Hello, spring! The season of new beginnings is finally here. Although we’re loving the warm sunshine and blooming foliage, there’s one thing about the spring season that’s not always so friendly to residents of Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. You guessed it, the rain!
Lately, we’ve been seeing a lot more spring showers around these parts. Some days, they’re just peaceful drizzles, but other days, the rainstorms trap you at home. Worse yet, they always pose the risk of a deluge, which is the last thing you want to deal with. So, how can you safe-proof your basement from flooding from the Cincinnati rain? With a sump pump, of course!
What is a Sump Pump?
Sump pumps are small plumbing devices that are installed in the lowest part of your home, usually the basement, to collect and safely dispose of any moisture buildup. This equipment is the best preventative measure against flooding, which can cause serious water damage to your home.
In order to work effectively, sump pumps must be professionally installed in the sump pit by a licensed plumber. The sump pit is a small hole in the ground with a gravel basin. As the basin fills up with water, it will raise the float valve or trigger the pressure sensor (depending on your sump pump) model, which activates the sump pump motor. This motor will use centrifugal force to push incoming water into the pipes attached to the gravel basin, which will dispose of the water into the sewer system. This process will continue until there’s no more water left in the basin.
Is a Sump Pump Necessary?
It wouldn’t be correct to say that a sump pump is necessary, but having this plumbing fixture installed in your home can sure save you a lot of frustration, cleaning, and money spent on water damage reparations. Every basement will flood at one point or another, but the extent of the resulting damages can be mitigated with a sump pump. Even if you live somewhere where flooding is rare, sump pumps can help keep your basement free of mold and mildew by eliminating all sources of indoor moisture. We recommend giving a sump pump installation a second thought.
What Type of Sump Pump Does Your Home Need?
Every sump pump performs the same job, but different models take different approaches. Let’s take a look at some different types of sump pumps, so you can decide which one will work best for you.
- SUBMERSIBLE: This is the most popular type of sump pump. Submersible pumps are installed in a waterproof container inside the sump pit. Although this model is a little more expensive to install, it comes with more horsepower, a space-saving design, and a battery backup for those who are interested.
- PEDESTAL: This sump pump model is the opposite of the submersible pump. The actual motor is installed above the basement floor — which is a huge bonus as it never faces any water damage — and connected to the sump pit via a hose. This model is cheaper to install and easy to access for repairs, but it may not provide enough power to handle a huge flood.
Any Other Tips?
A sump pump is a great device to have in your home, but it does you no good if it stops working due to a power outage from a serious storm. Make sure you install a battery backup as well. If the electricity goes out, the battery will automatically take over and continue the water removal process without delay. If you have come across any spring flooding issues, please don’t hesitate to contact our emergency plumbers in Cincinnati and nearby regions.