What You Need to Know about the Basement Sump Pump     

Summary:  A basement sump pump is a very useful appliance.  If you should ever have a flood, they can pump the excess water from the basement, which is essential to keep your basement as well as the foundation dry. When the sump pit is filled with water, the sump pump works and pumps water away from the house.

Many residents in the United States do not have to worry about foundation water damage or basement flooding. However, residents who are not living in dry locations face the problems of foundation drainage system. In many cases, it may be enough to have basement footer drain tiles to protect the house and basement from flooding. However, a basement sump pump may be important especially in extreme conditions such as during the wet season of the year.

Nowadays, backup sump pumps are becoming more and more popular in the homes that are experiencing flood problems. Basement sump pumps can pump the excess water from the basement, which is essential to keep your basement as well as the foundation dry. This machine is usually installed in a sump pit that collects water. When the sump pit is filled with water, the sump pump works and pumps water away from the house.

Most sump pumps come with a battery backup, which is necessary especially when the power goes out. The backup sump pump continues to function if the flood gets high enough for the basement to be filled with water, resulting to power interruption. The backup sump pump can pump the water out of the house for several hours even without power supply.

In some cases where flooding in the basement is highly probably, it is recommended to install multiple sump pump pits with backup basement sump pumps. However, this is seldom needed because a single sump pump can do the work in the average size house. Remember that basement sump pumps alone cannot replace good footer drains, which is helpful in removing water from the foundation.

Basement Sump Pump Installation

It is necessary to cut the basement floor and create a small well in setting up a basement sump pump. The well must be at least the size of a five-gallon bucket but a bigger well is recommended.

The sump pump is placed in the sump well and begins to work as the well begins to be filled with water. This machine includes a switch mechanism or a float, which is used to sense the level of water automatically. As the water gets high, the sump pump functions accordingly. Usually, the water from the basement is directed to the basement window through a hose.

The two kinds of sump pump are pedestal and submersible sump pumps, which both needs electricity to function. The submersible sump pump is entirely submerged in the sump pit. With this kind of sump pump, both the motor and the pump are incorporated in a sealed unit that in the pit. The submersible sump pump is recommended for finished basements because it is quieter. However, this sump pump can have a short life span because it has water in it all the time. In addition, submersible sump pumps are more expensive compared to the pedestal sump pump.

If you are considering purchasing and installing a sump pump, it is recommended to seek help from a professional company especially in choosing the right methods and models. Although you can install a basement sump pump by yourself, you may still want to hire a professional to do the job in order to ensure proper installation and safety, which can help save you money and time in the future.