What is a sump pump and what does it do?
1. What Does a Sump Pump Do? A sump pump is usually installed in the basement of your home and is used to “pump” water out of your house and into another area, such as a storm drain. Often, they’re installed under the floor of your basement, although “pedestal pumps” do sit above your sump basin.
Why do you need a sump pump?
Sump pumps can be found in both residential and commercial settings and are designed to protect your property from flooding and water buildup. Even if your basement area is not prone to flooding, if you have excess moisture around your home’s foundations, a sump pump may help.
Is a sump pump worth it?
Even if your basement doesn’t flood, basement moisture can lead to mold and potential health problems. If you own a home and live in an area susceptible to excessive snow or rainfall, a sump pump is a smart bet.
How is a sump pump supposed to work?
Pits beneath the structure collect water. If the water level reaches a certain point the sump pump automatically turns on and pumps the water out of the pit and away from the home’s foundation. How often your sump pump runs depends on the amount of moisture you have.
Why do new homes have sump pumps?
As you have read, sump pumps eliminate moisture and help to prevent flooding in your basement. More than 60% of U.S. homes have moisture in their basements or crawlspaces, so it’d be wise to have yours inspected.
Do all houses with basements have sump pumps?
Most basements have a sump pump but they may not be necessary in all homes. The answer depends on how your home and basement are built, as well as the level of ground water and soil in your neighborhood.
How do you know if your house needs a sump pump?
5 Signs that You Need a Sump Pump
- What does a sump pump do?
- 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.
- You just finished your basement.
Can you have a basement without a sump pump?
If your house is built on a concrete slab (no basement) then odds are there is no sump pump. Sump pumps are designed to take water that surrounds your foundation and pump it outside before it can seep into your basement. So—no basement—no need for a sump pump.
Is there an alternative to a sump pump?
Some potential alternatives to a sump pump are french drains, ground grading and gutters to improve drainage away from the home.
Why is there always water in my sump pit?
It’s perfectly normal for a sump pump pit to always have some water in it. This water can be the result of rain, snowmelt, or seepage from the ground. That being said, when the water rises to a certain level, this should trigger your sump pump’s float switch. This will cause the pump to turn on and start working.
How do you maintain a sump pump?
Quarterly Maintenance Tasks
- Unplug the pump and empty the basin of any standing water.
- Remove any debris from the basin and make sure the sump pump inlet screen is clear and not obstructed.
- Plug the pump in and pour five gallons of water into the sump to verify that the float switch turns the pump on and off properly.
How long does a sump pump last?
about 10 years
How Long Does A Sump Pump Last On Average? Like other appliances and equipment in your home, your sump pump won’t last forever. Averaging about 10 years, you might not notice your sump pump has malfunctioned until it has stopped working.
What happens if sump pump fails?
Without a working sump pump, the excess water from a serious storm will begin to accumulate at the lowest point in your home. That point may be the foundation, crawlspace or basement. No matter where the water settles, it will begin to warp wood, cause rot and lead to mold growth.
How do I know if my sump pump is going bad?
Signs Sump Pump Replacement is Needed
- Frequently cycling on and off. If you’ve noticed your sump pump frequently cycling on and off, its basin may be too small to handle the volume of water in your basement. …
- Running nonstop. …
- Making weird noises. …
- Not coming on when it should.
Does showering affect sump pump?
Generally, water from your washing machine, shower, dishes, dishwasher, and maybe even the toilet, flows into the sump pit. No matter which type of sump pump you have in your home, they won’t last forever.
Where does the water from a sump pump go?
Unless you or your builder have made an error when connecting the sump pump, most homes will discharge water from the sump pit through a pipe in the wall of your foundation into either the yard or the storm drain.
Does sump pump use a lot of electricity?
The average sump pump uses about 10 kWh of power per month. Make sure you are not overloading your circuits or you could trip the breaker.
Can I unplug my sump pump overnight?
Can I unplug my sump pump overnight? Yes this can be safe assuming the water level in your sump pit is low enough. Try to plug it back in as soon as possible to prevent back flow from flooding your basement. This is most common with loud sump pump that keep you up all night!
Do you turn off sump pump in winter?
While you might think you don’t need your sump pump over the winter months, you shouldn’t unplug it entirely. If a warm front comes through, snow melts and a rainstorm hits, you might end up with a wet basement all because you forgot to plug your sump pump back in. Clear out debris in your sump pump’s pit.
Can a sump pump catch on fire?
Yes – sump pump (and basins) can catch fire! The most common cause is older, overworked pumps. Another common cause of basement fires is low-quality electrical work to power the pump, alarm, and battery. Also, remember to make sure you are using the right size extension cord.
