require a high vertical lift of over 20 feet will benefit from a three-quarter or one-horsepower sump pump. It can be exceedingly helpful to enlist the assistance of our plumbing professionals to ensure that you get an appropriately sized sump pump for your home.
Pump Type
There are two main styles of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. Submersible pumps are the most common choice for homeowners due to their quiet operation. These pumps sit submerged in the pit and efficiently remove unwanted floodwater. Submersible pumps are more expensive than pedestal pumps and are harder to access for maintenance. However, they do provide a nice finished look for your basement. Pedestal pumps are specifically designed with a motor that sits above the pit, providing easy access for maintenance and repairs. These pumps are a more affordable alternative to submersible pumps, but they produce significantly more noise during operation because the motor is located above the water. Additionally, these pumps are not very effective at handling large volumes of water, making them a choice for homes with smaller pits where operational noise is not a significant issue.
Battery Backup
One additional feature you will likely want to consider is a battery backup for your sump pump. This design enables your pump to operate on a secondary battery in the event of a power grid outage. A battery backup is ideal for households that frequently experience power outages due to flooding. It provides peace of mind to homeowners, as you will know your pump is still able to remove unwanted floodwaters from your home even when the power goes out.
Maintenance Requirements
To ensure your sump pump remains in good condition, it requires routine maintenance service. Aim to check your pump approximately once a month, including its discharge line, to ensure there are no leaks or debris in the pump pit. If your pump isn't used frequently, consider pouring a bucket of water into the pit every three months to ensure it is operating correctly. Ideally, one of our plumbing professionals should service your sump pump on an annual basis.
Exceptional Sump Pump Installation Service
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® provides exceptional sump pump installation services for the North Metro, MN area. We can also assist with all your sump pump replacement, repair, and maintenance needs. Call our office today to schedule your next service consultation.
