When a massive storm passes, does your basement flood? Is there constant moisture from underground? Excess moisture may quickly cause mold, mildew, and many other bacterial issues. Mold and mildew can negatively impact your home and your health. Moisture can also make your basement seem musty, clammy, and uncomfortable.

Your foundation may eventually get damaged from the leaking and flooding in your basement or crawlspace, requiring expensive future repairs. If the flooding issue is not immediately resolved, the ensuing effects will only linger and get worse over time.

Consider hiring a pro to install a sump pump if you want to effectively solve the issue and guarantee that basement flooding is a thing of the past. Sump pits, which are situated on the basement floor, are where sump pumps collect excess water in your home. The sump pump will automatically drain the water into a nearby sewer drain once the water reaches a certain level in your house. This will not only protect your house but also increase its resale value.

Sump Pumps Are Meant To Protect Your Home From Water Damage

To prevent future expenses and repairs, keep your property dry and free of mold or water damage. To satisfy these demands, sump pump systems are necessary. Sump pumps are used to divert groundwater from your home’s foundation. They direct groundwater into a sump pit before pumping it to a storm drain.

What Kind of Sump Pump Do I Need?

To select the best sump pump for your house, you must be aware of the differences among the different types and models available. The primary types of sump pumps you may select for your basement are listed below.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

For smaller pits where there isn’t enough room for a sump and its pipes inside the pit, a pedestal sump pump is perfect. Pedestal sump pumps have an accessible motor that is located high (and dry) on a shaft that protrudes significantly above the sump basin.

The portion of the device that rests inside the pit where the water accumulates has a vertical float switch. Since the engine is not waterproof, it is crucial to make sure that it is positioned in a location where it won’t become wet or submerged.

Submersible Sump Pumps

A submersible sump pump is located inside the sump basin, opposite the pedestal option, and is submerged beneath the water. If there are kids in your house, this type is safer because it is quieter and less intrusive than the pedestal pump.

Compared to the other option, the submersible pump is often simpler to use, more effective to run, and more durable. The extended lifespan and greater performance of choosing this alternative might result in future financial savings.

Effluent Sump Pumps

Although they perform a totally different purpose, effluent pumps are frequently mistaken for sump pumps. In general, effluent pumps are only used in homes that have an effluent tank or basin. Since they drain accumulated wastewater from showers, bathroom sinks, and laundry, these devices vary from sump pumps.

Effluent sump pumps can be put inside the septic tank itself or a separate pump chamber, and once installed, they operate automatically. Be sure you check the label on each fixture to make sure you’re getting the pump you need because this option isn’t required for every home.

Get a Battery Backup For Your Sump Pump

Your sump pump won’t work if your house ever experiences a power outage during a storm. A battery backup sump pump would come in handy in this situation to keep your house dry. These alternatives may be more expensive initially, but they pay for themselves during plumbing emergencies.

They may continue pumping out groundwater from the sump pit for up to 12 hours without recharging since they are powered by marine-grade car or boat batteries. They also have sirens that let the homeowner know that they have replaced the primary pump with the sump pump.

A basement home must have a sump pump, but it’s critical to know which type of sump pump is ideal for your home. Depending on your demands and the state of your plumbing system, you have a variety of options. To install a sump pump or for advice on the kind that best suits your home’s requirements, get in touch with a Caccia plumbing expert.

Is a Sump Pump Right For You?

There are a few factors to take into account to decide if a sump pump is the best waterproofing solution for your home, including:

  • Does your basement frequently have a puddle of water or too much moisture after a flood?
  • Is there a musty odor coming from your basement?
  • Because of a prolonged period of heavy rain or melting snow, is your basement wet or does the air seem clammy or heavy?
  • Does it feel like every winter your basement becomes wetter and older?

Additional Benefits of a Sump Pump

The primary benefit of a sump pump involves moving water away from a foundation. Sump pumps can significantly benefit homes with deep basements, especially in homes where basements sit below the water table.

Standing water can create a dank, damp, unpleasant, or smelly environment. Over time, the presence of pooled water damages foundations. Additionally, people usually do not appreciate going downstairs and encountering standing water. This situation can prevent a basement from providing a safe workspace or living space.

Finally, collected water sometimes attracts unwelcome visitors to a home. Mold can grow in wet environments, for example. Mosquito populations also flourish in some warmer areas, if sufficient standing water provides a surface for them to lay eggs.

In the worst-case scenarios, collected water sitting in basement areas for long periods, especially in rural locations, can even support vermin and attract wandering wildlife.

Make Sure Your Sump Pump Is Working With Regular Maintenance

Having a well-working sump pump is an essential part of the home for many homeowners. Many people fail to realize that anything may be wrong with their sump pump until it is too late and their basements are flooded with water. There are signs to look for that will tell you that your sump pump needs maintenance:

  • Strange noises: Sump pumps are not supposed to make much noise. Loud knocking noises could indicate there is a mechanical error that needs to be serviced. Your pump can become jammed or clogged up with debris, preventing it from working properly.
  • Standing water: If water is making its way in to your basement, that is also a tell tale sign that your sump pump is not working properly. This pump is designed to keep water out of your basement. Many do not have a backup battery. That means that if your pump decides to go out during a storm with heavy rain, your basement will flood. For that reason, it is wise to purchase a sump pump with a backup battery to prevent this from happening.
  • Strange smells: Mold and mildew can grow and build up quickly. Your sump pump has vents and seals that need to be cleaned or changed to keep working properly. It is important to call a professional to inspect your sump pump if you begin to smell a foul odor.

How Caccia Plumbing Can Help You

A sump pump installation is probably beneficial for you if you said “yes” to any of the above questions. However, speaking with the experts at Caccia Plumbing is the only way to find out if a sump pump installation is the best option for your property.

In your free estimate and consultation, we’ll do more than just advise you on whether a sump pump would meet your needs. We can also assist you in deciding what size and kind of sump pump would best suit your requirements or whether other steps should be made to minimize any basement leak issues.