Prevent Home Flooding With Sump Pumps
A sump pump relocates floodwater from the basement or crawl space to a designated area away from the home to prevent flooding, water damage, and other effects of flooding. With spring comes rain and storms, so homeowners must be prepared for the rainy months, which can cause flooding and costly water damage. This post will discuss sump pumps and their advantages, the different types, and how to ensure they work this spring.
Why Sump Pumps Are Beneficial
Sump pump installation is beneficial for preventing flooding and water damage in a home. Sump pump systems collect excess water in a sump basin, typically installed at the lowest point of a house, and then pump it safely away from the home and its foundation. This prevents water from seeping into the home and causing damage to the foundation, walls, flooring, belongings, and more, resulting in costly repairs and replacing personal belongings.
Sump pumps are especially important in areas prone to flooding due to factors like heavy rain, snow melting, and a high water table. They can also help improve the home’s air quality by reducing humidity levels and the risk of mold and mildew growth, which can cause health problems for people in the house.
Common Types of Sump Pumps
There are two common types of primary sump pumps. A submersible sump pump has a motor that can be submerged underwater. Submersible sump pumps are quieter and more powerful but are more expensive and have a shorter life expectancy. On the other hand, a pedestal sump pump has a motor that sits above the basin. Pedestal sump pumps have a longer lifespan and are more affordable, but they are louder and not as powerful.
Both types of primary sump pumps run on electricity, so when power outages occur due to storms or other causes, it’s important to have a sump pump backup. The most common and popular backup is a battery backup. A battery-operated backup sump pump automatically activates during a power outage or if the primary sump pump fails to continue removing water away from the house.
How to Maintain and Test Sump Pumps
It’s important to regularly test and maintain a sump pump to ensure it works correctly and is prepared to prevent flooding and its effects. Sump pump maintenance can be done by plumbers, allowing any potential issues to be caught and fixed during an inspection before flooding occurs.
Homeowners should also test their sump pumps regularly to ensure they work correctly, allowing them to call for sump pump repair if they notice an issue. To test the sump pump, homeowners should slowly pour water directly into the sump pit. If the pump is working, the float switch should rise high enough that the pump is automatically activated. Once the water is removed, the sump pump should also turn off automatically.
About Swick Home Services
Swick Home Services has over 40 years of experience serving the Marquette area. They offer a price match guarantee, financing options, and 24/7 support. Call them for sump pump installation, repair, and maintenance services in Marquette, MI.
