What You Need To Know About Sump Pumps

A sump pump is one of the most valuable weapons against water damage you can have in your home. A sump pump is most commonly used when basements flood or have issues associated with dampness. It is especially helpful in seasons with a large amount of rain or heavy snowfall that melts and causes increased water flow. 

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From our water damage restoration pros at Restoration 1 of East Alabama, here are a few of the most important things everyone should know about sump pumps. 

How Do They Work?

Sump pumps are cylindrical pumps that operate out of your basement or crawlspace. Sump pumps automatically pump excess water out of the house and away from your property. In the event of a flood, sump pumps are always there to immediately begin pumping water out of your home to mitigate the effects of a flood.

There Are Several Different Types Of Sump Pumps

Four of the most common types of sump pumps are pedestal pumps, submersible pumps, battery-operated backup pumps, and water-powered backup pumps. 

Pedestal pumps have a motor next to the sump basin. These are good for small basements but the sound is fairly loud. 

Submersible pumps have the motor and its housing located inside the hold. These are quieter and more powerful making them preferable if you have a large basement that you spend a lot of time in.

Water-powered backups pump water out in response to increased water pressure. A downside is that these pumps need water to operate and can increase your water bill.

Battery-powered backup pumps have a float switch that operates when the main source like electricity or gas lines is cut off due to a storm.

Common Sump Pump Mistakes

Common sump pump mistakes include unplugging the pump, draining water into municipal water or sewer systems, and failing to conduct preventative maintenance. Keeping your sump pump plugged in is important because otherwise, it won’t be able to operate during a flood. Draining water into municipal water or sewer systems is illegal in many localities. Finally, failure to perform preventative maintenance will prevent your pump from working properly when you need it.

How To Reset A Sump Pump

To reset your sump pump, you need to do three simple things. First, disconnect the power with your circuit breaker. Second, check the basin of the sump pump and make sure it is clear of debris. Third, reconnect the sump pump by plugging it back into the wall and turning it on.

If your basement ever floods, a sump pump will be an invaluable tool for mitigating the destructive effects of water damage. At Restoration 1 of East Alabama, we hope you find the advice above helpful. At the end of the day, however, the advice is simple. If you have a basement or a crawl space, invest in a sump pump as it can make the difference between a minor water damage mess and a major water damage disaster.