Sump Pumps and Summer Storms: is your house ready?
The heavy rain that comes with some summer storms can cause major damage to your house. One of the best ways to help prevent damage is to make sure you have a working sump pump to handle all that extra rainwater.
What is a sump pump?
A sump pump is a device that moves water from your basement to the outside of your home. A sump is a naturally constructed pit, usually a hole carved below the main surface of your basement floor. This pit, known as a basin, holds the sump pump. The pump is equipped with valves that sense escalating water levels or pressure. When the water gets too high, sump pumps automatically pump excess water out of the basement and away from your property using a discharge line. This line, called an effluent, connects the sump pump to a designated drainage area.
How does a sump pump work?
A sump pump is a mechanism that detects elevating water levels and pressure to ensure that these levels do not rise too high. These pumps use a switch to detect water levels in the basin. When the switch is activated by a rising water level, the pump turns on and directs water into a discharge pipe and away from the home’s foundation. A pump can be powered electrically, by battery, or by water. Primary pumps are typically wired in, but many sump pump systems contain a backup pump that is powered by either water or battery in case of a power outage.
Tips to make sure your pump is working correctly:
Check for any weird or unusual sounds. Make sure to know what your sump pump normally sounds like when it's running. Any new or different noises might be a sign to get your pump serviced or replaced.
Ensure that your sump pump has a power source. Sump pumps may quit working due to a lack of power. Some pumps offer a battery backup for those instances of the power going out during those summer storms.
Check the pump periodically during and after storms. They may be working on a normal day, but what happens when the storm hits? The sump pump may start to fail due to the excess rain that comes with the storms. Too much water or improper installation may cause the pump to fail, leading to flooding in your house.
If you find your sump pump isn't working correctly, give Gold Seal Plumbing a call. Like we say, "We're on our way!".
