Sump Pump 101
There are 3 common types of sump pumps in southeastern Wisconsin: 1) submersible, 2) pedestal, and 3) battery-powered backup. If you get a lot a water coming through your crock, and have a generator installed, we recommend a dual pump.
1. Submersible pumps contain the pump and motor in one unit. They sit submerged and closed inside a basin in your basement. Because submersible pumps are completely submerged in the water basin, they are often quieter, save space in your basement, and clog less than a pedestal. Ho
2. Pedestal sump pump consists of a separate motor and pump. The motor sits on a pedestal above the basin, with a hose running to the basin where the pump is placed. The pump sends water through the hose and out to your designated drain area. We usually replace old pedestal type pumps with submerged.
3. Battery backup sump pump is a great way to provide some extra security from flood damage. A battery backup with a float switch allows your sump pump to operate even when your power is out during a storm when you need it the most. When the power goes out the main source of power for the pump does too. Water rises in the basin and the float switch is triggered sending your battery operation into action.
Dual pump system is a great idea when you have a back up generator. As generators become more popular, so are the dual pump systems.
Selecting a pump with an appropriate horsepower is very important for the safety of your home. If you select a sump pump with a lower horsepower than necessary for the flooding in your area, you're still at risk for flooding. At the same time, a higher horsepower than necessary will cause cycling, turning on and off repeatedly, which lowers the lifespan of the pump. If you live in an average-size home, with an average level of rainfall, that is not built deep into the water table, a  will be enough for your home. Sump pumps with a cast iron core last longer than those with a plastic or stainless steel core. Heat presents a dangerous threat to electric motors because they develop heat themselves. The cast iron core sits in contact with the motor and dissipates the motor’s heat far better than plastic or stainless steel. You may also wish to purchase a pump that comes with an alarm. This will warn you if the water level rises too high because of extreme water volume or pump failure. We recommend adding a WiFi modular to your pump. You will get notifications to your phone in case you are not home to hear the alarm.
While sump pumps are effective at removing water from a home, many factors can cause them to fail. Owning a backup pump, or a dual system, ensures that you will not fall victim to water damage when your primary sump pump fails. Some primary sump pumps are wired into the home and do not have a battery backup, so flooding is a concern when power is lost. Having a backup that is either water-powered or has a battery backup will protect your home during heavy storms that turn your power off. It only takes one flood in your basement to convince a homeowner.
If your sump pump is making loud noises, running for an unusually long amount of time, cycling irregularly, or is older than ten years, it is very likely you are due for a sump pump replacement.Â
Loud noises coming from the sump pump's pit indicate that there is a serious problem afoot with your pump. As the pump approaches the end of its lifecycle, the motor will start to make roaring sounds as it pumps the water away from your home. All sump pumps will make some degree of noise as they pump water out of the basement, but the noise levels should never reach you upstairs in your house. Rattling, clanging, and screeching motors all indicate that the motor is approaching failure.
If the pump is constantly running, this indicates that your pump is either at the end of its lifespan or rapidly approaching it. A sump pump should never cycle continuously. It is entirely possible the pump is altogether the incorrect size. A pump that is too small for the volume of water it is tasked with displacing will perpetually struggle to keep up with the demands placed upon. This will exhaust the pump, overwork the motor, and lead to premature failure of the pump.Â
No matter how good your sump pump is, it will need to be replaced about once every 10 years. While some pumps may last longer than a decade, problems will be more likely to arise after this age threshold. Replacing the pump every 10 years reduces the risk of water damage, and ultimately high repair costs, in your home. Vincent Plumbing offers free quotes right over the phone. Count on us to provide immediate service treat is licensed, guaranteed, bonded with full insurance.
