How to Look for a Water Pressure Sump Pump

Flooding is a natural disaster that can occur anywhere under the right circumstances.

Almost every basement needs some additional help in draining from a sump pump. In many homes the effectiveness of the drainage system of the basement is dependent on having installed the right sump pump. When designing the basement of a house, a perimeter drain system is established. The most common problem for failure of this system is a malfunctioning sump pump. The purpose of a pump is to remove water from basements as well as crawl spaces.

Instructions

1. Determine the type of sump pump you need. The type of sump pump hinges on your personal need. The size, shape and flooding of your basement determine the type of sump pump your drainage system requires.

2. Calculate the size of sump pump you need. The size of sump dump depends partially on the square footage of the basement. The size also depends on the amount of water you need to remove yearly. It is important to realize that a bigger pump isn't always the best pump. The bigger the pump the more it cycles on and off, causing water levels to increase during cycling off times.

3. Learn about the different qualities of sump pumps. There are no guides or standards for sump pumps so comparing quality is difficult, but not impossible.

4. Install a sump pump that operates automatically and not manually. An automatic sump pump turns on when water reaches a certain level. Owners plug in manual pumps when the increased water level becomes visible.

5. Investigate the reputation of the sump pump manufacturer. Read Consumer Reports to determine which manufacturer meets or exceeds standards in building and maintaining the product.

6. Look at the warranty for the sump pump. A sump pump's warranty for more than an year is acceptable. Meeting SSPMA (Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association) Standards is voluntary and does not determine the life longevity of the sump pump.

7. Read about oil-filled and air-filled sump pump motors. Oil and air keep the motor of the sump pump cool so it doesn't overheat. This decision is a personal preference for the purchaser.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with an electrician if they are going to install the sump pump. A quick phone call to the electrician can prevent problems later with wiring issues.

References

• Statefarm: Sump Pumps
• Tim Carter: Sump Pumps - Basement Guardians
• 1stflash: Which Emergency Sump Pump Technology Is Your Best Option Battery Backup Sump Pumps Or Water Powered Sump Pumps?

Resources

• Plumbersurplus: What is the Sump Pump