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Sump pump and PVC pipes in a rusty sump pit, showing stagnant water and plumbing maintenance needs at Scott Plumbing.

Check the Sump Pump Off the Wishlist

Why a Sump Pump May Be the Perfect Christmas Gift

Nobody likes to think about the basement. This is a cultural sentiment that has often been played out in all the various forms of media. The basement is a place of mystery and where things go to disappear, but this holiday season, it may be time to shine a light on the home's lowest floor and why it is important to maintain. There is nothing so disgusting and problematic as a flooded basement. 

Water damage is certain, and collateral damage such as mold and mildew growth is likely. Then, how does the water get out of the basement when one can’t just open a door?  This is the job of a sump pump, the savior of the basement space.

Does a Basement Really Need a Sump Pump?

A better question might be, “Is there a way to get water out of the basement if it’s there?” A sump pump is a water pump specifically made for fitting in the drainage pit in the basement- called the sump. It pumps the water from the pit out of the home and through pipes to an outlet that may be a sewer or septic tank or even a nearby pond. 

If a home has a basement space but does not have a sump pump, the owners are taking an enormous gamble that water will never get inside. Sump pumps can prevent the extensive damage that can occur from standing water. This machine is the best way to keep the home structurally sound and the basement clean.

Submersible Versus Pedestal Pumps

There are two major types of sump pumps: submersible pumpsandpedestal pumps.As the name suggests, submersible pumps sit directly in the sump pit, submerged in the water. Pedestal pumps, on the other hand, have a motor that is separate from the pumping unit that is out of the water.

Submersible and pedestal sump pumps displayed, highlighting different types for basement water management and plumbing maintenance.

  • Submersible Pump Pros: 
    • Takes up little to no storage space
    • Quiet
    • Powerful
  • Submersible Pump Cons:
    • Shorter life
    • Harder to access for maintenance
  • Pedestal Pump Pros:
    • Easy to maintenance
    • Longer life
    • Affordable
  • Pedestal pump cons:
    • Louder
    • Not as powerful
    • Take up more space

Types of Backups and Why They are Necessary

Submersible sump pump with backup battery system, illustrating essential tools for preventing basement flooding during power outages. Since both of the main pump types are powered by electricity, there is a question about what should happen if the power goes out. There are two types of backup pumps, a battery-operated pump, and a water-operated pump. Both of these will continue to pump water even if a violent storm knocks the power out.

  • Battery-powered pumps: These pumps come on when the power kicks off and continue to move the water from the basement to its designated spot outside. The downside of these is that they occasionally need their batteries replaced.
  • Water-powered pumps:These pumps actually use a home’s water pressure to force water out.  When the water reaches a certain level, a switch is flipped, and the pump begins its work. These models are sometimes criticized for using too much water, but they do their job.

About Scott Plumbing

Owned and operated by a Huntsville, AL native, Scott Plumbing treats its customers with award-winning service. Straightforward pricing and same-day service are just a few reasons to choose Scott Plumbing. Call them today for sump pump installation and repair in the Huntsville area.

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