If you live in a low lying area or in a region that gets a lot of storms and rain, a sump pump is an essential part of your home. Keeping water away from your basement and foundation can be an uphill battle when you live in these areas, but with a sump pump installation from our pros at Swick Home Services, you can enjoy a dry basement and the added peace of mind that your property will remain protected. With over 40 years of experience, we pride ourselves on our ability to help homeowners throughout the Marquette area. So the next time you need help, give our plumbing contractors a call.
Dealing with a burst pipe emergency? Rely on your sump pump to help, and give us a call for top-rated repair services.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a small pump usually in the lowest part of your basement, that’s designed to keep your basement from flooding by diverting the water away from your home. In most cases, a sump pump will be installed in a specially made pit or attached to a sump pump basin/tank. As the water flows into the pit (or tank) through drains, the sump pump then pumps the water out and away from your home.
There are four different kinds of sump pumps to consider for your home; primary, battery backup, combination, and sewage. Below we will go over the differences of each and how they work:
- Primary: A primary sump pump is just as it sounds. This is the basic pump that would be located in your pit or sump pump tank. There are two different types; pedestal and submersible. Primary sump pumps can pump out thousands of gallons of water an hour.
- Battery Backup: This pump is designed to take over in the case of a power outage. Unfortunately, sump pumps are run on electricity, so when the power goes out, they are useless; which is usually when you need them the most. A battery-operated sump pump will make sure you still have some protection from flooding; though they are not quite as powerful as your primary pump
- Combination: A combination sump pump is both a primary and backup battery in one. Popular for obvious reasons, a combination sump pump will make sure you are protected during good weather and power outages.
- Sewage Pump: A sewage sump pump is different from a standard sump pump as it can pass solids up to 2”. Though it can also remove water, a sewage sump pump is designed for septic overflow. It’s usually located in the septic tank itself or near it in a separate pit.
Benefits of Installing a Sump Pump
Whether you decide to go with a primary, combination, or sewage sump pump, the benefits of each are great. Not only will they keep your basement from flooding, but they can also prevent costly repairs that are associated with floods; including replacing expensive appliances. They will also protect the items that are stored in your basement or crawl space. Sump Pumps will also help maintain the integrity of your foundation.
Another benefit of a sump pump is the reduced amount of mold and mildew that can accumulate from moisture. Not only do sump pumps prevent floods, but they also keep excess moisture from accumulating under your home. As moisture accumulates, it can cause mold and mildew growth that can affect your health. It can also be the cause of costly repairs as the mold and mildew build up inside your walls.
Finally, but most importantly, a sump pump can reduce the risk of fire. A leading cause of house fires is flooding that reaches your electrical system. When water gets near the electrical components of your major appliances (washing machine, HVAC, etc), it will short circuit; which can start a fire. Keeping the water directed away from these electrical components will reduce this risk.
If your lights are constantly flickering you might need a breaker panel upgrade. Contact our specialists for help today!
Professional Sump Pump Installation
While there are many DIY savvy homeowners, when it comes to protecting your home from some of the worst kind of damage, getting professional care is key. At Swick Home Services, we can help you find the right sump pump for your home and get it installed correctly.
Additionally, we offer ongoing sump pump repair and maintenance services, to ensure that your home is always protected. The most important thing we can ever offer our customers is peace of mind - and you get it with every service call.
