Have you ever noticed a musty odor in your home? Maybe you have seen a wet area in your basement. Perhaps you have seen signs of moisture or water on the lower portions of your walls. If so, you may need to have a sump pump installed to protect your home from water damage.

What is a Sump-Pump?

A sump pump is a small pump typically located at the lowest spot in a crawlspace or a basement. This is the area of a house to which water will naturally flow. It helps keep those areas dry. It also protects your house from potentially extensive water or moisture damage and from mold and mildew. There are several different types of sump pumps available, so it isn’t too difficult to find the right one for your specific situation.
The most common type of sump pumps will remove water from your basement and thwart flooding. In fact, these small pumps can actually remove up to several thousand gallons of water per hour.
A sump, which is basically a hole dug into the basement or crawlspace, is intended to collect water, so this is where a sump pump is installed.  The water flows into the sump pit through normal water migration in the ground or through a drain system. Once there, the sump pump will pump the water out of your basement or crawlspace and away from your home.

Types of Sump Pumps

Sump pumps come in two different types. Sump pump installation for both types can be handled by a plumbing professional.
The first type of sump pump is called the submersible sump pump. You’ll find that this model has a sealed motor. It’s called submersible as the entire unit is under water. This does mean you will need a larger sump pit so everything will fit, but it is ideal for a large volume of water.
The upside to the submersible sump pump is that it is less noticeable as it is underwater and when it runs it doesn’t make as much noise. Not to mention, because the basin can come with a lid, it makes the pump safer for any pets or young children you may have. Oftentimes, this will be the type of unit that is suggested for home use.
The second type of sump pump is the pedestal sump pump. Unlike the submersible type, sump pump installation includes a shaft that holds the pump above the basin. This means that the motor is above water.
The advantage of the pedestal sump pump is that the basin can be smaller, meaning 10” or smaller. So, if space is an issue, this might be the right pump for you.

Determining the Right Size of Sump-Pump for You

Sump pumps come in several different sizes. Before you decide on one and schedule your sump pump installation, your plumber will need to determine the right size for your needs.
Basically, the size difference has to do with how much water the pump can move per minute. For example, some pumps can remove as much as 44 gallons of water per minute at 10-inch levels. You’ll find that for most cases a sump pump with a 44 gallon per hour capacity is enough. Of course, for those that live in an area that is prone to flooding or has a very high water table, you may need a stronger sump pump with a higher 75 gallon per minute capacity. This is also true for those that live in low-lying areas.
It’s always a good idea to talk with someone who is experienced in sump pump installation to determine what will work best for your home.

Why Sump-Pump Installation May Be Needed

Many homeowners live in an area that floods from time to time due to the water table around them. Others have issues due to poor drainage on their property. A sign of this can be seen as areas that stay damp all the time. If this sounds like you, then chances are you notice water in your basement or crawlspace from time to time especially during times of heavy rain.
This water can lead to damaged appliances, wood flooring, furniture, and carpeting. Not to mention damp areas in your home can lead to mold growth which in turn can lead to serious health issues.
While it is possible to install a sump pump yourself, sometimes it becomes difficult if not impossible to do it on your own due to the configuration of your crawlspace or basement. If you are unsure when it comes to sump pump installation, you should consider contacting a professional that has the know-how to do the job for you.

Don’t Forget the Sump-Pump Alarm

When it comes to sump pump installation, you may think once the pump is in place you can forget about it and let it get down to business. In reality, there are events that can lead your sump pump to stop working. This includes things such as mechanical failures or even power outages.
If your pump stops working and you’re unaware of it, you could end up with water in your basement and some of your treasured possessions ruined. That’s where a sump pump alarm comes in.
This alarm will alert you if your sump pump stops working for any reason. It does so as the water level begins to rise in the pit and before it gets into your basement. This gives you the time to fix the issue before flooding occurs.

The Best Time to Get a Sump-Pump

Don’t have a sump pump or need to replace an old one? The best time to make your purchase and get your sump pump installation completed is before the spring months begin. While spring may bring warmer weather, it also brings thaws and thunderstorms. That means a lot of water running into your crawlspace or basement. This is especially true if the property your home is sitting on is low lying or there has been a great deal of snow and rain during the winter.
The bottom line for sump pumps is that they can provide you with peace of mind with the knowledge that your home and possessions will be dry, comfortable, and safe.
So, if you’re in the need of sump pump installation, don’t wait. Give us a call here at Benjamin Franklin today, and let’s get started.