A sump pumps installed in a basement.

Sump Pumps: Why Your Home Needs One

Water damage is not only inconvenient, it is costly to repair. A flooded basement is any homeowner’s nightmare. However, having sump pump systems can ease the damage a little bit. What are sump pumps? A sump pump is a cylindrical device that helps prevent water damage and flooding by removing water from the home’s lowest point, such as a basement or a crawl space. This submersible device protects your house from heavy rains and rising waters that leave behind enormous repair costs and structural damages. Since basements are one of the most common for water damage, these water pumps are helpful preventative maintenance against a basement flood.

How does a sump pump work?

Sumps pumps are usually needed after a heavy storm and are on standby. 

Excess groundwater passes through the sump pit, so as the water fills the pit and reaches a high level, a switch is activated and automatically turns on the sump pump. Most pumps use a sensor system that allows the sump pump to turn on only when needed; this saves electricity. The sump pump system then removes the water from the pit using an impeller, draining it through a discharge pipe into a drain, dry well, pond, or detention point. This keeps the groundwater from rising and prevents water from flooding the basement.

Benefits of a sump pump

If you have been wondering whether to have a sump pump in your home, let us explore some benefits of this device.

  • It prevents flooding and water damage; this is the primary function of the sump pump. When water does not find its way into the home, flooding does not occur. As a result, water damage does not become a problem.
  • Prevents mold and mildew; mold grows in damp, humid, and wet conditions. Mold has been known to cause structural damage to properties.
  • It helps protect your properties from damage; most basements serve as storage spaces, so the pump prevents water from entering the basement.

Types of sump pumps

  • Submersible Sump Pumps. These pumps contain a motor and a pump in one unit. They are often quieter because they are completely submerged in water. They help save space in your basement and do not clog.
  • Pedestal Pumps. These pumps contain a separate motor and pump. Pumps like these are ideal for smaller sump pits that can’t accommodate submersible pumps. 
  • Battery-Operated Backup. These pumps start automatically when the electricity goes out during a storm or natural disaster.
  • Water-Powered Backup. Is also useful in a power outage and uses water pressure to clear the water in the basin. There is usually no need to monitor or replace batteries.

Buying a sump pump: what to consider

Here are things you should consider when shopping for a Sump Pump:

  • Cost

A sump pump can cost hundreds of dollars for personal use and about $1,000 for commercial purposes. Ensure you have a budget. There are several factors that affect the cost of a sump pump.

  1. Type of sump pump. The material used to make the sump pump, horsepower, size, and additional features, including backup battery or a specified switch type, can all contribute to the
  2. Drainage. If your city requires a drainage point a distance from your house, yard drainage lines or extension hoses can increase the installation cost. They can also be hazards to your yard or even freeze in the winter.
  • Switch. Sump pump system operates on a switch system, so you must decide which would suit your need. For example, a pressure switch triggers the pump once the water pressure reaches a certain level. In an automatic pump, a float switch closes if there is too much water in the tank, so the pump is turned on.
  • Water alarm. You should consider getting a water alarm so that it alerts you when your pump fails, and the water level gets too high.

Conclusion

The benefits of a sump pump are evident; however, some properties need them more than others. For example, you should get a sump pump if you live in a climate with heavy rain or snow and if your home is built in a flood-prone area. Additionally, if you have previously experienced water problems or struggled with high basement moisture levels, it would be best to install a sump pump. Finally, even if your home isn’t categorized as a high-risk property, consider protecting your underground living space with an affordable sump pump. If you need a sump pump system and don’t know how to get one installed, Dry Jersey will help take care of this need.