We live in Olympia, WA, which means we deal with a whole lot of rain throughout the year. Heavy rains mean heavy flooding, and if you’re a homeowner, you know how much anxiety that can cause. A sump pump, installed in your basement at the lowest point, acts as a stalwart first line of defense. It pulls water up into it and then ejects it from your basement, keeping your home dry and ensuring that your property doesn’t suffer damage. The decision to install a sump pump is a wise one, but here are a few more things to consider before you make the call.
How they Work
Sump pumps are based around the notion of an impeller, which spins around very quickly and pulls water into it. Once inside centrifugal force pulls the water towards the edge of the impeller, where it gets sucked into a venting pipe and is pulled out of your basement. Most sump pumps are designed to fire up upon detection of significant amounts of water, though some operate on manual switches and need you to be mindful of when the floodwaters constitute a threat.
Types of Sump Pump
Sump pumps fall into two different categories, which you should consider carefully before making a purchase. A pedestal pump places the impeller on the bottom of a sturdy stand, with the motor on top. It’s less expensive than the other type, but noisier and often less effective. A submersible pump tends to cost more, but makes up for it in a number of ways. The entire unit can be placed in water, and in fact, it’s usually set up in a sump pit dug at the lowest point of your home. That makes it sturdier and quieter than a pedestal pump.
If you’re interested in a sump pump, then contact Brooks Plumbing today to discuss installation!
