Understanding Sump Pumps

If you live in an area where there is the possibility of flooding, it is highly recommended that you have a sump pump. To ensure that they work when there is an emergency, you need to maintain and check them regularly, and have a back-up or alarm installed in case your main sump pump fails.

There are two types of sump pumps. Those that sit above the well at the base of your house, which are called pedastal, and those that sit below the well, which are called submersible. The more cost-effective option is the pedastal. It has the benefit of being easily maintained, but it can be noisy. If this might be a problem, then try and get to see one in action and ask the people if they find the noise a problem or not. The submersible is reliable and sealed against the outside. Since it is below the water, it is quieter, but also more costly. As with all plumbing decisions, it is good to discuss your particular requirements with your plumber and discuss what is the best for your situation. It will depend upon how miuch water is having to be pumped and how often.

They function, essentially, like a reverse toilet. The float that activates the machines and pumping when the water reaches a high level. The majority of those that require sump pumps have homes located in a low elevation region or where there is a high water table. These factors increase the likelihood of basement flooding. In all of these cases there is the need for a machine to pump out the water and save the home from being flooded.

Houses are designed so that excess water will overflow to a central location in your basement called a sump, which basically looks like a small well in the basement of your house. Water can be the cause of much damage if not properly dealt with. It can induce the growth of mold or cause rot. Mold in particular loves to grow wherever there is water in a warm dark place such as your basement and can cause significant health problems especially to children and the elderly. It requires a significant effort to get rid of it, and so prevention is better than cure. To reduce water leaking into the basement, regularly clean and maintain your gutters and downpipes, don't have sprinkler systems spraying water onto the sides of the house, check regularly for leaks, wipe your windows of condensation, and don't let snow sit up against the walls of your house.

Ensure your sump pump is functioning and attended to. The problem is that they are rarely needed, so if you don't have a maintenance and cleaning program, paying particular attention to the cleaning and accuracy of the float trigger, chances are you won't know there's a problem until you are flooded. Also, they are often activated when there's a storm which could knock out the electric power supply. Therefore, if your house is at particular risk, it will be well worth your risk to install a battery backup sump pump which uses gel pack technology. In the case that this is not a cost-effective option for you, at minimum put in an alarm (if you can, use battery power so power-outages won't affect it).

It is also very important to have it properly installed, and also well worth your while to have a professional do this, especially as they should offer you a warranty and guaranteen for their product.

Scott Rodgers is a plumber who has recently begun writing articles for both plumbers and non-plumbing audience. To view more of plumbing articles, visit eLocalPlumbers.com

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