Sump pumps are needed to protect your basement or crawl space from flooding. Unlike the sewage ejector pumps, the sump pumps are not meant to handle waste but only water collected by the natural migration through the soil or by specially created drains. The water collects in sump basins or pits from where the sump pump removes it and carries it away from your home through discharge pipes. A check valve would prevent the water from going back to the sump basin when the sump pump is not functioning.

Generally, sump pumps can be two types – pedestal and submersible. The pedestal ones are less expensive and usually last longer (25-30 years) but tend to overheat easier under extreme use or damaged by water if there is power outage. The submersible pumps, however, are surrounded by cooling waters all the time and are able to handle debris without clogging. Even through their life span is usually between 5 and 15 years, they cost more than the pedestal ones. In both cases, a backup system is recommended, especially for homes where flooding are frequent. A battery backup is a good solution for times when the main power is off or during maintenance.

The experienced technicians from Carolina Plumbing Pros can consult you when choosing a new sump pump for your basement or crawl space. A few factors should be considered when deciding – the preferred type (pedestal or submersible), the switch type (tethered float, vertical float, electronic switch), the gallon-per-hour capacity, etc. For example, your home might not have a big problem with dampness, but if the water need to be lifted very high compared to the sump basin level, then you would need a more powerful sump pump to handle the difference.

Another important factor is the maintenance of the sump pumps. Due to their importance, it’s recommended for the pumps and the basin to be maintained and cleaned out of debris at least once per year or more often. This would not only spare you the investment in a new one, but prevent all damages that come with flooding: serious structural damage to foundations and interior walls and floors; electrical damage and safety hazards; damage to your property; potential health issues caused by the growth of mold and mildew.