Save Money When Buying a Sump Pump
Posted By Houston Decorator on November 12, 2010
The Right Sump Pump for Your Needs
If you have a basement and do not already have a sump pump, there are a few things you need to know about the purpose of sump pumps and how essential it is to be knowledgeable about them. Many new homeowners do not realize the dangers of having a basement that is poorly protected from water damage. Even people with years of experience with water damage who already have a sump pump often do not know everything they should about getting the most out of their pump system and avoiding disasters.
For this reason, a little knowledge will go a long way to ensure you are on the right track to making an intelligent decision. The perfect solution for one home owner may not be the same for the next home owner. Accessing your particular situation will determine the right sump pump system for you in avoiding a water disaster. Here are some valuable tips that will save you time, money and aggravation.
Purchasing a Pump
A little sump pump research is worth the time and effort to ensure it will meet your expectations should the time comes when you’ll need one. They are not complicated and are pretty much straight forward. The only differences are in the quality and performance ratings. I highly recommend buying quality. You’ll be better off in the short and long run doing so. Most home owner prefer to install a sump pump themselves in order to the save a few hundred dollars. However, when in doubt, it’s always a good idea to call in a professional to access your situation. You can later decide which parts you can do yourself and which parts are best left to a professional.
The Submersible vs. Pedestal Pump
The location of your pump will depend on a few things. Since pedestal pumps can make a significant amount of noise when they are pumping, most people prefer to have a submersible sump pump, which greatly reduces the noise. However, if your pit is too small for the pump you are considering, you will want to think about how often your pump will be running before deciding whether it is worth the trouble of expanding your pit or the cost of having this done by a professional. It is much easier to use a pedestal pump if noise is not going to be an issue. If you decide you need to dig a new pit, remember to place it at the lowest point in your basement, as this is where water will gather.
Horsepower
Another great way to spare yourself unnecessary costs is to make an approximation concerning how much water your pump will need to handle in a worst-case scenario. This will determine the horsepower rating you will need to look for in a pump. Normal horsepower ratings in sump pumps usually range from 1/3 to 3/4 horsepower. If your area is commonly flooded or if you know your basement leaks a lot, it is a good idea to choose a higher-horsepower pump. But if you know your pump will not need to handle very much water, you can save a lot of money by purchasing one that meets rather than exceeds your needs.
Emergency Features
In addition to ranging in price based on horsepower, pumps’ costs often vary because of extra features. For example, some pumps come equipped with alarms and a battery backup power source in case of power failures. While this is a great idea for some people, as intense flooding can often cause power outages, most people simply do not need this extra insurance. Unless you live in an area that commonly experiences flooding or power outages, an alarm system and backup battery are probably unnecessary expenses for you.
Simple maintenance for a Sump Pump
Every two months check your system to make ensure your pipes are not obstructed and secure, your floats are not tangled, your power cable is plugged in, and your battery is charged (if you have a backup power system). At least once every year you should clean your pump’s pit and test to make sure your system is pumping water as it should. It’s also a good idea to check your system if any heavy rain storms are in your forecast.
Professional vs. DIY Installation
Once you have made the decision to buy a pump, you will need to decide how you are going to install it. Unless you are digging a new pit or expanding an existing one, you can usually install your pump without the help of a professional, savin
Once your system is set up, test it to ensure that it is discharging water properly. Water should be discharged at least three feet from your foundation. Before testing your system, make sure that your check valve and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFC) are in place to avoid backflow and electrical problems.
Better Safe than Sorry
A sump pump is one of the best ways to protect your basement and belongings from water damage. Even if you don’t think your basement leaks, you may be surprised one year when an unusually heavy set of rains leaves you knee-deep in water. Flooding can be financially devastating, and pumps are a great way to protect you.
About the Author – Tony Corniel is an expert in both the DIY and industrial markets. His expertise comes from years of experience and research. Tony is the publisher of Water Pump Reviews where you can find advice, tips, and practical, common sense solutions for everything involving sump pumps. His mission is to help consumers comfortably make and get the most out of their purchases. Visit http://www.waterpumpreviews.com
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