A high-quality sump pump can provide an excellent means of protecting your home from water damage. If you live in an area with heavy rains or flooding, using one of these devices can help protect your home, health, and belongings. It’s smart to learn as much as possible about installing and maintaining a sump pump, as this knowledge can help you extend its lifespan.
What’s a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a device that removes groundwater from your home. It’s typically installed in basements and crawl spaces, two areas prone to water accumulation. A plumber installs the sump pump in a pit, and when the water collects and reaches a certain level, it turns on automatically. It then directs the water out of your home.
Signs You Need a Sump Pump
Homes in flood zones, low-lying areas, and communities with heavy rainfall often need sump pumps. Frequent water accumulation in your basement or crawl space is a strong indicator that you could benefit from using one. It’s particularly important if you frequently get standing water. Additional signs include musty or moldy odors, efflorescence on the walls, high humidity levels, and overall dampness.
Benefits of Installing a Sump Pump
Preventing water accumulation is the biggest benefit of installing a sump pump. Its other advantages include improving indoor air quality, protecting your foundation, and preventing pest infestations. A sump pump can also prevent mold growth. Mold can start growing quickly, usually within 24 to 48 hours, so it’s important to create an environment where it can’t thrive.
Your sump pump can also keep water away from appliances, such as water heaters, as well as electrical systems. This creates a safer environment and prevents expensive repairs and replacements. Another financial benefit is that a sump pump could increase your property value. If you decide to put your home on the market in the future, potential homebuyers will likely see the device as an attractive feature.
However, nothing beats the peace of mind you’ll have by installing a sump pump. Because it activates automatically, it works to protect your home even when you’re not there.
The Dangers of Doing Without a Sump Pump
Not having a sump pump puts your home at a severe risk of problems. There may also be significant financial consequences. Without one of these devices, your home could experience structural damage, mold growth, ruined walls and floors, and poor indoor air quality. Installing a sump pump is more cost-efficient than having to pay for structural repairs and mold remediation. It could also save you the additional expense of replacing ruined belongings, devices, or appliances.
DIY vs. Professional Sump Pump Installation
You may be tempted to install a sump pump yourself to save money. However, the process can be complex, especially for someone without professional training. If you install a sump pump improperly, it could lead to several issues, including flooding.
Professionals will install the device properly and safely, so it will be ready to safeguard your home when you need it most. You can also feel confident that it’s up to code and can meet all your drainage needs.
Sump Pumps and Power Outages
Since a sump pump typically runs on electrical power, it could stop working if your home experiences a power outage. It’s a good idea to plan for this situation, just in case. There are several options that can allow the device to keep working.
One possibility is to hook your sump pump up to your standby generator so that it can continue to run in a power outage. If you don’t plan to invest in a standby generator, keep a portable model on hand. Another option is a battery-powered backup sump pump that goes on automatically when your primary one stops working during a power outage.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure which solution is best. We can discuss the options to help you choose the ideal setup.
Signs That Your Sump Pump Needs Maintenance
After the installation, it’s necessary to make sure that your sump pump continues to function correctly. It’s important to recognize signs of malfunction so that you can contact us for assistance. The biggest indicator that it needs service is that it won’t remove water from your basement or crawl space. Additional signs of trouble include grinding noises, short cycling, physical damage, foul odors, and running nonstop. If it keeps tripping the circuit breaker, there may be an electrical issue or a problem with the sump pump itself.
If you notice any potential problems, never try to resolve them on your own. You may accidentally damage the system or injure yourself. Additionally, you may void the warranty and have to pay for future repairs out of pocket.
Professional vs. DIY Maintenance
Professional and DIY sump pump maintenance differ from each other, although both help keep the device in good condition. During a professional inspection, plumbers perform various tasks, such as checking the pipes and electrical wiring. They’re skilled at noticing minor issues that could easily develop into severe problems. We recommend scheduling a maintenance appointment at least once a year, ideally in early spring. Before booking an appointment, ask us about our plumbing service agreement.
Most DIY sump pump maintenance tasks are best left to the professionals. However, there are some easy things you can do to make sure the system is running correctly. For example, you can pour water into the pit to see if the float switch activates. It’s also important to remove debris from the intake screen. Our team can advise you on what tasks are safe for you to perform and how to go about doing them.
What Happens When You Ignore Proper Maintenance?
Since the sump pump is in your basement or crawl space, it’s easy to forget about it. However, keeping up with maintenance is crucial for proper operation and to encourage longevity. With regular care, the device could last 10 years. However, a lack of maintenance can reduce its lifespan. It could also increase the chances of expensive repairs or replacements. This is especially problematic if the sump pump isn’t under warranty and you have to pay for the costs on your own.
Delaying maintenance puts your home at risk anytime your area gets heavy rain. You may assume that the sump pump is functioning correctly, only to find standing water in your house. It’s not worth the risk. Consider adding some reminders to your calendar for when you need to inspect the sump pump and perform maintenance tasks. A/C & Plumbing Doctors in Gilbert, AZ, offers dependable sump pump installations in your basement or crawl space. We also repair these devices.
Call our team at A/C & Plumbing Doctors today to schedule an appointment in Gilbert.
