Everyone has heard of a sump pump, but do you know what it is? Besides being fun to say, it is a submersible pump that is situated at the lowest point of your crawl space or basement. The groundwater that surrounds the foundations of your home is then channeled to a drainage system installed at the base of the foundations.
How do They Work?
A sump pump is turned on only when the water within the sump pit reaches a certain predetermined level.
The water from the sump pump finds its way to perforated drainage pipes and swerves quickly to the sinkhole (where the pump is situated). It goes from the sump pump to the storm drain, to a dry well or nearest pond.
Most new houses are equipped with sump pumps, but older houses can be modernized with a sump system to prevent flooding in the basement. Our plumbers are experts in the installation and repair of sump pumps.
Different Kinds of Sump Pumps
- Also called pedestal, submersible sump pumps are the most common water pumps and are used to remove soil water from sink pits and transfer basement drainage to prevent residential flooding. Many homeowners choose submersible sump pumps because of their silent operation. Less distraction for the owner is a benefit. However, submersible sump pumps are harder to work on because they are the most difficult to reach.
- Manual sump pumps turn on when you physically turn it on. If you aren’t home, this could lead to a major problem.
- An automatic pump is a great alternative to a manual sump pump because it will trigger itself based on water depth.
If you aren’t sure what kind of pump you have or need, give us a call at 317-271-5400. We are the one-stop professionals for all of your plumbing needs.
Test Your Sump Pump
No matter which kind of sump pump you have, you always want to make sure it is in working order, especially during (or before) the rainy seasons. The weather doesn’t wait for battery backups! Even an inch of water left standing in your basement can cause irreparable damage.
You can test your pump by pouring water into the basin of the pump, and it should trigger the pumping automatically (unless you have a manual pump, in which case you’ll need to turn it on.)
As long as your pump successfully removes the test water, your pump should be good to go.
If you aren’t sure about testing your pump, we can help. Our experts can support you as you prepare for wet weather.
Maintenance of Your Sump Pump
To clean your sump pit, all you have to do is remove dirt, sand, gravel, and other debris. This will increase the efficiency of the pump and prolong its life.
Replacement and Repair of Your Sump Pump
Like any equipment with moving parts, sump pumps will wear out over time and should be replaced. There is no general rule about how often a sump pump should be replaced since it depends on how often the pump works. And that depends on the location of your home and the water levels in your area.
For more information on sump pumps, or to get yours tested, give us a call or contact us online.
