Sump pumps are crucial in keeping your home’s basement dry and safe from flooding and water intrusion. At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we have been the trusted choice of Michigan homeowners since 1975, offering expert basement waterproofing and foundation repair services. Our services include basement sump pump installations, repairs, and inspections, giving you confidence that your basement is always in good hands. Let’s look at sump pumps and how our experienced team can assist you with sump pump inspections, repairs, and installations.
What Are Sump Pumps?
Sump pumps are devices that remove water from a sump basin in basements. They prevent water intrusions from damaging the basement and home foundation. They are composed primarily of two parts, the sump basin and the sump pump, that work together to remove water from your basement. The sump basin is a reservoir built into the floor of a basement that catches water that makes its way into the basement. When water in a sump basin reaches a certain level, the sump pump activates and begins to pump the water out of the sump basin away from the basement, typically into a storm drain, sewer system, or other nearby drainage system. Sump pumps are vital to preventing basement flooding and safely removing water from basements in the event of a flood or leak.
How Sump Pumps Prevent Basement Flooding
Sump pumps can be considered the last line of defense in a basement against flooding. Suppose your home’s foundation is damaged or other basement waterproofing repairs have failed. In that case, a sump pump can prevent a basement flooding disaster by quickly removing water from your basement in an emergency. When water floods your basement, a properly functioning sump pump and sump basin can capture water and remove it quickly and safely.
How to Choose the Right Sump Pump for Your Home
Several different types of sump pumps can be installed in a basement, each with its strengths and roles in basement waterproofing. Knowing how each of these sump pumps functions can help you decide which type will be best for your basement.
Submersible Sump Pumps: Submersible sump pumps are designed to submerge in a sump basin completely. They are typically quieter than other sump pumps and have a longer life span. They can also move more significant amounts of water from a sump basin and are an excellent option for larger basements or ones more prone to flooding.
Pedestal Sump Pumps: Pedestal sump pumps are mounted above the sump basin on a pedestal with a hose going down into the sump basin. They are easier to service than submersible sump pumps and often more affordable, but they can be louder when turned on. If noise is not a concern and you value a sump pump that is more affordable and easier to service, pedestal sump pumps can be a great option.
Backup Sump Pumps: Backup sump pumps are secondary sump pumps that provide extra protection during a flood if a primary sump pump fails. They are typically battery-powered and serve as additional protection from basement flooding. If you live in an area prone to flooding or have a basement prone to flooding, a backup sump pump is an excellent level of added protection for your basement.
Sump Pump Maintenance and Servicing
Maintaining a sump pump at home and with the help of professionals is important to ensure your sump pump can perform at its best in the event of a flood. Homeowners can test that their sump pump is working correctly by pouring a bucket of water into the sump basin and checking that the sump pump activates to remove the water from the basin. The sump basin can be visibly inspected for debris and other material that can clog the sump pump. More extensive maintenance should be done annually by qualified professionals and includes:
- Deep cleaning of the pump
- Cleaning the pump inlet screen
- Checking the discharge lines
- Inspecting the power source
- Inspection of backup systems
With annual inspections, sump pumps can continue to perform at their best when needed and have a long lifespan.
Get Great Deals on Sump Pump Repair and Installation With Tom’s Basement Waterproofing
Tom’s Basement Waterproofing has been Michigan’s premier basement waterproofing and foundation repair provider for five decades. Our licensed and insured technicians provide excellent sump pump services to our valued customers at great prices. Our team can:
- Install new sump pumps
- Repair existing sump pumps
- Inspect sump pumps
- Install backup sump pumps
To learn more about our sump pump services, basement waterproofing, and foundation repair services, call us today at (586) 949-7826.