Sump Pumps, the Best Defense Against Water Damage in Your Home
It is estimated that 90 to 95 percent of all basements will experience a problem at some time with water penetration that something as simple as a sump pump could have prevented. For every inch of rain the average roof sheds 1,000 gallons of water. Even one inch of water can take many hours to clean up and causes thousands of dollars in damaged furniture and carpets. Installing a sump pump in your basement is your best defense to prevent flooding.
There are basically three types of sump pumps available to homeowners. The first type is an upright, or commonly called a pedestal pump. This type of pump has a motor that is not meant to get wet. Its motor sits on top of the pedestal and the pump is located at the base, which sits on the bottom of the sump. The pump is turned on and off by a ball float. An advantage of this type of pump is that the on/off switch is visible so the action of the ball float can be easily seen. A pedestal pump works best in basements that require frequent water drainage. They are typically more affordable, repairs are less expensive, and they last much longer. They are, however, noisy.
The second type, a submersible pump, is submerged in water and sits on the bottom of the sump. The on/off switch is attached to the pump and can be either a ball float connected to an internal pressure switch or a sealed, adjustable, mercury-activated floating switch. Both are reliable but the floating switch requires a larger diameter sump. If the sump diameter is less than 18 inches, the floating switch or its cord could become entangled with the piping or pinned between the pump and the sump. The submersible pumps cost more, but they are concealed completely and are much quieter.
The third type, a water pump, unlike the other two that work on electricity, runs off your home’s plumbing system. This pump operates at a slower rate, but will save you money by not requiring electricity. This type of pump requires between a 40psi and 80psi of water pressure in order to function. If your home gets its water from a private well then you will not be able to use this type of pump. Also if the city water pressure drops below the minimum pressure required, the pump will not work.
Pumps can be installed as either primary or back-up pumps. If two pumps are installed usually one is the primary and one the back-up. Back-up sump pumps can be either pedestal or submersible pumps. These pumps are powered by a battery pack that is continually charged by a battery charging unit that plugs into your home’s 120-volt electrical system. Many of these back-up pump systems come with an alarm system that sounds if the back-up pump is being used or the battery is not charging properly. Manufacturers recommend the batteries be replaced every two years in back up pumps. These batteries usually have a continuous run time of 7 to 10 hours, which should be plenty of time for the utility company to turn power back on.
Every home should be evaluated based upon its own needs when considering a sump pump, however, a system that takes care of most potential sump pump problems and meets the typical needs of a house with wet basement problems is a dual pump system consisting of, primary pump (pedestal or submersible), emergency back-up pump (w/battery) and an emergency back-up pump alarm.
There are some very clear benefits to having a sump pump installed in your basement. First of all it will restore the proper value of your property as well keep your foundation intact and protect your home and furnishings from water damage. It will prevent wall coverings and paint from peeling. It also keeps the dampness from settling in, giving you a warmer dryer basement year round. A dry basement will prevent termite and insect infestation as well as prevent dangerous fungus, mold and mildew growth. The results are a cleaner and healthier home overall, which helps keep you, the homeowner, worry-free no matter what the weather is like outside.
There are some important criteria you should look for when purchasing a sump pump. First, it is better to purchase an automatic pump over a manual pump.
Some basement sump systems come with automatic switches to turn on the pump whenever the basement begins to flood. This can be through floats, diaphragms, or through other means. This feature is extremely useful if there is a chance that you will not be home when the basement floods. A manual controlled sump requires someone to switch on the unit in the event of flooding.
Automatic switches not only save a basement from damage, but they can also prolong the life of the sump in the event of a flood. If a sump is left to run dry, it will burn out completely. An automatic switch will let the sump turn itself off if the flooding has ended.
Secondly, look for a well-known company with a good reputation for sump pumps. The average homeowner will probably not be familiar with any pump companies, but you can check the internet to see how long a company has been in business and check to see if the company is a member of the Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association (SSPMA). Don’t forget that your plumber is also an excellent resource when looking for a sump pump.
Look for a good warranty. Most warranties will probably be about the same, one to two years, but if you see one that is less than a year this should be a “red flag” to you.
You should always look for a sump pump that is manufactured and tested according to the SSPMA Recommended Standards for Sump, Effluent and Sewage Pumps. The SSPMA Standard is voluntary and intended to “provide some uniformity to determining pump capacity, and to set requirements for safety and motor overload protection.” A pump that is tested in accordance with these standards will carry a label specifying that it is SSPMA Certified.
Also important is the amount of water that the basement sump can move. The amount is measured in gallons per minute or in gallons per hour. The amount of space and capacity for flooding should be considered when choosing a pump rate. Your contractor or plumber will help you determine this by looking at the area of drainage connected to the sump, the depth to groundwater, the depth of the basement and other factors.
Lastly, most electric pumps are either cooled by air or by oil. Keeping the motor running as cool as possible helps make the pump last longer. Some pump manufacturers believe an oil-filled motor runs cooler than an air-filled motor, which may indicate that these pumps will last longer.
A sump pump can save you a lot of money in the long run by maintaining the value of your home and by protecting it against water damage. It becomes an important component of your basement perimeter drain system and should be considered for the protection and safety of your home and family.
Sources: www.ag.ndsu.edu
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