There are several different measures a homeowner can take to protect their property from water damage. One of them, and probably the most important one, is to install a sump pump system. There are a lot of features and specificities to a sump pump system and it’s important to choose one based on the individual needs of your home.
It’s also a good idea to consider pump accessories and find those that will come in handy over the years without going over your budget.
What’s a Sump Pump System?
Sump pumps are devices used to move water away from your home. They are installed in a pit below the property. That way all the water that accumulates below your home is collected in the pit and then removed so it doesn’t cause damage. The pumps are an essential part of a larger interior drainage system.
The sump pump is activated when there’s enough water in the sump pit. It will pump out the excess water at a controlled rate. This means that the pump isn’t overused and is only activated when needed. It’s a feature that prolongs the lifetime of a pump.
Should You Install a Backup Pump?
It’s usually a good idea to have a backup pump installed as well, just to make sure that the system keeps functioning if something goes wrong. For the most part, it will be needed when the power is out and the main pump can’t function. Choosing a backup depends on how you plan to power the pump.
Generated-Power Pumps
These pumps are very much similar to regular sump pumps. The only difference is that they are not powered by the power grid but by a generator you’ll install in your home. Installing and powering the generator is therefore the additional cost of this backup pump.
AC-Powered Pumps
These pumps are powered by a deep cycle battery that’s powered via a charger. They will run until the battery dies. This is the best option for those who have regular floods.
Water-Powered Pumps
This pump is powered by the flow of water getting into the sump pit. Once the water reaches a certain level, the float in the pump will lift and open a set of valves. These will create a flow of water that will generate the energy needed to run the pump. That’s less energy than you would get from the electric grid and it only works if there’s enough water.
Battery-Powered Pumps
It’s the most common backup option and there’s a good reason for it. The pump is powered by a battery that’s not connected to any other power source and is thus independent. The main duty of a homeowner is to make sure that the battery is fully charged.
Installing Additional Accessories
A sump pump system often comes with a lot of handy accessories. While you can surely live without them, they make maintaining a home much easier when they are installed. Some of these are a worthy investment, especially if you live in an area such as Birmingham, AL, where there are a lot of flooding issues.
Alarms: These will go off if the sump pump fails to turn on during flooding. This way, you will know that something is wrong and be able to address this problem on time.
Airtight Lids: The water that enters your home through the ground usually isn’t the cleanest. Lids are used to cover the sump pump so that unpleasant water smells will not leave the sump pit.
Anti-Freeze Lines: Pipes that are connected to the sump pump tend to freeze up when the weather suddenly changes and temperatures drop. Anti-freeze lines are additional drains that are installed outside the home, and through which the water can escape during the winter.
How to Choose the Best Sump Pump System?
Different homes require a different type of sump pump. Some pumps are better suited to areas that have more frequent and severe floods and those that are a better option for those who only need to deal with this problem every once in a while.
There’s always the issue of cost as well. Choosing the best sump pump system requires you to take installation price and maintenance into account in addition to the versatility and quality of the system.
Maintaining the Sump Pump System
Since the sump pump system is somewhat delicate and isn’t used all the time, it’s important to maintain it properly. This process begins by testing whether the pump is working as it should. That’s done simply by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit and letting the pump activate itself and start removing the excess water.
It’s also useful to make sure that all the valves and all the pipes are screwed on tight and that there’s no leakage. A pump should be connected to the electricity source and the backup should have enough power in case of a power outage. It’s best to schedule these checks and to do them diligently.
The first thing to do when choosing a sump pump system is to contact a local expert that will help you find one that suits your needs the most. Schedule a free inspection and get a quote today.
