FAQS About Sump Pumps and Basement Flood Prevention

Aquanot II Battery Backup Sump Pump 317-784-1870

Aquanot II Battery Backup Sump Pump 317-784-1870

Now that it is spring, we can expect a whole lot of rain. And with heavy rainfall comes the customary seasonal concerns about water leaks, water damage, and worst of all, basement and crawl space flooding. Fortunately, there is a solution to effectively managing excess water flow caused by heavy rainfall, and it happens to be a major component in a home’s plumbing system. We are talking about sump pumps!

Sump pumps are highly effective and important appliances to have if you want to keep the inside of your house dry. Generally located in a basement or crawl space, sump pumps are plumbing appliances that prevent excess groundwater from entering a home. They force excess water out of drains and away from the house during times of heavy precipitation. Sump pumps are often installed in a sump pit, which is essentially a man-made designated hole that houses excess water in the case of an emergency.

Sometimes, learning more about sump pumps and their role in flood prevention can help you reach your home improvement goals faster. It can teach you the purpose of routine plumbing maintenance, and how sticking to a schedule can protect your home from plumbing disasters like basement and crawl space floods. A great place to start is to review some frequently asked questions about sump pumps and basement flood prevention. Continue reading to do just that!

What Does a Sump Pump Do?

A sump pump is located in a basement or crawl space, and installed in a man-made hole called a sump pit. The sump pump diverts excess groundwater in drains by pumping it out and away from a home or building. This prevents interior flooding and keeps the interior dry.

How Much is a Sump Pump?

The overall price to purchase and install a sump pump varies depending on several factors. These factors can include the size, brand, make, model, square footage, location, region, weather patterns, and your preferred budget. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $2000 for a new system. This may or may not include the price of labor.

Is My Sump Pump Working Correctly?

You can test your sump pump in one of two ways to ensure it is performing properly. The first method involves unplugging the two sump pump cords from the outlet. Unplug both cords, and then plug in only the cord for the pump. If the pump does not turn on right away, there is a problem that needs professional attention. If it turns on immediately, the pump is functioning properly. The second method is to run a little water through it to see is the pump kicks on. You only need a cup or so of water to do this. You can also lift the float arm up to see if the pump turns on. It is wise to consider replacing your pump every 5-10 years. It is wise to have a back up plan in place in case of a huge storm or long power outage.

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

Not all houses require a sump pump since not all properties are likely to be subjected to excess water runoff. Homes and properties that are prone to flooding or located in confirmed flood zones are the ones that will require a sump pump. Talk to a licensed Indianapolis master plumber for advice that is unique to your property’s circumstances and needs. If you do not have a sump pump, it is strongly encouraged to have one installed, especially now before the heavy rains continue this season. If you already have a sump pump, it is important to ensure that it is prepared to perform its purpose by having it inspected by a licensed plumber.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Service and Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality sump pump service and repair at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for residential and commercial properties, including sump pumps and septic systems. We also offer Zoeller® Sump Pumps, Aquanot ll® Battery Backup sump pump systems, free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

What are the Advantages of Installing a Sump Pump?

Aquanot II Sump Pumps 317-784-1870

Aquanot II Sump Pumps 317-784-1870

If you own a home with a basement, you should strongly consider purchasing and installing a top-quality sump pump. This is especially true for home’s located in known flood zones, built on low terrains, or regions with high precipitation. Basements can flood, and water damages will cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars-worth of damages and losses. If you want to safeguard your belongings and prevent devastating basement or crawl space floods, think about buying a sump pump.

Continue reading to learn about all the benefits of owning and installing a sump pump.

Sump Pumps

Basements and other areas of a property that are below ground-level can become flooded with water from heavy rainfall, clogged or poorly-maintained gutters, and large amounts of melting precipitation. Once a home is flooded, it is almost impossible to stop damages from occurring. When a home is built, especially in newer homes, manufacturers drill in a sump pit. This is basically a small dip in the basement floor that collects any flooded or excess water that may enter the premises.

Zoeller Sump Pumps 317-784-1870

Zoeller Sump Pumps 317-784-1870

Sump pits are important for homes with basements that are below the local water table or retain poor foundation drainage systems. These pits must be drained and emptied regularly to prevent overflow. Within the pit is a float, or buoyant tool that notifies when a pit is too full. Once this float reaches a certain level, the sump pump turns on and relieves the excess water. Many sump pump systems have an automated timer that initiates these tasks for a certain amount of time, at regular intervals.

Sump pumps typically connect to a large drainage pipe that carries water out of the pit, to another location far from the home, like a dry well or public drain. A check valve within this drainage pipe prevents water from backflow and returning to the pit. Older homes might drain water to a nearby sewer, but this practice is no longer permitted due to overcapacity.

Back-up sump pumps are important in the case of a power outage. These systems are battery-powered and will operate even when your electricity is turned off. Sump pumps and back-up pumps are extremely lucrative and beneficial investments for all homes. They can prevent a considerable amount of damages and losses, and insure against flooding and drainage problems. Contact a local Indianapolis sump pump repair contractor or plumber for accurate industry advice and assistance.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 to learn more about sump pump installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of highly trained and licensed plumbers, have decades of experience repairing, installing, selling, and servicing all make and model sump pumps and backup systems. We offer free estimates, emergency services, free plumbing advice, and much more. Call 317-784-1870 and speak with a licensed master plumber in Indianapolis about sump pump repair and installation, today.