Can Sump Pumps Become Your Home's First Line of Defense?

Understanding the Benefits of Sump Pumps

On average, Huntsville has 120 rainy days a year, which makes it one of the rainiest places in Alabama. This means that flooding is a very real concern. And it doesn’t matter where the home is located because 90% of local drainage complaints come from Huntsville residents who do NOT live in the floodplain.

One of the best things Huntsville homeowners can do to protect themselves against flooding and damage to their property is to install a sump pump. A “sump” is a pit or basin typically dug beneath the basement floor. This pit holds the pump or inlet line that removes excess water from the basement through a discharge line to a designated safe drainage area away from home.

That drainage location may be a municipal sewer, a dry well, or a natural runoff point. The important thing is that the site drains well enough that the water does not flow back into the home or onto a neighbor’s property.

How Do Sump Pumps Protect the Home?

A sump pump is a device installed in the lowest part of a home's foundation, typically in the basement or crawlspace. Its purpose is to remove water that has accumulated in the area and prevent flooding.

Sump pumps are powered by electricity and have a float or pressure switch that activates the pump when the water level or pressure rises to a certain point. The sump pump will automatically turn on when that switch senses the water has gotten too high in the basin. 

The pump then discharges the water out of the home through a pipe or hose. Sump pumps have spinning rotors that either suck or push the floodwater out of the pit and into the drainage plumbing.

What Models To Choose From

There are two main types of sump pumps:

• Submersible units
• Pedestal pumps

A submersible pump is quieter and more powerful, but because it’s submerged underwater, it doesn’t last as long as a pedestal pump.

A pedestal pump has a longer service lifespan than a submersible pump, but it also takes up valuable floor space in the basement. Also, because pedestal pumps are not cooled by surrounding water, they are more prone to overheating.

Although sump pumps are sold in various horsepowers ranging from ¼ HP to 1 HP, the most important consideration is how many gallons of water they can pump per minute.

Never use an extension cord or shared outlet to power a sump pump. Voltage drops can significantly reduce the service life of the pump. The best power source for a sump pump is a dedicated ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet directly connected to its own circuit breaker. A licensed electrician should always install a GFCI. 

Perks of Sump Pumps

A sump pump protects a home from flooding in several ways. Sump pumps are an important part of a home's flood protection system and can help to prevent extensive damage from occurring in the event of a flood. Removing excess water:

• Prevents structural damage to the building
• Inhibits the growth of mold and mildew
• Reduces the danger of electrical hazards due to standing water

It is important to keep in mind that for most standard homeowner’s insurance policies, water damage from a flooded or backed-up basement is NOT covered. 

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is a local family-owned and operated business serving its neighbors in Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and on-time arrivals. Call them today for sump pump services in Huntsville, AL.

• 
  +
• 
  +
• 
  +