Do You Need a Water Powered Sump Pump?

Summary:  Because a water powered sump pump requires no battery, no power, and has no moving parts, it may be the perfect option for your home or business.  Read on for more info on this type pf sump pump.

The basement is no longer just a storage place in most homes. Many families now use the basement level of their house for dens, entertainment centers, kid’s playrooms, or home theater systems. However, most homeowner’s insurance policies do not provide coverage in the event of flooding, so the most likely place in your house to be devastated by flood damage – your basement – could be completely uninsured in the event of a flooding disaster. With growing concern about global warming, flooding even outside of usual flood planes is being seen more often. If your primary sump pump fails, the chances of catastrophic financial loss are very real. Many people are now opting to install a backup water powered sump pump.

A water powered sump pump functions by taking your existing water supply from your city or town supply and forcing it through an ejector. The decreased pressure around the incoming water flow draws water up from the sump pump pit and out of your home. It is a very simple concept put to use in a very needed use.

There are a myriad of reasons a regular sump pump could fail, and sometimes you won’t know anything is wrong and your basement is already flooded. A very bad storm could cause flooding and knock out your power – and your sump pump. Or something could block the sump pump, such as dirt, debris, or rocks. A blown fuse, or tripped circuit breaker could cut power to your sump pump when you need it most. Or your primary sump pump could just become overwhelmed by the amount of water in the sump pit. You might not realize that one of these issues has come up, until you walk downstairs to an ankle-deep lake inside your house!

In any of these cases, a backup water powered sump pump could keep your basement dry in the event of a flooding emergency. A water powered sump pump requires no battery, no power, and has no moving parts. As long as you still get water from your municipality, the water powered sump pump will be able to pump water out of your home.

One major drawback to the water powered sump pump is that it costs considerably more money to run over a specific time period than an electric sump pump, since it is less efficient considering the cost of water. However, most water powered sump pumps are configured to turn on automatically, only in the event of a primary sump pump failure.

Many water powered sump pumps can be installed with a minimal amount of tools and knowledge about plumbing. Of course, as with all household repairs, you will probably be able to find a home contractor willing to install a water powered sump pump in your house. For such an important component in your home’s protection, you might want to consider having a professional install and test the water powered sump pump system, unless you are already very experienced in household plumbing.

In this way, a water powered sump pump functions very much like an additional insurance policy against flood damage in your home. Even if your homeowner’s insurance does cover flood damage, you would still risk losing your home items and having to undergo remodeling and cleanup costs in the event of a flood. Another serious hazard is mold growth from the dampness after a flood. If there is a chance of your home being flooded, either from an inside leak or extreme weather conditions, you may very well consider getting a water powered backup sump pump to protect your family and your investment in your home.