23 Jul Sump Pump Replacements
In the event of a power outage on a rainy day, sump pump replacements can be one of the most important plumbing repairs your house will need. A non-operational sump pump can result in a flooded basement and wreak havoc on your home.
We recommend having your sump pump serviced and maintained on a semi-annual basis. We also strongly recommend a secondary sump pump powered by a battery back-up system in case the first battery fails. With the correct precautions in place, your back up system will kick in to place and save your basement from flooding.
If you notice if your sump pump in your basement or crawlspace isn’t activating as the water level rises or is more than 10 years old, it might be too late. A typical lifespan of the sump pump will be roughly 10 years, but being prepared and having it serviced every 6 months will ensure the longevity of the device.
Which type of Sump Pump should you choose?
Once you’ve established you need a replacement, the best solution would be to replace it with the current model. Your local plumbing specialist will know exactly which model and make to replace your old sump pump with.
There are two types of sump pump: submersible and pedestal. A submersible pump sits in a hole in your basement floor. The motor is in a sealed case and when water rises to a certain level, the pump is activated and flushes water through the pipe outside and away from your home.
A pedestal pump sits above the ground with an impeller down in the hole of your basement; a pedestal pump will last longer due to being above ground and drier.
Cast iron submersible pumps tend to last longer than pedestal pumps that are generally made of plastic.
Sump Pump Backup Systems
As mentioned above, we recommend having a battery backup as well as a secondary back up option. Because some floods will cause the power to go off, it’s very important to be prepared.
Some newer models already come equipped with a built in battery back-up system. Our recommendation would be to get the battery-operated secondary system as well for further precautionary measures.
The market also has a water-powered backup system that will last longer than both options above. However the water-powered pumps move less water than the alternatives and will pump out tap water as well as the flood water.
Having your sump pump replacements in check can save your home from basement damage and we highly recommend taking all the necessary steps to get this done. Hiring a plumber to have it serviced and maintained can and will go a long way to protecting your home permanently.