Water from flooding or heavy rainfall causes significant damage to homes and properties. Sump pumps provide an effective solution to water damage. These pumps manage excess water to prevent basement flooding.
The importance of sump pumps lies in their many benefits. The pumps stop water damage, reduce the chance of health risks and help your property maintain structural integrity. Learn why a sump pump is a must if you live in a flood-prone area.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump transports water from a basement to outside the building. It sits in a constructed pit called a basin below the basement floor. The pump detects rising water levels and removes excess water through a pipe. This pipe, or effluent, discharges the water in a safe space away from the building.
How Do Sump Pumps Work?
Sump pumps work using either sensors or a floating mechanism. Here's a breakdown of how they operate:
- Activation: Water accumulates in the sump pit. Sensors register rising water levels or the floating mechanism rises, activating the pump.
- Drainage: An impeller expels water through the discharge line to a drainage area.
- Deactivation. As the water levels drop, the floating mechanism or sensors deactivate the pump.
Pump power sources include batteries, electricity or water.
Why Are Sump Pumps Important in Flood-Prone Areas?
Sump pumps are vital to prevent water damage in areas prone to hurricanes, floods and heavy rain. Atlantic hurricane season starts in June and ends in November. During this time, buildings often experience water damage caused by hurricane-related floods. Flooding costs the U.S. up to $496 billion each year.
Here's how a reliable sump pump system can protect homes from flooding and its consequences:
Prevents Water Damage
A sump pump's main purpose is to protect homes against water damage. Water collecting in a basement can infiltrate floors, walls and structural elements. Sump pumps dry the area, preventing costly repairs and ruined personal belongings.
Reduces Water-Related Health Risks
Flood water and excessive moisture can cause a host of health problems. Stagnant water breeds bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. Inhaling these contaminants can increase the risk of developing lung disease and other health issues.
The health-harming bacteria and chemicals in floodwaters also affect indoor air quality (IAQ). Poor IAQ can cause temporary and long-term health effects. Short-term effects include dizziness and headaches. Exposure over the long term can lead to respiratory or cardiac disease. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends drying your home after floods to protect your health.
Sump pumps eliminate hazardous standing water and maintain a dry environment.
Preserves Structural Integrity
A flooded basement is dangerous for many reasons. Water seeping into the foundation can cause structural damage that renders the area unsafe and sometimes inaccessible. The sump pit collects water, stopping it from seeping into the foundation. If water reaches dangerous levels, the pump activates to move water out of the space.
Water seeping into your home's foundation can affect its internal structures. A building's structural integrity is its ability to withstand external forces without failing. Sump pumps remove water before it reaches the foundation.
Deters Mold and Mildew
Flood-prone areas provide the ideal moist and humid conditions for mold or mildew to grow, which can quickly spread once they start forming. Mold contains substances that can cause health problems, like allergies and respiratory issues. The best way to prevent mold is by removing moisture from the environment.
Decreases Insurance Premiums
Installing a sump pump may help lower your home insurance premiums. Water damage prevention measures mean fewer claims. Insurers may consider this when working out insurance rates.
Enhances Property Value
Sump pumps are an attractive feature for those looking to buy a home in a flood-prone region. A pump means less maintenance, lower repair costs and improved safety. Potential buyers appreciate proactive property maintenance, which can increase a home's value.
Do I Need a Sump Pump?
If you live or own a building in an area prone to floods, hurricanes or heavy rains, the answer is yes. Sump pumps are an effective way to protect your home from water damage.
There are pumps to suit any building size, need and budget. Pumps come in two types:
- Submersible: These pipes sit in the pit submerged in water. They are the most popular pump type because of their efficiency and quiet operation. Submersible pumps suit narrow or deep sump pits. They can tackle high water volumes and are less prone to clogging.
- Pitless: When a submersible pit is not an option, pitless pumps can drain on flat surfaces. These pumps work well for parking garages, basements, rooftops or service utility pits.
How to Choose the Right Sump Pump
When selecting a sump pump, consider these factors:
- Pump type: If you have the option of a pit, a submersible pump is ideal for its power and efficiency. Pitless pumps are effective in areas where a pit is unavailable.
- Pumping capacity: This is the number of gallons of water per minute (GPM) pumped out of the building. Determine the suitable capacity to handle maximum expected water levels. Your local water table and soil type also influence the pumping capacity required.
- Horsepower: The power of a sump pump motor determines the volume of water it can handle. It can range from ¾ to 1 horsepower. Speak to your pump supplier about the right power for your needs.
- Voltage: Wired sump pumps connected to the AC mains come in single-phase or three-phase. Single-phase is generally suitable for residential use.
- Backup power: Power outages during hurricanes or floods are common. A backup power system ensures your pump will perform in any situation. Choose a battery or water-powered pump or invest in a generator.
- Brand: Purchase a pump from a reputable manufacturer known for durable, high-quality construction. Popular sump pump brands are Tsurumi and Myers.
- Warranty: Check that the pump has a manufacturer's warranty. Warranties often cover material and workmanship defects.
- Installation and maintenance: Proper pump installation assures longevity and efficiency. Talk to an experienced pump provider to explain the process. Regular maintenance will optimize your pump's performance. Regular inspection, pit cleaning and testing will keep your pump in top condition.
Find Your Perfect Sump Pump at ePumps
At ePumps, we have a wide range of submersible and pitless sump pumps to protect your home from flood damage.
We offer free shipping and a 12-36-month manufacturer's warranty on all our products. Our customer service team is available to answer your questions. We'll even walk you through the pump installation process.
Order a top-quality pump today and say goodbye to water damage!
