A sump pump is a great way to save your home from falling victim to water damage. Perhaps you’ve heard of a sump pump but are unsure what it is. Well, in this article, we will tell you what a sump pump is, what it’s for, who can benefit from having one, the time duration of when it should run, and how it’s installed.
First up, what is a sump pump?
A sump pump is a mechanical device that pumps water out of a basement or crawlspace to prevent flooding or moisture accumulation. It is typically installed in a sump pit or basin, a hole dug into the ground below the basement floor level. When the water level in the pit rises, the pump activates and pumps the water out through a pipe and away from the foundation of the building.
The primary purpose of a sump pump is to prevent flooding or water damage to a building’s foundation. This is especially important in areas prone to heavy rain or flooding, as excess water can seep into the basement or crawlspace and cause damage to walls, floors, and other structural components.
A sump pump can also prevent moisture accumulation in the basement, which can lead to mold, mildew, and other health hazards.
Several types of sump pumps are available, including submersible and pedestal models. Submersible sump pumps are installed directly in the sump pit and designed to be submerged completely in water.
Pedestal sump pumps, on the other hand, are mounted on a pedestal above the sump pit and are not intended to be submerged in water. Both types of pumps are available in different sizes and capacities to suit various applications.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a sump pump, including the size of the sump pit, the amount of water that needs to be pumped, and the level of groundwater in the area. In addition, it is essential to choose a pump that is powerful enough to handle the amount of water that is likely to enter the pit but not so powerful that it causes damage to the pit or the surrounding area.
Who Can Benefit from Using a Sump Pump?
Sump pumps are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings to prevent flooding and water damage. Homeowners in areas prone to heavy rain or flooding can benefit from installing a sump pump in their basement or crawlspace. This includes homes near bodies of water, low-lying areas, or areas with poor drainage.
A sump pump benefits businesses in basements or other locations below ground level, such as restaurants and retail stores.
Sump pumps can also be used in agricultural settings to prevent flooding or water damage to crops. Farmers can install sump pumps in low-lying areas of their fields to remove excess water and avoid damage to their crops.
When And For How Long Should You Run Your Sump Pump?
The frequency and duration of running a sump pump will depend on many factors, including the groundwater level in the area, the amount of rainfall, and the size of the sump pit. Generally, a sump pump should be run as often as necessary to prevent flooding or moisture accumulation.
The frequency with which you should run your sump pump will depend on the groundwater level in your area. If you live in an area with a high water table, you may need to run your sump pump more frequently than in an area with a low water table. Generally, regularly checking the sump pit and running the pump to keep the water below the basement floor is a good idea.
During heavy rainfall or snow melting, you may need to run your sump pump more frequently to prevent flooding or water damage. Therefore, monitoring the weather forecast and checking the sump pit regularly during these times is important to ensure that the pump runs as needed.
In addition to checking the sump pit regularly, it is also a good idea to test the pump periodically to ensure it works properly. This can be done by pouring water into the sump pit and observing whether the pump activates and pumps the water out. If the pump does not activate, it may be necessary to repair or replace it.
How Long Should You Run Your Sump Pump?
Generally, a sump pump should run long enough to remove all the water from the pit.
Most sump pumps are designed to turn on automatically when the water level in the sump pit reaches a certain level and turn off once the water level has been reduced to a certain point. So, the duration of time that the sump pump runs will depend on the amount of water in the sump pit.
In general, running the sump pump long enough to remove all the water from the sump pit ensures that the pump turns off once the water level has been reduced to a safe level. However, ensuring that the pump is not running for extended periods is also important, as this can cause the motor to overheat and lead to premature failure.
If you are unsure how long to run your sump pump, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a professional plumber or installer for advice.
Why is it Important to Run Your Sump Pump?
Running your sump pump regularly is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a sump pump is designed to prevent flooding and water damage. By running the sump pump as needed, you can prevent water from seeping into your home and causing damage to the walls, floors, and other structural components.
Regularly running your sump pump can also help extend the pump’s life. This is because running the pump regularly can help to keep the motor and other components lubricated and prevent them from becoming damaged due to lack of use. On the other hand, if the pump is not in use regularly, the motor and other components may become stiff or corroded, leading to premature failure.
In addition to running the sump pump regularly, it is also essential to perform regular maintenance to ensure it works properly. This can include cleaning the sump pit, checking the pump’s float switch, and inspecting the pump’s impeller and discharge lines for clogs or other obstructions.
Generally, a sump pump should be run as often as necessary to prevent flooding or moisture accumulation in the basement or crawlspace.
How to Install a Sump Pump
Installing a sump pump can be a complex process, so it is often best to hire a professional plumber or sump pump installer to do the job. However, if you are comfortable working with plumbing and electrical systems and have the necessary tools, you can install a sump pump yourself.
Here are the basic steps involved in installing a sump pump:
- Choose a location for the sump pit: The sump pit is the basin that collects water from the basement or crawlspace and houses the sump pump. The pit should be located in the lowest part of the basement or crawlspace, at least 18 inches in diameter and 24 inches deep.
- Dig the sump pit: Use a shovel to dig a hole in the designated location for the sump pit. The hole should be slightly larger than the diameter of the sump pit to allow for proper installation.
- Install the sump pit: Place it into the hole, and ensure it is level. If necessary, add some gravel or crushed stone to the bottom of the pit to provide a stable base for the sump pump.
- Install the discharge pipe: The discharge pipe carries the water from the sump pit to the outside of the house. Attach the discharge pipe to the sump pump, and run it to the nearest exterior wall. Ensure the pipe is angled away from the house and extends 10 feet from the foundation.
- Install the check valve: The check valve prevents water from flowing back into the sump pit once it has been pumped out. Install the check valve on the discharge pipe near the sump pump.
- Install the sump pump: Install the sump pump into the sump pit according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the pump is level and the float switch is unobstructed.
- Connect the electrical supply: The sump pump will require an electrical supply to function properly. Ensure the power source is grounded and the pump correctly wired according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Test the sump pump: Once it is installed, fill the sump pit with water and test the pump to ensure it works properly. Monitor the pump to ensure it turns on and off as needed and pumps the water out of the pit and through the discharge pipe.
- Cover the sump pit: To prevent debris and odors from entering the sump pit, install a cover over the pit. The cover should be removable for easy access to the sump pump.
It is important to follow all safety guidelines when installing a sump pump, including wearing protective gear and working cautiously around electrical and plumbing systems. It is best to consult a professional plumber or sump pump installer if you need clarification on any aspect of the installation process.
Let Quick Quality Plumbing Install Your Sump Pump!
Whether you need a sump pump installed, a repair on your water main, or a new garbage disposal in your kitchen, the team of professionals at Quick Quality Plumbing has over 40 years of combined plumbing experience and is ready to help!
At Quick Quality Plumbing in Utah County, we provide the most efficient, reliable plumbing services around. With decades of experience in plumbing repair, installation, and maintenance, we’re the plumbers you want to call, whether planning a bathroom renovation or dealing with a pipe burst in the middle of the night.
If you or someone you know is in need of quick and quality plumbing services in Utah County, call us today at (801) 763-7835 or contact us for more information.
