With the arrival of spring and its warmer weather, there usually is an increase in flooded basements. This is due to an increase in ground-water from thawing and an increase in rainy weather. Additionally, with the ground surrounding your home absorbing the heat that comes from your house, it remains unfrozen throughout winter. This creates a perfect space for water to drain into, while everything else is frozen.
A sump pump keeps this water from making its way into your home and protects it from flooding. If your sump pump malfunctions, the basin it’s housed in can overflow and flood your basement. Obviously, basement flooding is a very unfortunate–and costly problem, which is why it’s so important to keep your sump pump functioning correctly. If you suspect something’s wrong with your sump pump, the experts at Swick are ready to help.
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?
Sump pumps were made to take excess water that drains into your home and pump it outside. The sump pump is typically located at the lowest point in your home’s basement in an area called the sump pit. The sump pit is a hole that is about 2 feet deep and 18 inches wide. As the sump pit fills with water, a float activator arm or pressure sensor automatically turns on the pump. When the pump turns on, it drains water to a spot away from your foundation where it won’t make its way back into your home. Additionally, sump pumps are equipped with a check valve which ensures the water draining from your house does not flow right back into the sump pump.
Check out the video below to learn how to test your sump pump. Follow the tips within to make sure your sump pump is working correctly. If you’re still having problems, Swick Home Services can provide fast and reliable sump pump replacement and repair in Marquette County.
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.
What Can Cause Sump Pump Failure?
Your sump pump could fail to perform its function for several reasons. These are the most common reasons why sump pumps fail:
- The sump pump isn’t the right size for the home’s needs.
- The sump pump wasn’t installed properly in the first place.
- There’s a problem with the sump pump’s switch. This can happen if your sump pump gets bumped out of its proper position and the float is unable to do its job.
- The pump hasn’t been maintained properly. Most manufacturers recommend running your sump pump every two to three months. Regular maintenance helps you spot small problems before they become big problems.
Learning how to identify these common problems will help you know when it’s time to call the pros. If you can’t tell what’s wrong with your sump pump, don’t worry! Swick’s experts can figure out your sump pump problem and tell you how we can fix it.
Professional Sump Pump Installation
While there are many DIY-savvy homeowners, when it comes to protecting your home from some of the worst kinds 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.
If your lights are constantly flickering you might need a breaker panel upgrade. Contact our specialists for help today!
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 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.
