A sump pump is a useful device that pumps away excess water from the foundation of your house to prevent flooding and protects your home from costly repairs. It moves accumulated water into a basin or pit located in areas of your home that are at risk for flooding, such as basements and crawl spaces. It has valves that sense rising water levels and pressure and automatically pumps the excess water through a pipe to an outdoor drainage area when these levels get too high.
A plumbing pipe attached to the sump pump’s outlet directs the drainage water outside to a suitable drainage location, such as a garden or yard drain, or a municipal sewer, if permitted by local regulations. Ideally, the drainage point should be set far enough away from your house that the water doesn’t flow back to your home, or into a neighbor’s property.
Depending on your specific situation, you may need a battery backup system for your sump pump to ensure that the unit runs even if the electricity goes out. Jenkins Restorations can install a battery backup system to complement your existing sump pump and ensure that your home stays protected from flood damage, no matter what happens.
Sump pump installation costs vary, with factors such as the type of pump you choose, its size, horsepower and additional features influencing the price. Some municipalities require a building permit and this can add to the cost of your sump pump installation.
It’s a good idea to have a professional plumber install your sump pump to minimize the chances of errors that could result in it not functioning properly or not working at all. The money you might save by installing the pump yourself is often nowhere near what you’ll spend in water damage repairs if the pump fails.
Common sump pump problems include an inoperable float and a switch that gets stuck on or off. A faulty float can cause the pump to continuously run and drain your basement without removing the water you want it to. An on/off switch that gets stuck can also prevent the pump from running when needed.
Another common problem is clogs. You can reduce the likelihood of clogs by regularly opening up your sump pit and removing any debris that collects in the grate, including rocks and leaves. In addition, you can clean the fan-like impeller and basin by hand to keep it from becoming blocked by dirt, debris or mud.
It is also a good idea to check the float and pressure switch frequently to make sure they are still functioning as they should. Typically, you can do this by unscrewing the pump from its basin and taking a look at the inside of the float chamber, motor and check valve. If your float is cracked, worn out or has gotten displaced, this is a sign that it is time to replace it.