A basement sump pump prevents flooding in your basement and helps keep your belongings safe. It also reduces the risk of electrical fires caused by water, which could short-circuit equipment like laundry machines and water heaters.
A well-installed sump pump is an investment you’ll be glad you made in the future. We’ll walk you through the costs, installation options, maintenance and troubleshooting to help you determine whether or not it’s time for a new basement sump pump in your Middleburg Heights home.
Cost
Sump pumps are a critical part of any basement waterproofing system. They remove excess water from your home, which can prevent cracks in the foundation and other damage to your basement.
However, there are plenty of things to consider before you purchase a sump pump. One of the most important factors is whether you live in a flood-prone area or have a yard that isn’t properly drained.
Another consideration is the type of pump you’re going to buy. There are two main types of pumps: pedestal and submersible.
Pedestal models are cheaper, but they don’t always work for every home and may not be able to handle the water volume your basement deals with. For this reason, it’s best to get a submersible model that fits the size of your basement and your budget.
Installation
A basement sump pump is a critical piece of equipment that keeps your home safe from water damage. If you don’t have one, you can face serious flooding and thousands of dollars in repairs.
A certified waterproofing specialist will determine where a low spot in your basement floor is and set the pump there. They will also install a French drain around the perimeter of your basement floor.
After the system is installed, a check valve should be added to keep water from flowing back into your basement if the pump stops working. This will help the pump work at peak performance and prevent it from having to work harder than necessary to get rid of water.
A discharge pipe should be connected to the sump pump so that it channels all groundwater away from your home and into a discharge line or into a storm drain, well or retention pond. This can help you save money on your homeowner’s insurance premiums and avoid expensive cleanup costs in the future.
Maintenance
A sump pump is a crucial piece of basement waterproofing equipment. This small machine works to rid homes of groundwater on a regular basis, and it also pumps water out of basements during large flooding events.
When a sump pump is installed, it sits in a hole dug beneath the basement floor called a sump pit. When water builds up, it is pumped out of the pit and into a drain line that leads to outside of the home.
Once a year, remove the pump from the pit and clean it. This includes checking the power source and cord, cleaning the grate, cleaning the discharge pipes, and making sure the screen or inlet opening is clear of blockages.
Troubleshooting
Your sump pump is a vital part of your home’s water management. It expels excess water from the basement and prevents flooding. However, even the best-working sump pumps can experience trouble from time to time.
If your basement sump pump is not working properly, it’s crucial to identify the cause and repair or replace it before flooding happens. This is easy to do and can save you a lot of money on damages.
First, make sure the sump pump is plugged in and that it has enough power to function. Next, check the breaker panel to ensure that the breaker for the pump circuit isn’t tripped or the outlet is drawing too much power.
You should also check the discharge pipe to make sure that it’s free of clogs like mud, grass, leaves, and ice. These can slow or completely block the flow of water into your sump pump. If you’re unsure of how to dislodge these, call a plumber for help!
