How Are Sump Pumps Used in a Home?
The more a homeowner knows about the individual systems that work together to make a home last, the better for the home and the owner. This can include everything from the electrical system to the roofing system. In some homes, part of the network is a drain system that helps remove excess water around the home. If a home has a drain system, then a sump pump is an integral part.
Sump pumps work hard to keep flood water away from homes; when they fail, they can allow massive damage to occur. Here is a quick guide to help homeowners better understand their home so they can make it last longer.
Uses of Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are submersible pumps that help remove water around the home. Some of the common places they are found are:
- Basements: Basements are notorious sites for water accumulation. Whether this is from internal condensation or from encroaching groundwater, sump pumps help keep basements dry.
- Low spots: Many yards suffer from low spots that accumulate water and stay wet so long the landscaping dies. Sump pumps help keep water out of these low spots.
- Sites with poor grading: Buildings on steep slopes or at the bottom of hills tend to experience a lot of surface runoff during rainstorms. Sump pumps and drain systems help prevent the water from flooding the home.
- Sites with high water tables: High water tables cause slow draining during rainstorms. Sump pumps help remove water from vulnerable places around the property and send it to municipal stormwater management systems.
Primary Types of Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are so common in homes that manufacturers have settled on two main designs to fit most people’s needs. This helps remove people’s confusion when learning about their sump pump systems. The first type of sump pump is called a pedestal pump because it needs a special mount so that its long shaft can reach down into the sump basin while keeping the motor dry. These pumps are reliable and easy to work on, but they can be too loud during operation for some people.
The second choice for sump pumps is submersible sump pumps. These units are waterproof, so the motor and pump are lowered into the basin and stay submerged. They generally last longer but can be a hassle to remove from the basin for maintenance. Most homeowners simply stick with the design already integrated into their homes. They must know the fitting sizes and flow rates to find a direct replacement.
Sump Pump Battery Backups
Sump pumps can fail when the power goes out, leaving the home unprotected. While most homes can weather a few hours of a storm without needing the sump pump to cycle, some homes need the pump to stay reliable regardless of the weather. Special sump pump battery backups are available to keep the it running during a power outage. These hold enough charge to keep the pump running during extended outages, preventing flooding and keeping the home safe.
About PHD Mechanical Inc.
PHD Mechanical Inc. has experience designing and maintaining sump pump systems. Their teams handle various plumbing issues, including drain and sewer problems. Call today to schedule sump pump services in Denville, NJ.
