Sump pumps are an excellent way to protect your home from flood damage. If you basement is prone to flooding a sump pump can help keep your basement dry all year round. Sump pumps are located at the lowest point of your home, such as the basement or a crawlspace. You might hear sump pumps referred to as a submersible pump or submerged pump. This is due to the fact that they are typically submerged in what is called a sump pit.
When your sump pump stops working, it's important to have it fixed or replaced as soon as possible to protect your home from water damage. The plumbing team at Heartland Heating, Air & Plumbing are here to help you keep your sump pump system working reliably.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
Sump pumps operate by being placed inside of a sump pit either in your basement or another low point in your home. When there is excess water from heavy rains or storms, the groundwater around the exterior of your home will begin to fill with excess moisture. This moisture will then be led into the sump basin which will activate the float switch.
Sump pumps then pump this excess water until the water reaches a storm drain, dry well, or other areas away from the home. The sump pump, in essence, helps drain excess water from your home as it senses a rise in water level in the sump basin. It does so through what is known as a drainage pipe, which leads away from the home.
Once the water drops to a certain level in the sump basin, the float switch in the sump pump system will then deactivate and the pump will stop.
What to Look for When Buying a Sump Pump
Does The Sump Pump Test Itself Regularly?
You should make sure to test your sewage pumps once every 3 months. Sump pumps can be tested by pouring water into the pit and examining whether the sump pump activates after this new water level is reached. If you hear sounds coming from your sump pump after pouring in water and notice a low water level in the pit, it's working.
Does it have AC and DC Power or just AC?
There are two types of sump pumps. The difference between them is if they are powered with an AC or a DC battery. A sump pump using a DC battery is a great choice for backup sump pumps. In case of flooding or a storm, these backup sump pumps that are connected to a fully charged DC battery can continue to pump water even during power outages. An AC battery-powered sump pump is a good choice for a primary pump in your home. This type of sump pump can run with AC power directly from the wall, without draining its DC battery reserves.
Does it Switch Automatically?
If you have a sump pump that uses both AC and a DC battery, check to make sure that it will switch electrical sources right away in the event of a power outage. If your pump does not switch automatically, you may have to initiate a switch while fumbling through the dark.
Do You Need To Add Water Periodically, or Is it Sealed?
It's important to note you must still add water to your sump pump in the event that it is dry. A dry sump pump can cause your sump pump parts to wear away prematurely. While you're inspecting the water inside the deep basin, make sure to check for a proper seal on your sump pump. Sump pumps should be sealed with a gas-tight lid to avoid excess moisture.
How Many Gallons of Water Can it Pump Per Hour?
For regular homeowners, a sump pump should pump between 42 to 53 gallons per minute. When choosing a sump pump, consider your home's size and how much water will need to be pumped in case of an emergency.
What is the Pump’s Head Lift?
Make sure to choose a pump that has a maximum head lift to accommodate your home's needs. This maximum head lift is the distance that the water can travel from the basin before being transferred out.
Does it Have a Backup System?
Some sump pumps can work on both DC and AC systems. This will allow it to have a backup in case of a power outage. The size of your home may also warrant the need for multiple sump pumps that will work as a backup in the event that one of your sump pumps fails.
Signs Your Sump Pump Should Be Repaired or Replaced
Frozen or Clogged Discharge Lines
Frozen lines can be damaging to your submersible pumps. Pumps that have a lot of water in their basin might be suffering from a clog that needs repair as soon as possible.
Power Lost
If you've gone through a power outage and now your sump pump no longer works, it's crucial to start power again. Although a backup pump can provide some protection, it can also be susceptible to battery loss and damage after a flood.
Running Non-Stop
Hearing your primary pump running non-stop could be a sign of improperly-set motor control. This can lead to your pump burning up and causing damage to the pump motor, which is a costly repair.
Old Age
Sump pumps only last an average of 10 years. If you have an older home, it's time to replace your equipment as soon as possible to protect your home from water damage.
Call Heartland Heating, Air & Plumbing for Sump Pump Services
Looking to install a submersible pump in your home and continue to protect your basement from flood damage? At Heartland Heating, Air & Plumbing we offer help in case of a sump pump failure. We will initiate sump pump repairs and make sure that your sump pump keeps protecting your home from water damage. If your home is prone to floods, you have a finished basement, and want to add a layer of protection to your home, call us today to schedule an appointment for sump pump system installation or repairs.