As the summer months are in full swing, one of the most common residential household summer plumbing issues is basement flooding. That unexpected downpour of a summer afternoon can quickly turn into an unexpected flooded basement. Rain, along with poor yard drainage and a leaky foundation are the main culprits of basement flooding. One way to help prevent flooding from happening, is to make sure your home is equipped with a sump pump and if it is already, make sure that it is ready for the weather your home will experience. Installing a sump pump is one of the most accessible measures to help prevent basement flooding as well as ensuring that the moisture in your basement is minimal. While having a sub pump will be extremely helpful for excess rain, unfortunately, they are not fail proof. Oftentimes, homes can become overwhelmed with the amount of water entering the structure that the sub pump is unable to keep up with the flow of water. 

What is a sump pump?

A sump pump is a small pump that is installed in home’s basements or crawl spaces in a sump pit. The purpose is to collect the excess water from drains around the home as well as the soil. The sump pump pumps the water away from the home in hopes of keeping the basement dry and water free.  

Types of sump pumps

Submersible sump pumps - These sump pumps are put underwater in your sump pump basin in your basement. Often, this type of pump will be surrounded by cooling water at the bottom of the basin. This puts the sump pump at less risk for overheating when dealing with a large volume of water flowing in. 

Pedestal sump pumps - This type is best for smaller basins. They are often less expensive than submersible sump pumps and they are not submerged in water. Rather, they sit above the sump basin. Unfortunately, because these are not surrounded by cooling water, there is a greater chance this type of pump will overheat and not function properly. 

What If I don’t have a sump pump?

Without a sump pump, your home is at risk for an unnecessary amount of water that could lead to property damage in your basement. Smart homeowners will purchase a battery powered sump pump since electricity is one of the first things to go during a thunderstorm. With a large amount of water flowing in, a sump pump works efficiently to redirect the water out of the basement. However, as stated before, even the best sump pumps can fail with excessive amounts of water. To combat this, sometimes it is recommended that a second, back up sump pump is installed as a precautionary measure. It is recommended that sump pumps get replaced once every 10 years. This reduces the risk of water damage and high repair costs.

If you would like to install a sump pump before the summer months or would like to make sure your sump pump is in working order, call Dan’s Plumbing Services today! Dan’s Plumbing Services is equipped with experienced plumbing professionals that are ready to ensure your basement is prepared for whatever the weather brings this summer. Contact us today at (779) 529-5100, or visit our website. We look forward to working with you.