Why a Sump Pump Should Be On Your Holiday Wishlist

Sump Pump Installation Is the Holiday Gift that Keeps On Giving!

The holidays are here, which means folks are finalizing their holiday wishlists while there’s still a little time to shop. And while every wishlist is different, there’s a good chance most people didn’t include a sump pump on this year’s list of gifts and goodies they want. But even though it may not be the most fun or exciting gadget in the world, a sump pump might just be a homeowner’s favorite gift this year – even if it’s one they get for themselves.

Sump pumps are a powerful line of defense against heavy storms and flooding. Homeowners without a sump pump often find themselves shelling out thousands on water damage repair and restoration. So, to help homeowners decide if a sump pump is right for them, this article will explain the benefits of sump pumps, how they work, and the different types on the market.

Why Is It a Good Idea To Install a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a special water pump installed at the lowest point in a home’s footprint, usually in a basement or cellar. The pump sits inside a sump pump basin, a small pit dug into the ground. The home’s drainage system carries water around the foundation into this sump basin, where it collects. 

When the water level rises to a certain point, it triggers the sump pump float switch, turning on the pump, which pumps the water out of the basin through a network of pipes. The water is discharged safely from the home, usually into a street gutter or storm drain.

A sump pump can prevent flooding and water damage during heavy rainfall. But they can also protect homes that sit beneath the water table when the groundwater levels are high (due to spring snowmelt, for instance). A sump pump can even help prevent mold growth by keeping moisture levels in basements, cellars, and crawlspaces to a minimum. In addition, having a sump pump can reduce insurance premiums and even increase the home’s property value due to the extra layer of protection it adds.

What Kind of Sump Pump Should Homeowners Install?

There are two main types of sump pumps to consider – pedestal sump pumps and submersible sump pumps. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

The bulk of a pedestal sump pump sits above the sump pit, resembling a 2 or 3-foot lamp post, with the motor housing on top and a slender rod extending down towards the sump basin. An impeller sits inside the basin to extract the water. Pedestal pumps are the least expensive of the two options, but they can also be loud and have a shorter lifespan.

Since its motor is waterproof, a submersible sump pump can sit inside the sump pump basin. This makes it quieter and more discreet than a pedestal pump, but it also makes it harder to work on when it comes to maintenance or repairs. Submersible pumps tend to be more expensive, but they also tend to be more reliable and longer-lasting than their counterparts.

Is a Backup Sump Pump Needed?

Before getting a sump pump installed (or even if the home already has a primary sump pump), homeowners may also want to consider installing a backup sump pump. There are a few types to choose from:

• Battery backup sump pump – This separate, smaller pump installed in the same sump basin typically connects to a car battery or marine battery for power.
• Combination sump pumps – This includes a primary and battery backup pump built into the same package.
• Sump pump battery backup – This is essentially a large battery unit connected to the primary pump that can provide auxiliary power for a certain period (this varies by model) if the power goes out.

No matter the type homeowners choose, a backup sump pump is a great idea since it offers continuous protection against flooding during power outages. And since most power outages occur during heavy storms, this extra layer of protection can make all the difference. Of course, if homeowners are unsure which sump pump they need, how powerful it should be, and which kind of backup system is best for them, they should call a professional plumber to dial in the details!

About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

The experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing have been proudly serving the Northfield community since 1981. With their reputation for punctuality, quality workmanship, and outstanding customer service, every job is backed by a cleanliness guarantee, a 2-year warranty on repairs, and an industry-leading on-time guarantee (they’ll pay $5 for every minute they’re late!). They also offer competitive up-front pricing, flexible financing, a money-saving membership program, and 24/7 emergency service – so there’s no one better to call for sump pump installation in Northfield, MN!

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