Gotelli Plumbing is dedicated to the Sacramento area, and that means keeping our customers informed about their homes and appliances. With the risk of flooding so high in our community, it is likely that you’ll have experience with a sump pump at some point, if you haven’t already! Our team wants to make sure you know the role your sump pump plays in protecting your home from basement flooding and a little more about the components of the machine.
What Is A Sump Pump?
A sump is a hole made underneath the floor of your basement that holds a pump. The pump is equipped with different kinds of sensors that can detect rising water. Sump pumps play an extremely important function for homes that are at risk for flooding– they keep water out of your basement and prevent damage to your home.
How Do Sump Pumps Work?
The primary function of a sump pump is to detect rising water levels and use its motor to pump water away from your home. When water is allowed to rise during a flood or begins to collect in your home, it can cause damage to the structural integrity of your house as well as become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
The pump funnels naturally collecting water away from the home and deposits it nearby in a dry well, a neighborhood drain or even a creek or pond. Professional plumbers have the expertise to make sure that the drain is far enough from your home and deposited in the right area so that it doesn’t pose a threat to your home or others’.
What Are The Types Of Sump Pumps?
There are two main types of sump pumps that homeowners can choose from. They both complete the same job, but they both have different pros and cons.
Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps sit completely submerged in the sump basin – hence the name. They consist of both the pump and motor in the same place underneath the basement floor. These units are considered the best option for major flooding risks because they are quiet, save basement space and tend to stay unclogged easily. Unfortunately, because they do sit underwater, their parts can wear out quickly.
Pedestal Pumps
Pedestal pumps have a separated motor and pump. The pump sits in the sump basin and is connected by a hose to the motor sitting on the basement floor. This means there has to be enough space in the basement for the motor to sit, and the odds of hearing the motor are much higher. However, it is more easily accessible for maintenance and repairs and usually lasts longer since it is not submerged in water.
Types of Backup Pumps
There are also two types of backup sump pumps. These backup options are really important to high flood risk areas because the traditional two pumps are powered by electricity. If the same storm that is causing flooding knocks out the power to your home, your basement can easily flood without the pump running.
Battery-Operated Backup
A sump pump with battery power does not rely on electricity to run. When the main unit is sidelined due to lack of power, the battery-operated backup pump uses a similar set of sensors to detect rising water and begin pumping it out of your home.
Water-Powered Backup
Water-powered pumps use clean drinking water from the city pipes, which you will be billed for, to create a suction effect to pump the water out of the home. These pumps are actually very controversial, and some cities prohibit them from being installed. The positive is that you never have to rely on electricity or batteries, but the water pressure could affect the performance of the pump and you’ll likely be wasting hundreds of gallons of water.
Let Professional Plumbers Help!
If you have more questions about sump pump installation or function, give the team at Gotelli Plumbing a call! We are more than happy to discuss your situation and the best course of action to take to help you prevent basement flooding. For the best Sacramento sump pump services, contact us today!
