Sump pumps are one of those household appliances that many people have heard about but don’t fully understand until they need one. If you live in a particularly low-lying area or a region prone to heavy rainfall, you can likely benefit from getting a sump pump installed in your home. We’re going to go over what a sump pump is below and help you determine the best one to get for your home.
What Is a Sump Pump?
At its simplest definition, a sump pump is a device that moves water from one location to another. Sump pumps are typically positioned within a basement or crawl space pit, known as a sump basin. The basin is installed below the surface of the floor, allowing groundwater or seepage to collect in it.
The sump pump has a float switch that is responsible for turning the unit on whenever the water in the basin reaches a certain level. When the pump turns on, it forces water through its impeller and out through the discharge line. This discharge line typically runs outside your home, often underground and below the frost line to prevent freezing.
What Homes Need a Sump Pump?
While a sump pump is a helpful device that protects your belongings and home structure from any damage due to water intrusion, it’s not necessary for every home. There are three types of homes that should consider investing in a sump pump: homes with a finished basement or crawl space, homes located in high flood-risk areas, and homes with a foundation that’s particularly vulnerable due to poor soil drainage or a high water table.
What Are the Benefits of a Sump Pump?
Probably the most obvious benefit of a sump pump is that it helps to prevent your basement or crawl space from flooding. When excess water builds up in these areas, it can lead to numerous problems. The most obvious is damage to any belongings that are in your basement. Excess water can also cause damage to your foundation, leading to cracks and structural issues. Additionally, standing water creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow, which can pose health risks to your home and family.
Another benefit of having a sump pump in your home is that it can help protect against damage from sewer backups. While you might not want to think about it, sewer backups can occur, especially during heavy rainfall. When you have an automatic sump pump, it will turn on and start removing water, reducing the likelihood of backup water damaging your home.
One lesser-known benefit of having a sump pump in your home is that it can increase its overall value. Homes that are particularly susceptible to excess water in their basements or crawl spaces may have a lower property value. Having a sump pump in place signals to potential buyers that the property is protected from water damage, which can enhance the home’s marketability.
The Various Types of Sump Pumps
While all sump pumps are designed to remove excess water from your home, there are a few different types on the market today. The most common sump pump is the submersible one. This type of unit has the motor and pump in one enclosed device. It sits submerged at the bottom of the sump basin and must be in water to function correctly. The benefit of a submersible sump pump is that it saves space, experiences fewer clogs, and operates more quietly than other options.
Another type of sump pump is the pedestal pump. Unlike the submersible pump, the pedestal pump has a separate motor and pump. The pump sits at the bottom of the sump basin and is connected to a motor that sits above the basin. Because the motor is above the water, pedestal pumps typically have a longer lifespan than submersible pumps and are easier to service. However, they take up more space and are noisier during operation.
While submersible and pedestal pumps are the two most commonly used in homes, it’s also important to consider a battery backup system. This option can be used with either the submersible or pedestal pump. It is designed to allow the pump to continue operating during a power outage. Since most flooding occurs during storms, it’s not uncommon to lose electricity when you need your sump pump the most. A battery backup ensures your pump can still operate when the power is out, providing continuous protection against water intrusion.
What Size Sump Pump Do I Need?
When you first start looking at sump pumps, you’ll notice they are classified based on their horsepower. It’s important to choose a pump with the appropriate horsepower for your household’s needs. If you choose a pump with too little power, it won’t be able to remove water effectively from your basement or crawl space. Conversely, if you use a pump that’s too powerful, it may cycle on and off frequently, which can cause wear and tear and waste energy.
Most households located in areas with an average water table can use a one-third horsepower sump pump. Homes located in areas with a higher-than-average water table should opt for a one-half horsepower sump pump. These one-half horsepower pumps are also ideal for homes with a higher vertical lift (more than 10 feet) required for the discharge line.
If you live in an area with a high water table, are in a designated floodplain, or reside in a low-lying area highly susceptible to flooding, you should consider a sump pump with three-quarters to one horsepower. These are also suitable for homes with larger basements or where the discharge line needs to rise significantly to move water outside.
Common Sump Pump Problems
Most sump pumps have an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years. During this time, you may experience some issues with your pump. One of the best ways to stay informed about your sump pump’s status is to install a water alarm system. Newer sump pumps come with Wi-Fi-enabled water alarms that can send you alerts via text, email, or call if something is wrong with your sump pump. This can help you respond quickly to prevent water from accumulating in your home.
One common issue with sump pumps is a jammed float switch. This can occur if the float switch gets stuck in the “off” position, allowing water to accumulate in the sump basin without activating the pump. It can also happen if the float switch gets stuck in the “on” position, causing the pump to run continuously even when water levels are low.
Reliable Sump Pump Service
AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical offers reliable sump pump service for the entire Farmington Hills, MI region. We can also assist with all your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical repair needs. Simply give our office a call today to schedule your next service appointment.
