Did you know that more than 60% of homeowners have some type of flooding or moisture issues in their basements and crawl spaces. Sump pumps are used to prevent flooding and help solve water problems by collecting the water into a pit and diverting it away to another area that can handle the water, such as a municipal storm drain or a dry well.
Most commonly, sump pumps are found in basements or crawl spaces where water intrusion and dampness are issues. However, in unique situations, homes on slabs that are located in low-lying areas are good candidates for a sump pump to protect against periods of excessive rainfall.
Tri-County Services can help you determine what type of sump pump is best for your home and situation, as well as provide routine maintenance to ensure it runs when you need it to.
Indications That a Sump Pump is Needed:
- You have ongoing water intrusion problems in your basement or crawl space
- You live in a low-lying area that does not drain water away properly
- Your basement is finished and you want to prevent flooding and mold issues
- Your home is on a slab and located in a low-lying area where flooding could be an issue
- You have a sump pit only
- Your current sump pump is nearing the end of its expectancy
- Your current sump pump is pumping regularly and you would like to install a second sump pump as a back-up in case your current pump fails
- You live in an area susceptible to flooding
- You live in an area that receives excessive snow or rainfall
- The grading surrounding your property is not properly sloped so that water runs away from foundation walls
- You have spouting issues that do not properly drain water away from your property
Types of Sump Pumps & Additional Features
Pedestal: The motor is located above the sump which makes it much easier to service and they generally cost less than submersible models. These units are also noisier than the submersible variety. Pedestal varieties can continue to operate for 25-30 years depending on quality, type and regular maintenance because they are far less susceptible to water damage in the motor. However, pedestal varieties do not have the extra power needed to pump away large quantities of water during periods of excessive rainfall.
Submersible: The motor is completely mounted inside the sump and it is sealed. This does make the unit harder to reach for servicing, but it operates quieter than the pedestal variety and has considerable more power. A submersible pump has the ability to pump water away faster than pedestal-type pumps. Because these types of pumps have considerably more power to pump a greater amount of water away, they are also more expensive. Submersible pumps do sit in water much of the time, so their life expectancy is between 5-15 years depending on quality, type and regular maintenance.
Battery Backup: Every new sump pump installation should include a battery backup to protect against power failure. Battery backups can also be added to existing sump pumps that do not currently have a battery backup in place.
