Sump Pump Information
A sump pump is used to prevent basement flooding and damage. The purpose of a sump pump is to pump water out of the sump hole in your basement, through a pipe that carries the water outside and away from from your home. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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There are two basic types of sump pumps. The pedestal pump, which is an upright model, has a pump at its base on the bottom of the sump hole and a motor at the top. A submersible pump is placed at the bottom of the sump hole, submerged in the water. When water in the sump hole reaches a certain level, the pump is triggered by a float to begin pumping the water out. Pedestal pumps are less expensive than submersible pumps and they may last longer. According to Don Vandervort's Home Tips, a submersible pump will last between five and 15 years. A pedestal pump can last for 25 to 30 years.
Backup Sump Pump
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If you live an area of frequent flooding and you tend to lose power often due to storms, you may want to consider having a backup sump pump. Two types of backup pumps include one that can operate on a 12-volt, rechargeable battery and one that can be hooked directly into your home's plumbing system and works with water pressure.
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Testing Your Pump
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You should regularly check your sump pump to assure that it is working properly. To test it, you can remove the cover and pour water into the tank. When the float inside the tank rises to the appropriate level, it will signal the pump to turn on. When the water level decreases, the float will cause the pump to turn off.
Sump Hole
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A sump hole typically has a diameter of 2 feet to make room for the pump itself, the necessary piping and storage of 15 to 25 gallons of water. Before the liner (which can be made of metal or plastic) is installed in the sump hole, there should be 3 to 4 inches of gravel to serve as a base and to prevent dirt and debris from jamming your pump.
Skimmer Pump
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A skimmer pump may be used in the absence of a sump pump or in the event of a failure of your pump. It sits on the basement floor and begins to pump water when it reaches a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. A garden hose attached to the skimmer can carry the water out through a window and away from your home. In the case of a power failure you can use a small gasoline powered generator to operate the skimmer.
Cost
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According to Don Vandervort's Home Tips, the cost of a sump pump can range from $60 to $500 if you purchase it to install yourself. The price range is wide because it depends on where you live, what type of pump you are purchasing and what features it may have. If you decide to have a plumber install it for you, plan to add several hundreds dollars for labor if it is simply a replacement pump. If you do not already have a sump pump in place, the cost will be much higher. You should get several estimates before making a decision.
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