What Is a Sump Pump and What Is It Used For?
Sump pumps are devices held in a sump, or pit, in your basement floor. They automatically pump unwanted water into a pipe to drain outside your home through a discharge line.
In Idaho, most houses with basements need a sump pump. Between an annual 18 inches of rain and 47 inches of snow runoff, our homes are extremely vulnerable to flooding. Recently, Idaho was listed as having a 290% increase in flood risk, placing us at the fourth highest risk in the nation. Worse, experts say this is a drastic underestimation, as 100-year floods are now happening every five to 10 years.
A well-maintained sump pump protects your home against the high risk of catastrophic structural damage and high repair costs.
How Sump Pumps Work
When water levels or pressure get too high inside the sump pump basin, valves automatically trigger the pump to pull water into a discharge pipe and out through the discharge line to drain a safe 10 to 20 feet away from your home’s foundation.
There are two types of sump pumps, and they can be powered by electricity, battery, or water, with water or battery often serving as backups in case of power outages.
Submersible Sump Pumps
Submersible sump pumps combine the motor and pump into one unit, which is submerged inside a closed water basin.
These units save space, are quieter, and clog less than pedestal sump pumps.
Pedestal Sump Pumps
Pedestal sump pumps have a separate motor and pump, with the motor elevated on a pedestal above the basin with a hose running down to connect with the pump inside.
Pedestal sump pumps have a longer service life and are more easily accessed for maintenance and repairs.
The Benefits of Having a Sump Pump
A sump pump is an extremely cost-effective home investment that offers major benefits, including:
- Preventing basement flooding
- Meeting flood damage requirements for insurance
- Safeguarding basement appliances like washers and dryers from rust and corrosion
- Protecting your foundation from cracks and other water damage
- Making your basement drier and more comfortable
- Protecting paint, drywall, and flooring
- Reducing mold, mildew, and fungus
- Discouraging termites and other insects
Signs You Need Sump Pump Repair
You can’t remove excess water from your basement without a working sump pump. Unfortunately, you may not know your sump pump isn’t working until you have a basement flood on your hands.
To avoid this, keep a look out for the following signs:
- Failure to run: Even if there isn’t a flood risk, your sump pump should switch on whenever it rains. If it doesn’t, call a trusted plumber.
- Slow drainage: If your sump pump works but isn’t draining water as fast as it comes in, it won’t be able to protect your basement from flooding.
- Running when dry: A sump pump that runs when there isn’t water to pump out could be due to incorrect installation or a clog. Disconnect the pump and call a professional.
- Bad smells: When your sump pump isn’t pumping water out quickly enough, mold and mildew can grow.
- Strange noises: Sump pumps make noise when running, but moaning, whining, or other strange or loud noises from your pump may mean it’s struggling to function.
Call Advanced Home Services at 208-745-9406, or contact us online for sump pump services from practiced, experienced plumbers, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee!
