When Is a Sump Pump Necessary?

Is a Sump Pump Right for Every House?

Every home's plumbing system is like a snowflake; each one is slightly different from the next. The pipes may run a little deeper below the ground, connect at different points in the house, use different materials, use city water, use well water, and the list goes on. Therefore, every house has different needs when it comes time to determine what plumbing devices are needed. Some houses will need sump pumps, and others may not.

So how do homeowners know what they need? How do they know whether a sump pump is really necessary for their own house?

Signs That a House Needs a Sump Pump

The job of a sump pump is to remove water that accumulates in a water-collecting basin. This device helps protect homes and prevent them from experiencing costly damages resulting from flooding and heavy rains.

Here are five questions for homeowners to ask when determining whether they need to have a sump pump:

Has the basement ever flooded before?
Is the house situated in a flat or low-lying area where water becomes trapped?
Is there a lake or river nearby that frequently rises?
Does the city get a lot of rain or snow during the year?
Is there expensive furniture or other items in the basement that need to stay protected against flooding damage?

If homeowners answered yes to one or more of these questions, it's time for them to seriously consider adding a sump pump to their home's plumbing system.

What Types of Sump Pumps Exist?

Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for sump pumps. There are many different options to choose from, based on the needs of the home.

Here are a few of the most common sump pumps:

• Submersible sump pumps: These sump pumps are fully submerged underwater in the sump pump basin. Though they can be harder to access for repairs, they are less obtrusive and quieter while operating.
• Pedestal sump pumps: These sump pumps are positioned with the motor out of the water and above the basin. While they are less expensive than submersible sump pumps, they are louder due to being above ground and have a greater potential for overheating, leading to safety hazards.
• Battery-backup sump pumps: Like a water-powered sump pump, this type of sump pump is ideal for power outages. They still use electricity to operate, but they have stored battery power in case of an outage. However, the battery power is not as strong as electrical power, so it won't work at full capacity operating only by the battery.

Choosing the Right Sump Pump

Homeowners must research and understand each option to determine the best sump pump for their unique needs. For example, if the home uses well water for its main water supply, homeowners can rule out water-powered sump pumps since they require city water to operate. If there are small children at home, a pedestal sump pump may not be a good option, since they have greater safety hazards.

Suppose the home is located in a city that experiences frequent storms or power outages. In that case, they may want to use a water-powered or battery-backup sump pump so that they don't have to worry about a non-functioning sump pump in the event of a power failure. It may also help homeowners consult with a professional to weigh their options and choose the best solution.

About S and J Plumbing

S and J Plumbing is a plumbing industry leader in Arlington Heights, always striving to bring superior plumbing service through its employees, products, and technical skills. Their goal is to make things easier for their customers by providing fully transparent service from start to finish. This means customers can expect upfront pricing, honest advice, and zero upselling; they only recommend the services and products customers need.

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