When is the right time to replace your sump pump? Surely it's not something we often think about, but it can cost you thousands of dollars. Don't let it be an afterthought or a home emergency.
A sump pump is an essential household plumbing component for many families, although it is separate from the main plumbing system. Instead of bringing in water for drinking and washing, the sump pump prevents flooding by removing storm water from under a home. Since the pump lives in the basement, it may be “out of sight, out of mind” for most homeowners, but it's important to ensure that it’s always functioning in peak condition so that you don't risk an inopportune breakdown. Read on to learn when you need to replace your sump pump.
AVOID A FLOOD
A flood is one of the worst disasters that could hit your home. Standing water can ruin your upholstery and woodwork in the short-term, and cause mold, mildew and rot over the long-term. That's why your sump pump is so important – it works tirelessly to remove water before it can inundate your home. The pumps work by sucking water out of the sump, a special pit found in many basements, which collects water from outdoor drains and sends it to an area away from the home's foundation.
We don't expect you to know the in's and out's of every sump pump available on the market today (that's our job!), but it is helpful if you know a little about your own and what options may be beneficial to protecting your home when it is time to upgrade your sump pump. We say upgrade, not replace, because let's not have it be an emergency. Use that tax break or invest some of your savings to make an essential piece of equipment for protecting your home a priority.
When you need to upgrade your old sump pump, you may be overwhelmed with all the options at your disposal – pumps of various powers and capacities, pedestal pumps vs. submersible pumps, and different battery backup options in case you have a power outage. Give us a call, we can assist you in picking out the model that works best for you.
SUMP PUMP TIPS
Follow these tips to avoid having to replace a sump pump in an emergency:
LISTEN
Get to know the hum of your sump pump when water starts collecting in the sump. If the noise coming from the motor changes significantly, it could be a sign the pump is having problems. And if you see water in the sump but don't hear anything at all, your pump might have given up the ghost entirely.
WATCH
If water starts to reach the top of the sump, or worse, is already flooding your basement, you need to have the pump repaired or replaced immediately.
COUNT
Sump pumps that are more than ten years old are also prime candidates for replacement. You don't have to automatically buy a new unit just because yours is getting old, but it's a good idea to keep a close watch on it and install a replacement at the first sign of decreased performance. A sump pump is definitely the kind of equipment which is better to upgrade a year too early than a year too late.