Installing a Sump Pump Will Prevent Flooding on Your Property
If you live in an area that is prone to torrential rains and flooding, it is critical that you install a sump pump. This pump prevents flooding on your property that may cause damage causing you to incur enormous repair costs.
How Does a Sump Pump Prevent Flooding on Your Property?
A sump pump is critical for basement waterproofing. This piece of equipment pumps water out of your basement and property. A sump is a pit that is constructed beneath the floor of your basement. This pit is referred to as a basin and holds the pump. The pump has valves that detect pressure or rising water. On detecting high water levels, the sump pump automatically pumps excess water from the basement via an effluent line. This outflow connects the sump pump to a drainage area.
What is a Designated Drainage Area?
In most cases, this is a neighborhood drain, but you can also drain this excess water into a pond, creek or dry well. This ideally should be more than 10 feet away from the foundation of your home so that the water doesn’t flow back to your property. Your city may have a building code that determines where your sump pump should drain. It is therefore important that you consult your local authority before you ask your plumber to install a sump pump on your property.
What are the Types of Sump Pumps?
1. Submersible Sump Pump
A submersible sump pump has the pump and motor as one unit. This unit is placed in the basin beneath your basement. Since this pump is submerged in a water basin, it is not noisy, clogs less and saves space. It is often considered the best pump for properties that experience frequent flooding.
2. Pedestal Sump Pump
This pump has the pump and motor as separate units. The motor is situated on a support above the basin and is connected to the pump placed in the basin via a hose. Since the motor is not submerged in water, it has a longer lifespan compared to other sump pumps. However, it’s noisier and takes up more space.
3. Battery Operated Backup
A sump pump with a battery backup offers more protection from floods in case you experience a power outage during a storm. This pump has a float switch, and when the water level rises in the basin the switch is triggered hence powering your battery.
How Do You Choose Your Ideal Sump Pump?
Installing the right sump pump is critical for the safety of your property. You should go for a pump that has enough horsepower to handle the level of flooding in your area. If you choose one with low horsepower you will still be at risk of flooding. On the other hand, a higher horsepower than is needed will cause the pump to go on and off repeatedly causing damage to the pump. Your plumber can advise you on the best sump pump depending on your situation.