What Is a Sump Pump & Why Do I Need One?

Having a sump pump is a very important thing to have when you live in a home that has a basement. This is because the water released from the basement can cause flooding in your home if you do not have a pump to get rid of it. When you decide to get a sump pump for your home, you should consider the following factors:

Submersible vs Pedestal

Choosing the right type of sump pump can be crucial to protecting your basement from water damage. Both types have their pros and cons. Luckily, you can know which one you need by checking out these differences.

Pedestal sump pumps are often cheaper and easier to install than submersible pumps. They are also more durable. However, they don’t have the same amount of power as submersible pumps, so they won’t remove water as quickly. They also tend to be noisier. They also take longer to redirect water out of the house.

Pedestal sump pumps may not be suitable for basements that are used by living people. They may also not be able to handle high water levels. They can also be hazardous if children play with them. If you have a living basement, you may want to consider installing a submersible pump instead.

Pedestal sump pumps are designed for lighter workloads. They also tend to last twice as long as submersible pumps. However, they can be costly to repair.

Submersible sump pumps, on the other hand, are more efficient and better at removing solids. They can also help relocate floodwater. Unlike pedestal pumps, they don’t take up space in your basement. In addition, they are easier to repair.

Battery-Powered Backup

Having a battery-powered backup for your sump pump can help protect your home against the damaging effects of water damage. When power is lost, your backup pump will automatically turn on and run for a few hours or more. This can help to keep water from damaging your basement and valuables stored beneath it.

One manufacturer’s backup system has a 40-amp/hour battery that can run for up to 53 hours. However, this isn’t enough to get through an extended power outage.

The battery-powered backup for your sump pump will protect your basement from water damage when power is lost. Battery backups are especially important for homes near large bodies of water.

A battery-powered backup for your sump pump is usually sold as a complete unit. However, you may need to buy downspout extensions and a special charger. The charger is located above the floor of your basement and will keep the battery charged.

A battery-powered backup for your pump should last for several days when the primary pump fails. However, you should replace the battery in your backup system after about five years. Battery replacement can be tricky for some homeowners.

You may be thinking about installing a battery-powered backup for your sump pumps, but you should also consider a water-powered solution. Water-powered sump pumps do have their advantages, but they aren’t without their disadvantages.

Check Valve on the Water Outlet Pipe

Whether you are replacing an old sump pump or installing a new one, a check valve is a critical component. It keeps water from going backwards into the sump pit or backwards out of the discharge pipe. It also prevents the pump from re-pumping water.

Check valves come in a variety of sizes and connection types. Some have metal clamps and PVC couplings, while others are plastic.

Typically, the best check valve is one that’s easy to install and remove. Its length isn’t as important as its diameter. It’s also important to install it on a vertical pipe.

Depending on your pump, you might want to install a check valve above the pump. This will limit water accumulation. It also eliminates clunking noise. Some check valves can also be installed inside the sump pump.

For installation, you’ll need a pipe cutter. You can also use a hacksaw. Be careful not to cut the pipe too deep. You’ll need to measure it and cut it to the correct height.

A check valve has two main failure modes. One is when the valve is stuck open. The other is when the valve is stuck closed.

To install a check valve, you’ll need a PVC pipe cutter. You’ll also need to have PVC couplings and nuts.