The Perfect Holiday Gift for the Basement: A Sump Pump

Why Homeowners Should Add a Sump Pump to Their Wishlist

When a person is going into their basement to pull out all the Christmas decorations or hide gifts from the younger generation, they would be more than disheartened to find standing water. Not only is a flooded basement inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous to the structure of the home and its inhabitants. This danger is why it is important to have a working sump pump in a home. 

What Is a Sump Pump and Why Is Sump Pump Installation a Good Idea?

Water always flows down the easiest, quickest route, which, due to gravity, is most likely the lowest part of the house. By the time it gets there, it is nearly impossible to get out without some sort of assistance. A sump pump is specifically designed to pump water out of a basement. 

A lower, slightly sloped area in a basement floor leads to a hole known as a basin or sump. The sump pump moves water from this basin through pipes to a collection spot away from the home. This can be anything from a local creek to a drainage ditch. It is easy to understand why a sump pump is essential for any home with a basement. 

Sump Pump Options

There are two main types of primary sump pumps: the submersible and the pedestal. As with other devices that perform the same function but differ in design, there are positives and negatives to both. A homeowner, along with a professional in sump pump services, needs to decide what type best fits their situation, whether they are considering a new installation or simply a sump pump replacement. 

Submersible Sump Pumps

• Pros: Submersion makes this pump quieter and less prone to clogs. Because the pump and motor are one piece, the pump takes up minimal space.
• Cons: Because the pump is submerged, it is more likely to be susceptible to damage from the water in the basin. This means that it may not last as long as a pedestal model.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

• Pros: Pedestal pumps have a separate motor and pump connected by a hose. They tend to have a longer lifespan because the motor is out of the water. They are easier to maintain due to the ease of access to the motor.
• Cons: They are louder and take up more space than a submersible pump.

Always Have Backup: Secondary and Backup Pumps

In the worst-case scenario, when a storm knocks out electrical power and the basement is filling with water, the primary sump pump cannot operate. That is why it is important to consider getting a secondary pump that is battery operated or one that is powered by water pressure.

• Battery Powered Pumps: As the name suggests, these backup pumps run on batteries and are typically operated by a float switch that makes the pump turn on when the water reaches a certain level in the basin.
• Water Powered Pumps: These pumps are powered by water pressure from existing pipes. They do not need batteries.

About RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

For more than 35 years, RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has been providing fast and professional service to South Plainfield, NJ, and the surrounding area. They are fully licensed and insured and have fast turnaround times and upfront pricing. Call them today for plumbing services in the South Plainfield area.

• 
  +
• 
  +
• 
  +