Flooding is one of the worst calamities that can strike your home. In fact, according to the National Flood Insurance program, flooding is the most common natural disaster in America. Flooding can strike at any time, whether excessive rain or snow melt, a mechanical malfunction in your home or by hydrostatic pressure cracking your foundation and walls. The most practical machine to protect your home against flood damage is a sump pump.
The Mighty Sump Pump
A sump pump is a machine that sits in the bottom of a sump, which is a pit in your basement or crawl space that collects water. The water is pumped through a pipe that typically penetrates a side wall or a hole in the foundation. The pump turns on when water rises and activates the float switch. When the float switch returns to its normal position — meaning the water has receded — the pump turns off.
The simple operation of a sump pump can provide the following benefits:
- Protect equipment and systems, such as a water heater, a furnace, personal belongings and anything else that may be in your basement.
- Protect walls and foundation from water damage.
- Help prevent corrosion, pest infestation and the development of mold and other harmful micro-organisms by keeping your basement and home drier.
- Protect your basement in the event your water heater ruptures.
Sump Pump Installation
Installing a sump pump is quite difficult work. You’re talking about digging a 3-foot-deep by 2-foot-wide hole in your basement using a sledge or a jackhammer and a shovel. On top of that, you have to install the sump basin, run the discharge pipe up and through a side wall and figure out what size sump pump to install.
Of course, there are many steps in between, but you can see that installing a sump pump to successfully protect your home from flooding is better left to your professional plumber.
Backup Sump Pump and Power
A backup sump pump supplements your primary system. Should your primary sump pump fail, your backup sump pump can power on to protect your home.
Another consideration is power source. Your electric sump pump is running off of your home’s electricity. However, flooding often knocks out power. Then what? Your electric sump pump is useless unless you have either a generator or a battery-operated backup sump pump.
Seasonal Maintenance
Inspect and test your sump pump each season. Check to see if the pump is positioned properly and standing upright. To test its function, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to activate the float switch. The pump should turn on and pump the water out of the sump.
Along with your plumbing and water heater, your sump pump should be professionally inspected each year. You don’t want to go to the trouble of installing a sump pump to protect your home, and then it not work when you need it.
Installing and maintaining a sump pump is one of the easiest and most practical ways to protect your home. To learn more, contact the professionals at MN Plumbing & Appliance today.