Sump Pumps – Keeping Your Basement Dry -
Water in the basement can be a family’s worst nightmare. Aside from the financial consequences, standing water can cause structural damage, health hazards, and attract bugs and other critters. A sump pump is a necessity if your basement is prone to flooding in a rainstorm, or if your basement is below the level of sewer lines. However, almost any homeowner that has a below grade basement should consider having a sump pump installed as a precaution, because even an inch of water can do extensive damage.
What is a Sump Pump? A sump pump is an electric pump that is installed in the basement of a home and used to pump water out of the basement. Water is pumped outside. Sump pumps generally work in combination with a sump pit, a hole dug usually in the basement to collect water for pumping outside.
Almost all pumps today are submersible. The submersible sump pump is just as it says, able to be submersed under water without doing damage to the unit. It does not have a connecting pipe that draws the water out. Instead the water is filtered right through the bottom of the sump pump. The advantage is that the bottom of the pump has a screen or filter that keeps out gravel or debris that could be sucked into the impeller of the pump. The impeller is the device that creates suction. Damaging this ruins the pump. The rising water level triggers this type of pump as well. Submersible pumps are generally more expensive and actually may have a shorter life span due to being in water all the time.
There are many high quality pumps out there to choose from. These variations of brands and styles are offered in many price ranges. Depending on the size of the house and the general amount of water that comes into the basement, a professional can recommend the proper size for your home. Sump pumps can also come in cast iron or thermoplastic, which is nearly as strong, but much lighter.
Sump Pumps
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You won't get Quality Pumps like these at Home Depot or Lowes!
