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For many homeowners, a sump pump is
the first line of defense used to correct a basement water problem.
With so my variables in play, having the appropriate sump and/or
backup pump is crucial. When considering a sump pump, keep these
factors in mind:
- What brand of sump pump is being used?
A high quality sump pump is a necessity regardless of the amount
of water that it pumps.
- Does the crock come with an airtight lid?
Without an airtight lid, mold; fungus; musty smells; dampness; radon
gas and bugs can escape back into your basement. Without an airtight
lid, you can never have that dry basement you're looking for.
- Does the come with an alarm?
Suppose you unplug your by accident, or the pump fails, or there
is a power outage? How will you know there is a problem before
you're basement has once again flooded with water? A alarm system
will give an audible "warning" before the basement floods again.
- Does the crock have a perforated lining?
Perforations along the lining of the sump pump crock allow water
from beneath the floors surface to enter the crock and be pumped
away before it even gets to your basement.
- Is there a battery backup sump pump included?
Depending on your situation, a battery backup sump pump may be
required. This should be determined by a professional.
JES Basement Systems offers the patented Supersump sump pump
system and Ultrasump battery backup pumps. These provide all
of the following, and many more advantages.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY
Thomas Scherer, Extension Agricultural
Engineer with NDSU Extension office, provides this FAQ list for
interested in purchasing a sump pump:
Some frequently asked
questions about sump pumps:
Q. Can you burn the pump out if the outdoor
pipe is frozen shut, or will it automatically shut off?
A. Most pumps will not burn up, but they can overheat if left
in this condition. Almost all sump pump motors have thermal protection
built in. If they do overheat you just have to shut them off
and let them cool down. The thermal relay will reset.
Q. What size pump should I have for my house?
A. There is no "correct" size. The horsepower requirement
for a house is determined by the area of drainage connected to
the sump, the depth to groundwater, the depth of the basement,
and many other factors. A 1/3 hp pump is satisfactory for most
houses.
Q. Do sump
pumps have filters, which need to be cleaned or replaced?
A. Sump
pumps do not have filters, but they do have screens or small
openings where the water enters the pump. These can sometimes
be plugged
Q. Can or should you pump into a sewer drain or basement floor
drain?
A. No, you should not. If you have a septic system, under no
circumstances should the sump be pumped into the basement floor
drain. During wet conditions the drain field of the septic system
is usually saturated and struggling to handle the normal flow
of water from the house. Adding to it with a sump pump can damage the septic
system. Even if you are connected to a public system the sump
should not be pumped into a floor drain. Putting additional water
into the sewer system can overload the public system, and there
may be a regulation against pumping into it.
Q. Where should the sump pump drain hose be run?
A. Preferably, sump water should be discharged at least 20 feet
away from the house in such a way that it drains away from the
house. It should not be directed onto a neighbor's lot, into
window wells, or onto a septic system drain field.
Q. How big should the sump hole be? What kind of hole liner
should you use? How much gravel do you put under and around it?
A. Sump holes should be about 2 feet in diameter. This allows
space for the pump and associated piping and to store water between
pumping events (about 15 to 25 gallons). Metal or plastic liners
can be used, but plastic is easier to work with and it the material
of choice. When the sump liner is installed, about 3 to 4 inches
of coarse gravel should be placed in the bottom of the hole.
The gravel forms a solid base for the pump as well as helping
to prevent mud and other debris from clogging the pump.
Q. Should the sump
pump be on an isolated electrical circuit?
A. A standard 15-amp, three-prong grounded outlet is sufficient
to handle a sump pump. A sump pump is always in or near water,
so it is best to have an outlet with a ground fault interrupter
(GFI).
JES Basement Systems offers the
patented Supersump sump pump system and Ultrasump battery backup
pumps. These provide all of the following, and many more advantages.
To request your free
evaluation, click here.
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