Homeowners Should Consider Gifting Themselves the Security that Comes With a Sump Pump
Whether a home has a beautifully finished basement or just a concrete room for storage, no one wants to find their basement filled with water. Especially in this cold season, the temperatures can make the water much more difficult to deal with. Ensuring a working sump pump on the basement floor is vital to preventing flooding. A basement should have a recessed area known as a sump pit or sump pump basin where any water that makes its way into the lowest level of the house should flow. In this pit, the sum pump does its work and removes the water from the home. This article will detail the reason a home with a basement needs a sump pump.
Why a Home Needs a Sump Pump
Simply put, sump pumps take water that may have flooded into a lower level of the house and pump it outside to a predesignated area. This area may be a ditch, a pond, a sewer, or any area the homeowner wants. Because basements are below the ground, they are the room in the house most likely to be flooded and the hardest area to remove water from. Thus a sump pump is needed to:
- Prevent water damage to property
- Prevent mold and mildew growth
- Prevent foul basement odors
- Help preserve household keepsakes and items that are stored in the basement
- Prevent electric shock from the deadly combination of water and electricity
Pedestal vs. Submersible: Types of Sump Pumps
There are two types of these pumps: the pedestal sump pump and the submersible sump pump. Each type has pros and cons, so homeowners must decide which pump best suits their home and basement setup. Below is a breakdown of the basics of each pump type:
- Pedestal Pumps: These pumps stand outside the sump pit and have a pipe or hose extending into the sump to remove the water. The benefits of these pumps are:
- May last longer due to less wear and tear on parts.
- Can fit into small sump pits.
- Easy to service
- Submersible Pumps: The submersible pumps live up to their name as they are placed directly in the sump pit or basin and underwater when working. The advantages of these pumps include:
- Quieter
- Take up less space
- Slightly more powerful
Homeowners should consult with their local plumber about the choices that may be best for their home.
Is a Sump Pump Backup Necessary?
If a home has one sump pump, does it need a backup pump? This would only be necessary if power is lost to the main pump. Thunderstorms and other inclement weather are prime times for using a sump pump, and they are also the times when the electricity tends to go out. A manual pump or a battery backup sump pump is a very good idea. Even combination sump pumps can run on the house's electricity when on but can switch to battery operation if the home loses power.
About Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC
With 24-hour emergency service, excellent workmanship, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed, Daniels Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning, LLC proudly serves the greater Albuquerque, NM area. Call them today for sump pump service from a company that goes above and beyond for their customers.
