Have you ever wondered what’s protecting your home from a flooded basement? Most homeowners have sump pumps installed on their basement floor and have little idea what it does or how it works. Sumps pumps are vital for your home, and it’s good for you to know the purpose of your sump pump and how a sump pump works to keep you and your family safe.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a cylindrical pump placed in the lowest part of your basement or crawl space and is responsible for removing any water before water damage sets in.
When the soil around your home gets oversaturated with rainwater and fills up the sump pit — also known as the sump basin — it triggers a float switch. This switch alerts the pump to drain the excess water into your nearest sewer or dry well.
Types of Sump Pumps
To understand how a sump pump works in your home, you must first identify the type you need or have. There are two main types of sump pumps: pedestal pumps and submersible sump pumps. There are also two types of backup pumps — water-powered and battery-operated — that help provide an extra layer of protection in case of power outages.
Pedestal Sump Pumps
Pedestal pumps work best with deeper and more narrow sump pits. A pedestal sump pump works with a motor that isn’t submerged underwater and is separate from the pump. This means that it can be less efficient and plenty loud, but the motor is readily available for easy sump pump maintenance.
Submersible Sump Pumps
Submersible sump pumps are installed in a closed basin in your basement, which means they are quieter, save space, and don’t get clogged as often. The water submersion does limit its lifespan in comparison to a pedestal pump. Still, it works to achieve the purpose of a sump pump, and a shorter lifespan is a small price to pay for greater efficiency.
Battery-Operated Backups
The purpose of a sump pump in your home is to prevent flooding, but it can’t do its job if it isn’t powered up. Battery backups are the best way to protect your home during power outages when your sump pump doesn’t have the electricity it needs to function. Your backup battery is triggered when the power goes out.
Water-Powered Backups
Water-powered sump pumps work as your pump’s insurance policy, using increased water pressure levels to power your pump. With that increased pressure comes an increased water bill, but you won’t have to worry about replacing batteries or monitoring the system. It’s a bit controversial, as some cities outlaw its usage, but it is plenty effective for consumers with access to the device.
How Does a Sump Pump Help My Home?
Your sump pump aims to keep standing water out of your basement, but it has many additional benefits besides that. Your sump pump can help prevent mold and mildew from growing in your basement, even if the water doesn’t enter the living space. It also improves the air quality of your home and can even prevent fires from breaking out due to electrical sparks with water.
How Do I Know if I Need a Sump Pump?
If you’ve been looking into the purpose of a sump pump, you’re probably wondering how you can decide if your home needs one. A few key determining factors let you know that a sump pump is right for you, and if you fall under any of these categories, you should consider reaching out to a plumbing service provider to install a sump pump in your home.
- You have a recently furnished basement.
- You have previously suffered from water troubles.
- You are in a flood-prone area.
- You live in a tropical or rainy climate.
Get Your Sump Pump Installed With Mike Williams
Now that you know the purpose of a sump pump, you know how important it is to have one in your home. Contact the professionals at Mike Williams for information on sump pump installation and sump pump repair in Springfield, Bloomington, Normal, Champaign, Urbana, and surrounding cities. Protect your home from the dangers of floodwaters today!