Jul
05
Every homeowner should know that a reliable sump pump is their first line of defense to protect you from basement flooding. Yet, when shopping for a new sump pump, homeowners are often baffled by all the choices. There are so many different models and features to choose from!
So, whether you are installing it yourself or having a contractor or plumber do it for you, allow me to offer you some expert advice on the matter. This post can help you make sure you know what to look for and what to avoid when choosing and installing the right sump pump for your basement.
Cast iron case sump pump vs. plastic case
The most reliable sump pumps have a cast iron case. Many people mistakenly avoid cast iron submersible pumps because of corrosion concerns. Yet, the cast iron used in these pumps is treated against corrosion. Pumps break down more often due to overheating than corrosion. Cast iron disperses heat more easily than plastic, especially when submerged in cold water. This will keep your sump pump from burning out when run time increases due to weather conditions.
Examine the product. Some manufacturers claim that their sump pumps are made with cast iron when only parts of the pump (usually the base) are made with cast iron. Give preference to models that do not have a grate or screen around the bottom of the pump housing. These grates get clogged all too easily with silt and pebbles, limiting water intake and shortening the life of the motor. Small pebbles can also disable the propeller.
Vertical vs. tether float switch sump pumps
Sump pumps are triggered by a float switch, which turns the pump on when the water in the pit reaches a certain level. Many sump pumps fail simply because the float switch has malfunctioned. If the switch gets stuck in the “on” position, it will cause the pump to run non-stop usually burning out the motor. If the switch fails to activate the pump motor, the basement floods.
Both types of switch failures are more common in pumps with tether float switches, because the tether or cord connecting the floating device to the pump gets tangled in the sump pit. A mechanical, vertically oriented float switch is much more reliable because there’s no cord to tangle up and very little clearance is required around the float. One more point about the float: avoid hollow floating devices because they can be punctured or develop leaks. Once this happens, they’ll stop working. Solid floats will never succumb to these problems.
Judging sump pump capacity
Pumping capacity causes a lot of confusion due to misinformation when shopping for a sump pump for one simple reason. Many times, the advertised or rated pump capacity is less than what the pump actually discharges when installed in the basement. Keep in mind that the basement is below grade, and a sump pump is installed below the basement floor. To get water out of the basement, the pump needs to shoot it up through the discharge pipe until it’s slightly above grade level, so that gravity can take over and allow the water to drain away from the foundation.
Having to push that water up the pipe takes a lot of power and the amount of water the pump is actually able to pump out is directly related to how far it needs to pump the water until it reaches grade level. In a typical basement, the water needs to be pushed up over eight feet vertically, so a good sump pump must be able to pump a considerable amount under these conditions. The best performing pumps we tested will pump anywhere between 2,220 gallons per hour for 1/3 HP pumps, and 3,900 gallons per hour for ½ HP, at an 8ft. head.
Battery-powered backup sump pumps
If you are replacing your sump pump, it is a good idea to consider installing a backup pump as well, preferably a battery-operated model. The same storms that bring water into the basement also have the power to knock down electrical lines and put a standard pump out of commission when it’s most needed. Consider sump pump systems that offer both the main electrically wired pump and a battery-operated backup pump with an alarm to let you know when the main pump is out of order.
Protect your sump pump
The truth is that the best sump pump in the world is likely to fail if it is not properly installed. A sump pump forced to run in a dirty pit, inside a rusty metal or improvised container, and with no pedestal to lift it above the silt and mud or a cover to keep debris out, will most likely fail prematurely. Also, the water contained in such a sump pit is evaporating into the basement, contributing to mold growth and other moisture problems. Consider installing a sump pump container with an airtight sealed lid. The best containers have a water alarm and a floor drain to address water from plumbing leaks and other spills inside the basement.
A sump pump protects your investment
A single inch of water, even in an unfinished basement, can cause thousands of dollars in damages. When it comes to a flood, there is no safe zone. According to Floodsmart.gov nearly 20 % of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas. A good quality sump pump system is one of the best investments you can make to protect your home from the hassle of a basement flood, and all the costly expenses that come with it.
