A sump pump is a frequently side-lined device that is also one of the most essential disaster prevention appliances in your home. Your sump pump is placed in a sump pit at your home’s lowest elevation, usually in the basement or crawl space, and it pumps out any additional water that collects in the pit. This simple machine is what helps prevents catastrophic flooding, hazardous mold growth, and costly damage to your home due to flash floods, drainage, or high water tables. That is until the power goes out, or the system breaks down!
Every conscientious homeowner understands the need for a sump pump, but not all believe there are any other precautions they should take. Fortunately, at Priority Plumbing & Drains in Toronto, we value our clients and community members highly and do all we can to help them stay safe and comfortable in their homes. In this article, we will address the need for a back-up sump pump before the power cuts, and the great storm of the century finds its way into your home!
Why Sump Pumps Fail
Good sump pumps are meant to last for a long time, especially in areas that do not receive an exorbitant level of annual rainfall. However, components do eventually break down, and other things can happen that could leave your home vulnerable to flooding.
- Power Outage
Power outages are the main culprits of sump pump failure, although it is not the sump pump’s fault. Since these appliances run on electricity, when the power goes out, so does the pump.
- Unplugged Pumps
There are very few reasons to unplug your sump pump. Flooding can happen at any time. Sometimes, however, you will need to unplug it because of a clog but remember: an unplugged pump is as useful as a broken down one.
- Inexpensive Devices
The old adage, “you get what you pay for,” could not be any truer. Cheap components yield cheap results. Make sure to do your research before going with the inexpensive option.
- Float Switches
Float switches can sometimes get caught against pumps, pipes, or power cords, unable to turn the pump on. Inexpensive float switches also wear out quicker.
These issues do not come up most of the time, but they do happen occasionally, and it is best to be prepared for the possibility.
Back-Up Your Sump Pump
What happens if you are on vacation when a flash flood hits and your primary pump malfunctions? Well, you could be coming home to severe water damage, mold and mildew, and a hefty repair bill.
Instead of allowing for that eventuality, we at Priority Plumbing & Drains strongly encourage you to purchase an electric or battery-powered back-up sump pump that will kick on if the primary device fails. An electric back-up is essentially just another pump that runs on your home’s power — these can help if the primary one is damaged or malfunctions.
If your power goes out frequently during storms, a good dual-battery unit could be a great addition to your existing pump. Battery back-up sump pumps are easy to install and will run on their own power source. Of course, long storms and persistent water flow may whittle down the efficiency of these devices, but they will provide temporary flood protection that does not depend solely on house electricity.
At Priority Plumbing & Drains, we offer top sump pump services, including repairs, installations, and preventative maintenance. Learn more by calling us today!