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A Closer Look at Sump Pumps

A sump pump is a powerful preventative measure against home flooding. This simple device lies in the lowest part of your home and is activated by the presence of excess water, working immediately to pump water away and prevent flooding and the damage it causes. Whether you have experienced basement flooding issues in your home before, or you are looking for ways to stormproof your property against predicted changes in the weather, talking to your plumber in Sacramento, CA, about sump pump installation is a smart move to eliminate the short-term inconvenience and long-term damage that can result from home flooding.

Sump Pump Placement and Operation

Sump pumps are installed inside a small circular basin called a sump pit. This pit should be located in the lowest part of your basement or crawlspace, as this is the area of your home that will accumulate water first if flooding occurs. Depending on the system you have installed, the sump pump itself may be submerged inside the pit, or located above the pit. In either case, the sump pump system is attached to either a float on a movable arm or a water level sensor. When the float rises or the sensor is triggered by water accumulation inside the pit, it will trigger the sump pump to begin working, pumping water out of the pit via a pipe that exits your home and drains away into your yard. The sump pump will continue working until the water level drops below the trigger level. Most sump pumps are powered by electricity; if you are concerned about flooding when your home’s electrical power is also disrupted, battery backup systems are available to protect your home in any situation.

Sump Pump Maintenance and Repair

Sump pumps do require periodic maintenance to ensure they are ready to work in the event of a flood. You should check your sump pit regularly to ensure the sensor or float arm appears undamaged and that no loose items or debris have fallen into the pit. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your sump pump in a finished basement or have small children and pets, you can install a sump pit cover to prevent accidents as well as damage to the pump itself for added protection. To check the sump pump’s operation, simply pour water into the pit to trigger activation; you should stay and watch the pump work, as well as make sure that it shuts off properly once the excess water has been removed. If you notice any issues with your sump pump’s operation, call your plumber for an inspection. You should clean your sump pump and drain pipe periodically to remove any silt or buildup that could affect sump pump function. If you aren’t able or don’t want to clean your sump pump system yourself, contact your plumber for assistance.

Our plumbers serving the Sacramento area are pleased to offer sump pumps and other home plumbing solutions for a safe, healthy, and efficient home. Please take a look through our website to explore our full range of plumbing services, including sump pump services, leak detection and repair, water heater installation, and water treatment systems. You can also find out more about your plumbing system and its components when you read through the additional articles on our monthly blog.