Homeowners Should Ensure Their Sump Pump Is Working Before the Rains of Spring
Sump Pumps Are Important for Any House with a Basement
Thunderstorms and rain have been breaking historical records in the past few years. Homeowners need to be prepared for the worst. Sump pumps are a first line of defense against the flooding from these record-breaking storms. Homes with basements are particularly vulnerable to flooding because basements are below the ground.
Most basement-equipped houses have a recessed area called a sump pump basin, made for sump pump installation. The article below will discuss why homes should have a sump pump and how to prepare it when spring storms come.
The Reasons To Own a Sump Pump
Sump pumps are made to remove water from inside a home where it is not meant to be. Sump pumps can be very beneficial in the following ways:
- Sump pumps can help reduce humidity
- Sump pumps help reduce structural damage
- Sump pumps reduce water damage
- Sump pumps reduce the risk of electric shock in a flooding event
- Sump pumps can reduce a home’s recovery time after a flooding event
These pumps take up water from the lowest area of the house and send it to a predetermined space, such as a rain gutter or a pond.
Submersible or Pedestal? Which Sump Pump Is Right?
There are two different types of sump pumps, and when a homeowner is searching for the correct sump pump to purchase, they will have to decide which one to install. With the advice of professionals, there are clear pros and cons for each type, and a homeowner will have to choose which one to purchase.
- Pedestal Sump Pump: These are pumps made for smaller sump pump basins. The pump mechanism is elevated out of the basin and tends to be less expensive and last longer. However, they are less powerful than their submersible counterparts and tend to be louder.
- Submersible Sump Pump: These pumps can take up less space than pedestal pumps because they are actually in the sump pit or sump basin. They pump more gallons per hour than pedestal pumps and are generally quieter. They tend to be more expensive but are worth it if the home is susceptible to floods.
Testing a Home’s Sump Pump
To ensure that a sump pump is working properly for a flood, it should be tested beforehand. A homeowner should verify that the sump pump float switch works. This switch automatically turns the sump pump on when water reaches a certain level. Verifying the Sump pump battery backup is also a must because the electricity may be cut off if there is a storm. If a homeowner is concerned about their sump pump, they should call a professional to perform sump pump maintenance and inspection.
About Discount Mechanical Heating & Plumbing
Family-owned and operated Discount Mechanical Heating & Plumbing offers 24.7 emergency services to the people of Anchorage, AK, and the surrounding areas. Call today for flat-rate pricing on home comfort and plumbing services.