All Big Bear homeowners dread dealing with major plumbing issues and emergencies. A flooded basement is one among them, and may require urgent Big Bear plumbing services.
If your basement tends to flood after a storm or if you always find it damp due to moisture, you may be looking at the development of mold, mildew, and other bacterial problems. These can adversely affect the structural integrity of your home, your possessions, and eventually your health.
In other words, if the flooding problem isn’t dealt with right away, the consequences will continue to occur and snowball over time. This is why your basement needs a sump pump. When installed correctly, a sump pump protects your home from the adverse effects of heavy rain and floods.
Let’s dive deeper and get to know the sump pump better.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is an appliance designed to pump water from one location and release it away from it. In the context of home improvement, it is most commonly used to prevent basement flooding during inclement weather conditions.
Water can enter your basement even through the tiniest cracks. Hence, you need to ensure that the water level stays way below the level of your basement floor to prevent it from flooding. This is exactly what a sump pump can help with.
What Is the Purpose of a Sump Pump?
As mentioned, sumps pumps remove water from the basement and release it in the outdoors.
An experienced Big Bear plumber like us will be able to explain that a sump is a naturally constructed pit, which looks like a hole, created below your basement’s floor. The pit is known as the basin. It holds the pump.
The pump comes with valves that can detect rising water levels or pressure. When the water level escalates, the sump pump automatically pumps the excess water out of the basement. This water passes through the discharge line, also known as effluent, which connects the sump pump to a predetermined drainage area. The water is released in this area, which is located away from your home.
Installing a Sump Pump in Your Basement
Installing a sump pump is no child’s play and requires more than basic plumbing know-how. You will need thorough knowledge of the following:
1. Determining the Right Type of Sump Pump
To begin with, you need to know the difference between a pedestal and submersible sump pump. If these sound like alien terms to you, you will be better off entrusting the installation to an experienced Big Bear plumber. After all, you don’t want to end up installing the wrong sump pump and make your basement susceptible to water damage.
Typically, it is recommended to avoid pedestal sump pumps for finished basements as they sit on the floor level and cannot detect the rising water until it reaches a certain height. So, by the time it activates, your basement could be completely flooded. Also, pedestal pumps are completely exposed, making them a hazard if you have small children or pets at home.
That being said, pedestal sump pumps are easier to repair and also less expensive compared to submersible sump pumps.
A submersible sump pump is installed under the basement floor and can handle large volumes of water. It is perfect if your basement is prone to flooding as it can help you avoid water damage in the long term.
Most new homes already have a sump pump installed, but older homes may need to be retrofitted with it. Sump pumps can be hard-wired into a home’s electric system or be connected to a power outlet. Several sump pump models come with battery backup to ensure they continue pumping water out even during a power outage caused by storms.
To make an informed decision, consult a local Big Bear plumber when choosing a suitable sump pump for your home.
2. Size of the Sump Pump
Sump pumps are available in different sizes to cater to the unique needs of different homes. You need to pick a sump pump in a size that can match the configuration of your pipes. You should also consider the amount of water you need to remove from your basement.
For instance, if your home has long narrow pipes with a network that runs in various directions, or if you need to pump large volumes of water, you should get a strong sump pump.
If your previous sump pump catered to your needs satisfactorily, you should replace it with one with the same horsepower. If you need further clarity or your needs have changed, make it a point to have them evaluated by a certified Big Bear plumber.
3. Where to Install the Sump Pump in Your Big Bear Home
A sump pump is installed in the lowest point of a home’s basement or crawl space. The water needs to be channeled into a designated drainage system installed at the base of your home’s foundation. Hence, the water should essentially flow down towards the sump pit.
The sump pump then gets activated and pumps the water out of the basement. In some locations, specific laws created by the local government may dictate how and where the sump pump water is to be released.
Finding the lowest point of your basement can be a complex task as it requires a high degree of precision. In some cases, the water can go through several paths to reach the basement.
Professional Big Bear plumbers know how groundwater and runoff affect your home and will, therefore, know exactly where the sump pump should be installed. They will also be aware of how and where to direct the water for appropriate release.
Conclusion
While installing a sump pump will not mend the water damage caused to your basement or crawl space due to flooding, it can help protect your home’s structural integrity. Keeping the above mentioned pointers in mind when choosing and installing it correctly will help you prevent water infestation and damage in your home. Consulting a Bear Valley plumbing professional can be extremely helpful in this regard.
Contact Skilled Big Bear Plumbers for a Thorough Job
The certified and skilled Big Bear plumbers at Bear Valley Plumbing and Heating are here to assist you with sump pump installations or replacements. Give us a call today at (909) 787-2986 to avail of our expert services. Alternatively, contact us via our website. We will get back to you at the earliest.
If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Plumbing Installation
