Sump Pump Aurora CO (like this one from Superior) removes excess water from a low part of your basement to prevent moisture from entering the home. It complements other ways to minimize moisture, like French drains and a well-designed gutter system that directs rainwater away from the house.

A sump pump, which sits in a pit or basin in the lowest part of a basement or crawl space, automatically activates when the water rises to a certain level. It then pumps the water out of the pit and away from your home, preventing flood damage and safeguarding your property and family safety.

Wet basements are a common problem in the United States, but they don’t have to be. The cause often lies in how the ground is handled outside the house, such as gutters that aren’t large enough or downspouts that don’t direct water far enough away from the foundation.

It also helps to ensure that the soil around the foundation is graded to slope away from the house and not toward it. In addition, sump pumps can help keep basements and crawl spaces dry by removing moisture that is already inside the structure.

If you have a sump pump, it is important to periodically test it for proper operation. A simple way to do this is to fill a five-gallon bucket with water and slowly pour it into the sump until the pump turns on and drains the water. If the pump doesn’t turn off promptly once the water reaches the shut-off level, it may need a new float switch or other component.

The pump is connected to an electrical power source, so it is also a good idea to have a battery backup system in place in case the main power fails during a storm. It is best to use a dedicated circuit, rather than one that is shared with other appliances, because this reduces the risk of the pump being accidentally unplugged. The pump’s plug may be labeled to warn against unplugging it or secured with a retaining bracket to discourage this. The pump may also be hardwired to electrical power so it cannot be unplugged, and it should be plugged into a GFCI outlet.

It is recommended to hire a licensed plumbing contractor to install your sump pump and connect it to drainage piping. The plumbing contractor should be able to provide you with an estimate for the installation and explain how the pump works. The plumbing contractor should be able to help you determine the correct size of the sump pump, whether it is submersible or non-submersible, and how long the discharge piping will need to be.

Reduces Health Hazards

As the name suggests, sump pumps remove water from the lowest areas of your home to prevent flooding and keep moisture away from foundations. They also protect property from mold and mildew, as well as maintain the structural integrity of homes in flood-prone areas.

However, the constant draining of water can wear down the hardworking pump motor and internal components, leading to premature failure. Sump pumps require regular maintenance to maximize performance and prolong life.

Start by regularly inspecting the pump and power cords for signs of physical damage and wear. Having the pump serviced as soon as possible helps limit potential problems.

If the sump pump is plugged into a standard household outlet, make sure it’s on a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to avoid accidental electrocution from faulty wiring. It’s also a good idea to use backup battery packs that temporarily take over pumping duties in the event of a power outage. For longer outages, a gas-powered portable or hardwired standby generator offers long-term backup power to keep your sump pump chugging along.

Check that the discharge pipe is properly sized and sloped to direct water away from the home’s foundation. A clogged discharge line leads to water backflow into the pump basin and decreases the pump’s lifespan. Check that the float switch is working correctly to activate and deactivate the pump based on rising water levels. If this free-floating switch gets stuck in a fully raised or lowered position due to debris obstructions or tangles, it won’t accurately track changing water heights.

Excessive operational noise, clanking and rattling is another sign of malfunctioning machinery that requires attention. Wear in the pump’s bearings, impellers and shaft seals causes disruptive sounds as these components grind against each other. A professional can repair or replace these parts to restore quiet operation.

In addition to ensuring the pump’s components are functioning correctly, it’s also important to have the entire system regularly cleaned. The pump itself should be inspected to ensure no physical damage or wear is present, and the pump pit and intake area should be kept clear of combustible materials that could cause fires. A check valve can also be installed on the discharge pipe to prevent recirculation of water back into the sump basin after the pump shuts off.

Keeps Your Basement Dry

Whether you’re a homeowner with a basement full of valuables or simply an avid hobbyist who enjoys working on projects in the comfort of your own home, keeping your basement dry is an important goal. If you want to protect your basement and your belongings from water damage, you need a functioning sump pump to keep the space dry.

A sump pump is a plumbing system that prevents flooding and other issues by drawing water from the area into a special container called a pit and pushing it away from the home. It’s a critical component in protecting your home from flooding, water damage, and mold problems.

However, it doesn’t take a raging flood to ruin your belongings or compromise the foundation of your home. Even mildew-inducing condensation and slow, steady leaks can wreak havoc on your home. If the conditions are right, excess moisture can trigger mold and mildew that ruins your belongings and threatens your family’s health. A functioning sump pump prevents mold and mildew growth, which keeps the area drier and more comfortable for your family.

To ensure your sump pump works properly, you’ll need to take preventative steps and perform routine maintenance. During your maintenance, you’ll check the operation of all electrical components to make sure they’re safe and working correctly. You’ll also inspect the discharge pipe to be sure it’s unobstructed and free of cracks or separation from the pump. It’s also a good idea to clear gunk from the inlet screen and throughout the sump pit itself twice a year to ensure proper drainage flow.

Finally, consider investing in a battery backup sump pump to give your basement an extra layer of defense if severe weather knocks out the power to your home. A battery backup unit will operate when the main sump pump is clogged or frozen, and it will activate automatically to help protect your basement from flooding.

A working sump pump can save your home from serious flooding, structural damage to your foundation, and costly repairs. When you’re ready to learn more about a sump pump, call the plumbing professionals at J&A South Park to schedule a free estimate.

Reduces Water Damage

A sump pump is an invaluable addition to your home, especially if you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall or a plot that’s below the groundwater table. This simple but effective device prevents costly damage to your carpets, walls, wood, and foundation that can occur if water is allowed to sit in the basement for long periods of time. It also prevents mold and mildew growth that can affect your family’s health, as well as protects your personal belongings from irreversible damage.

A Sump Pump is an affordable investment in your home’s protection. It can help reduce the need for expensive repairs and may even save you money on your homeowner’s insurance premium, as some insurers view homes with sump pumps as lower-risk properties.

Most residential sump pumps activate automatically when the water level rises in the basin, preventing the need for constant monitoring. The pump’s impeller then draws the water into a discharge pipe, which typically leads it away from your home and to a drainage area, such as a storm sewer, a dry well, or a designated spot in your yard where water can dissipate.

While a sump pump is a reliable and cost-effective tool to safeguard your property from flooding, it’s important that it’s properly installed and maintained in order to provide the best possible protection. A professional plumber can install your sump pump and ensure that the pipes connected to it are free of leaks, blockages, or corrosion. They can also examine your backup power source and alarms to make sure they’re functioning properly.

In addition, a professional can install baffling at the pump suction flange to help reduce the entrance velocity and stabilize the flow of water entering the sump pump. This prevents the pump from clogging, and it can significantly increase the life of your pump by protecting it from iron brown sludge (known as “iron ochre”). Iron ochre is a foul-smelling substance that’s caused by a bacteria in the soil and can be detrimental to your sump pump if left unchecked. This is why it’s crucial to have a professional clean your sump pump on a regular basis!