Sump Pumps: Which One Is Best For Your Home?
A wet, flooding basement is every homeowner’s nightmare, and finding a lasting solution can be challenging. The key is protecting your home with a comprehensive waterproofing system that includes a reliable sump pump.
Given the variety of sump pumps available, selecting the right one can be daunting. This guide provides comprehensive information on choosing the ideal sump pump for your home and explains how professional basement waterproofing specialists can assist you.
Why A Sump Pump is Important
Intercepting leaking water before it damages your home is crucial, but what happens with it is even more critical. A sump pump is the heart of your water management system, actively removing water from your home and directing it to drain far away from the structure.
Without a properly functioning sump pump system, your home is at risk for water damage, mold growth, and structural instability, all of which endanger your family’s safety.
Common Types of Sump Pumps
Determining the correct type of pump for your home is one of the most important decisions you can make. This section covers various sump pump options, how systems differ, and what may work best for your basement.
1. Primary Pump
The primary sump pump does the heavy lifting. It’s responsible for the day-to-day removal of groundwater to keep your home dry. Different types of primary pumps exist; let’s explore a few.
a. Submersible Sump Pump
A submersible pump is a primary pump fully submerged in the water at the bottom of the sump pit. When water enters the pit, it is immediately pumped out, shutting off when the water is removed.
Although they are a significant investment, submersible sump pumps have a large capacity and a long lifespan.
b. Pedestal Sump Pump
As the name implies, pedestal pumps sit on a support inside the sump pit, installed above the sump basin and the basement water line. The pedestal allows for some water to enter the pit and naturally be reabsorbed into the ground before engaging the pump. This allows the pump to run less, reducing wear and tear while protecting the space.
Although pedestal sump pumps can pump more, they are loud and prone to breaking down frequently.
2. Backup Pumps
The backup pump shines when either the primary pump fails or a power outage causes the pump to stop working. There are several options, including:
a. Battery Backup Sump Pump
This pump lives inside the sump pit and automatically activates if water reaches a certain level. Typically, this happens when power is lost or the primary pump can no longer do its job.
The pump usually has less power than the traditional primary pump and can only operate as long as the battery has power.
b. Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump
Less popular is the water-powered sump pump. This backup sump pump uses water pressure from the municipal water source to create suction to remove water.
This may sound ideal, but homeowners are often surprised by a big water bill since much water is required to create pressure.
A Look at Groundworks’ Sump Pump Options
At Groundworks, we recognize that each home has unique requirements. To address this, we offer a range of sump pump systems, each designed to meet the specific needs of your basement.
- Standard Single Pump System: This system employs a robust cast iron pump for typical water extraction. It’s available with either a ⅓ hp or ½ hp pump. The ⅓ hp model can expel over 2,000 gallons of water hourly, while the ½ hp version has a higher capacity, removing more than 3,000 gallons per hour.
- Single Pump System with Battery Backup: This enhanced setup includes a battery backup to ensure continuous operation during power outages. When running on battery power, it can remove more than 11,500 gallons of water per hour.
- Triple Pump System: Our most comprehensive solution incorporates three pumps for maximum protection: a primary ⅓ hp pump handles routine water removal, a secondary ½ hp pump provides additional capacity for handling larger water volumes, and a third battery-powered pump ensures continued operation during power failures.
Each of these sump pump configurations is engineered to address specific scenarios. Our experienced technicians will evaluate your basement’s moisture issues and recommend the most suitable system for your home.
Choose a Professional to Install your Sump Pump
Regardless of the type of sump pump you choose, hiring a professional to install it is key. From determining the proper location to ensuring drainage pipes are extended far enough from the home, a professional foundation team member has the right tools to get the job done.
The experts at Groundworks have been installing sump pumps for decades, and we can customize our systems to meet your home’s needs. Schedule a free inspection today so you can rest easy knowing your home is protected from the effects of excess water.
FAQ
Ensuring your sump pump functions properly means hiring a company to service and maintain the pump annually or doing it yourself. To do so:
- Clean the pit by removing debris and sediment
- Test the pump by adding water and see how it works
- Check discharge lines for ice or clogs
By maintaining your sump pump you can ensure it’s ready to protect your basement when it’s needed most.
If your pump fails, immediate action is required. If it was installed by a waterproofing specialist, be sure to reach out to schedule an appointment.
Meanwhile, troubleshoot by ensuring the pump is plugged in, the float switch is not stuck, and the discharge pipe is flowing smoothly.
Installing a sump sounds straightforward, but one misstep can result in serious water damage and wasted time and money. Consider choosing a professional to install your sump pump. A professional offers a long-term warranty, so you can rest easy that you’re in good hands.
