Residential Sump Pump Professionals
WHAT IS A SUMP PUMP AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
A sump pump is an electric-powered pump installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawlspace. It serves to keep these areas dry and to prevent floods. If water collects in your home’s basement regularly, a sump pump will remove it before structural damage can occur. Today, sump pumps are fixtures in many homes and are standard in the construction of new homes.
In most cases, they are installed in sump basins. Water enters into a sump basin via drains, or by perimeter catchment piping. The sump pump works to pump the water out of the sump pit, directing it away from the building to keep the basement or crawlspace dry.
Sump Pump Inspection and Maintenance
HOW TO MAINTAIN A SUMP PUMP
When performing routine plumbing maintenance, it’s easy to overlook the sump pump, but this is one fixture you don’t want to overlook. This is because it can be crucial when you need it. A few things can cause your pump to fail such as clogged discharge pipes, power failure and lack of maintenance.
Keep in mind that power outages may happen after severe storms or extended periods of rain. A battery backup system, which is highly recommended, can help alleviate power outages. Test your pump on a frequent basis to avoid unexpected issues. A professional can test more extensively but here are a few things you can look at for; check if the power is on, remove debris from sump basin, check pump activation by filling pit with water and lift float to check activation. If your pump is not running at all or not running properly, call an expert at Integra Waters for inspection, maintenance, repair, and installation.
Selecting the Right Pump for Your Property
WHAT SUMP PUMP IS RIGHT FOR YOUR PROPERTY
A sump pump may not be required in every home. However, it can help any home with inadequate drainage in the lower levels of the structure. If your property has ever suffered water damage due to flooding, contact one of our experts to schedule sump pump installation.
We can help you figure out which type is best for you such as pedestal or submersible. We make sure your sump pumps are properly installed and will not be washed away with each rainstorm. To find the best solution for your waterproofing needs, talk to an experienced plumber at Integra Waters about your alternatives.
Common Sump Pump Issues
AVOID COMMON SUMP PUMP PROBLEMS WITH INTEGRA WATER
Make sure your sump pump is in good working condition so you and your family are prepared for when you need it most. If you’re worried about any of the following common sump pump issues or have recently moved into a new home, it may be time to get a new sump pump installed in Victoria by the sump pump experts at Integra Water:
- Power failure without a backup battery installed
- Underpowered or overworked sump pumps
- Worn-out pump motors
- Float valve problems
- Clogged or frozen discharge pipes
TYPES OF SUMP PUMPS
There are two main types of sump pumps: Submersible sump pumps and Surface-Mounted sump pumps.
Submersible sump pumps reside below the water at the bottom of the sump basin. They can manage higher water volumes better than surface pumps. When a level switch activates the pump, it discharges the water away from your property through piping.
Another type of sump pump is called a surface-mounted sump pump. The pump is mounted in an area that is remote from the sump basin. A pipe reaches down into the bottom of the pit to draw the water out. Since the motor and pump are out of the water, surface-mounted sump pumps are traditionally louder than submersible pumps.
FAQs
A sump pump is an automatic drainage pump that is typically housed in a sump pit or basin in the basement or crawl space. Water accumulates around and beneath a home’s foundation, a sump pump drains this water, keeping your property dry and safe. A float switch linked to the pump detects the water level and tells it when to turn on and off dependent on the water level in the basin.
You need a sump pump if you reside in a location that is prone to flooding, or simply if it has the potential to flood. Watch out for the following signs:
- You notice water in your basement.
- You live in an area with lots of water or snow annually.
- Your current sump pump doesn’t power on.
- Your home is in a low-lying area.
Pour a bucket of water into the basin to activate the sump pump’s automatic start, and the water should drain fast after the pump is activated. It’s time to have the pump serviced if it won’t start and/or won’t empty.
You should clear any debris from the exterior drainpipe. You should make sure it keeps water away from your foundation. Finally, check for electricity and hear if the motor is operating.
You should contact a professional to service, repair and replace your sump.
Calling a professional from Integra Waters to inspect your sump pump is the best method to find out if it needs to be fixed or replaced. If odd sounds like rattling, screeching, clanging are coming from the unit, or there is dirt accumulating in the sump, you need an immediate inspection.
Sump pumps should be maintained on a regular basis to ensure that they are in good operating order. A sump pump’s lifespan can be shortened by a number of factors, including improper installation, an unreliable power source, or living in a location prone to high rainfall or snowfall.
A pedestal sump pump is an earlier design that does not allow the engine to be immersed. Because it is not contained in the sump basin, it is less efficient and noisy. A submersible pump can be totally confined and submerged in the sump basin, increasing its efficiency.
The optimal horsepower for you is determined by the required flow rate and required pressure to remove water from your home. The more water you have accumulating in your basement, the more horsepower your need on your sump pump.
If you had a sup pump before and it performed well, go with the same horsepower. Increase the horsepower if the previous pump did not match your expectations.
If the pump is oversized, it leads to short cycling. If the pump is undersized, it leads to continuous operation. Both of which can reduce the life span of the pump.
Short cycling or continuous operation might shorten the life of a pump if it is over- or undersized.
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