During spring, the risk of water damage on basements increases significantly. The combination of heavy rains and frozen grounds results in disasters for many. This is an excellent time to have your sump pump in perfect condition. You’ll need it to drain muddy water from your home.
What is a sump & Why do you need one?
A sump pump is a handy tool for homes that often experience basement flooding. As we are all aware, floods can do a lot of harm to your home and property. The pump is useful for draining away the stagnant waters to a municipal storm drain. You require a sump pump for the following reasons;
- Frequent dampness in the basement
- A foundation below the water table
- Other issues resulting from the accumulation of water in your basement
What are the common types of sumps?
There are two common variants of sump pumps. These are the pedestal and submersible pumps.
Pedestal pumps– These feature an upward construction and an impeller at its base. The motor isn’t supposed to get wet and is mounted on top of the sump. It’s also easy to service and is noisier due to the exposed motor.
Submersible pumps– These pumps are designed to function underwater. They feature a mort in the pump interiors and are safer for homeowners with kids. Submersible pumps are also less noisy and are excellent choices for finished basements.
What are the key components of a sump pump?
There are various parts of sump systems. These include a sump liner, flood drain, ump stand, float switch, check valve, and battery backup.
Sump liner: An open sump poses safety hazards and is prone to clogging. The best sump pumps are housed in plastic liners with an airtight lid. Once properly installed, they fit perfectly with your basement floor.
Float switch: A float switch acts as a level sensor. It signals the pump when there are rising water levels in the sump pit. When the water reaches a specific level, the float opens a circuit allowing the pump to pump water out of the basement.
Check valve– This is a one-way check connected to the drain line. It bars water from flowing back to the sump pot once pumped.
Pump stand- The pump stand prevents silt, sand, and other tiny objects from clogging your pump.
Battery backup: A battery backup plays a critical role during power outages. It maintains your pump in optimal functioning during such periods.
What should you consider when buying a sump pump?
There are various brands of sump pumps on the market. To choose the best, think of the type of operation. You can go for an automatic pump or a manual one. The motive power also matters; it normally varies from ¼ Hp t multiple HP. The last thing is the phase; there are single-phase motors and three-phase pumps. However, three-phase pumps aren’t ideal for residential purposes.
The bottom line
A sump pump is a must-have accessory in any home. With such a tool, you never have to bother about flooding in your basement. To acquire the best sump, compare different brands, and choose the most desirable features to match your requirements.
