It is not always easy to find the best sump pump for your house, especially when there are so many different brands and models on the market. This guide will help you figure out which type of pump would be best for your home’s needs.
Rain Can Cause Flooding Around Your Home
As we all know, this year has been particularly rainy, which has led to dangerous, heavy flooding in some areas. A properly working sump pump may be the difference in whether your home stays safe in detrimental winter or summer storms.
Sump Pumps Are Perfect For Winter Storms
Sump pumps are well suited to removing floodwaters around your home. All they need is to be properly submerged at enough depth, preferably a basin where water continuously drains in. A sump pump will have a float switch which automatically turns the pump on when water reaches a certain level and will turn it off when the water is gone. This type of smart home automation can save your home from serious damage during a flood.
If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, or even if you just want some peace of mind just in case, purchasing and setting up a sump pump can really help.
Test Your Sump Pump Before The Storm Arrives
When storms are making their way towards your region, you want to make sure your home is prepared—especially your sump pump. If you’re able to test your sump pump to make sure it’s working in full force, use these tips:
- Find the exterior pipe that collects the water that runs from the pump. Make sure there is no dirt or debris obstructing the drain on the interior of the pipe.
- Fill a 5-gallon bucket with water or a big pot with water. Slowly pour the water into the sump pit, keeping an eye on the water level.
- The sump’s float should rise, and the pump should activate long before the water reaches the pit’s top. The system should be turned off when the pit empties.
- The pump should be investigated further if the float does not rise or the pump does not switch on/off automatically.
- Make that the pump is hooked into a functional outlet, which may seem obvious.
Power Outages And Sump Pumps
Power outages may occur as a result of severe thunderstorms, which can be another source of frustration for homeowners. More crucially, since a sump pump runs on electricity, it will cease operating if the power goes out. As a second line of defense, we always recommend that homeowners install a sump pump battery backup system! If your basement floods, make careful to read this advice before going down there.
A Plumber Can Help
Always keep in mind that a plumber is here to help you seven days a week in your area. If you think you may need a sump pump repair or replacement, give one a call or set up an appointment online, and they will come out on the same day.
If a sump pump is not ready for rain, it can cause a lot of damage. Water can get into the basement or under a house and cause mold to grow or even flooding.
A sump pump needs to be tested to make sure it is working properly. You can learn how to do this in How To Test Your Sump Pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rain affect the sump pump?
A: Yes, rain can affect a sump pump. As it rains, the dirt and mud that is in your soil will be deposited into your waterline as well. This prevents the suction from being able to pull up clean water and goes against how a pump works. You may need to have someone with an auger manually remove some of these clogs when it rains for you to continue using your system effectively.
Can heavy rain overwhelm a sump pump?
A: Not likely. That is, unless the sump pump’s electricity is cut-off or the power cord somehow breaks.
Should my sump pump run every time it rains?
A: Its not a good idea to always have your sump pump run because it can cause damage to your home. However, if you live in a place where it rains often and there is risk of flooding, then I would recommend running the pump every time during heavy rainfall.
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