Flooding is a major concern for all homeowners, and if you’ve ever been in a situation where you had to call on a 24-hour emergency plumber, you know how stressful it can be. That’s why homeowners have sump pumps installed in their homes to protect against the dangers of floodwater. But what is a sump pump, and how do sump pumps work to protect your home? Continue on to find out how a sump pump can protect your basement and prevent expensive repair costs.
How Do Sump Pumps Work?
Sump pumps are submersible pits dug in your basement or some lower part of your home. Sump pumps work by filtering out the pooling water collecting in the soil around your home. During heavy rains, the excess groundwater funnels into the sump pit and begins filling up. When the water level rises to a certain height, the float switch is activated, and the water is sent into a nearby storm drain.
Types of Sump Pumps
There are two major types of primary sump pumps — submersible and pedestal — as well as battery-operated and water-powered backup sump pumps. These four types of pumps are responsible for keeping your basement floor dry and preventing water damage in your home.
Submersible Pumps
Submersible sump pumps sit inside the sump pit and function while underwater. Because they work underwater, they are much quieter but also come with a bit of bulk and can be difficult to perform maintenance on.
Pedestal Pumps
Pedestal pumps are installed above the sump pit and are easier to perform maintenance on compared to submersible pumps. These sump pumps work with an exterior motor that also happens to be much louder than submersible pumps. They cost a bit less than submersible pumps, but they’re often used for homes that aren’t in the worst rainy climates.
Water-Powered Backup Pump
Water-powered backup sump pumps work by using a steady stream of water pressure — like your city’s water system — to activate the system. Without a high pressure and continuous flow of water, these pumps won’t work correctly and will have a hard time removing water from your home.
Battery-Operated Backup Pump
Battery-operated backups are the most common backup used in homes, as they don’t run the risks that water-powered backups do. They spring to life from battery power as soon as your primary sump pump goes out or if you experience a power outage.
What Are the Benefits of a Sump Pump?
So how do you know if a sump pump works for you? Sump pumps aren’t expensive investments, and they come with real pros for you and your home. These benefits include:
- Protects basements from flood waters.
- Protect basement and lower-level appliances from flood damage.
- Prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Keeps the foundation around your home sturdy.
- Gives you peace of mind knowing your home is safe no matter where you are.
Keep Your Home Safe With a Sump Pump
If you’ve had water problems in the past, live in a climate with heavy rainfall, or just want to protect your home, a sump pump is perfect for you. Residents in Toronto and surrounding locations can contact Priority Plumbing, and we’ll send one of our sump pump technicians out to your home. Whether you’re looking to schedule a sump pump installation or searching for sump pump maintenance, our expert service members are here to help.