If you live in flood-prone areas, it is important that you have a sump pump. This machine can make the difference between saving and losing your home. Sump pumps are used to drain water that collects in the basement when there are floods. The pump vacuums the water from the basement and directs it through a hose to a location where it will not cause any damages. You can direct the water to a storm drain or to nearby drainage. You should install an upright sump pump at the lowest level in your basement. Before you install this pump, here are a few things you need to look for.
There are two types of pumps. These pumps are submersible and pedestal pumps. Submersible pumps are in most cases installed when the house is being constructed and are submerged underwater in the basement. Both the motor and the pump are covered with waterproof materials to prevent water from seeping in. A pedestal pump is installed above the floor of the basement. A pipe is connected extending down to the basin to suck out the water.
Parts of the Pump
Make sure your pump is comprised of two parts. These parts are the standalone motor and a hosepipe. The motor is used to power the pump, and the hose is fixed to the sump pit.
Consider the Size
The size of the sump pump determines its strength in horsepower. Most basements with intermittent water seepage are sufficiently served by an average size pump with just a third horsepower rating. If you live in an area where floods are frequent or in an area with a high natural water table, consider going for a pump that has half horsepower rating. It will be sufficient for pumping more water and at a faster rate.
Backup Battery
Check if the sump pump you are to buy has a battery backup. Sump pumps rely on AC electrical power. However, in most circumstances when you experience floods, the conditions under which these floods occur also most often than not cause power failures. When this happens, then that means that your sump pump will not work and your house will get flooded. Get a pump that incorporates a DC battery backup that will take over pumping when the AC power grid fails. Look for a pump that comes with a rechargeable battery. This means that when there is a power failure, the battery kicks off and remains alive for an extended period. You can afford to for a holiday and stay for as long as a month with the confidence that your backup pump will set in if the main one fails.
You can also connect your pump to your house water system to have it run using water pressure. The water pressure plays the role of backup power.
Iron Core Over Plastic
You do not want to keep repairing or replacing your sump pump. If you want one that will last long and that which will not heat up, get one with cast iron core. Avoid those covered with plastic. The cast iron core dissipates the heat produced to the water surrounding the pump.
Consider the Switch
A capacitive switch operates automatically. The switch comes with a microprocessor that detects the level of the water and switches the motor on or off accordingly. Such a switch does not have mechanical parts hence does not wear off.
You can also get a pump with a mechanical rather than a pressure switch. You will need to keep watch through to ensure that it is on when you need it to be on. A pressure switch can fail just at the time you need it. You can have one with an alarm to alert you when it needs to be switched on or off. A mechanical switch, however, can get you off guard when the floor is already flooded. You’d rather have an automatic one that gets to work once the water sets in. It is an advantage since you do not have to be physically available to have the pump working.
Gallons Per Minute
It is important to check the amount of water the pump can pump up out in a given time. The more the gallons per minute, the more efficient the pump especially if your house is in a flood-prone location. In checking this, consider whether your pump can also pump out small stones and leaves.
Check Cords Length
Power cords come in different lengths. Depending on your power source, take the length that is suitable with your area, one that will easily reach your power source. You should avoid using sump pumps with extensions since the amount of power they consume will blow out or short circuit the extensions.