Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Sump Pumps

Posted on March 31, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Springtime means rain; and even though April is not quite here yet, the showers are no less on their way. During the rainy season, the persistent moisture in the surrounding environments can cause excessive puddling and standing water, which can lead to more serious issues like flooding. For this reason, it is important to double check that your sump pump is in good condition and operating efficiently this time of year. This piece of plumbing equipment will protect your home from catastrophic water leaks and flooding disasters.

Not sure what you need to know about your sump pump? Continue below to review some frequently asked questions about residential sump pumps, and where you can get trusted service before the storms hit your neck of the woods.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Services 317-784-1870 — Indianapolis Indiana Sump Pump Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

Sump Pump FAQS You Want to Know

☔ What are Sump Pumps?

Sump pumps are conventional plumbing devices that are designed to mitigate indoor flooding by keeping water out of your basement, crawl space, or lower level of your home. In fact, they are installed at the lowest point of the home since water drains downhill. They collect rainwater and then transfer it to the nearest retention pond or storm drain, thus abating excessive water accumulation in and around your house.

☔ Do I Need a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are vital for all homes in regions with annual rainfall and properties located near bodies of water. Furthermore, if you have a patio, sloped driveway, clogged gutters, or surrounding sidewalks, your property is more prone to flooding problems than others. In Spring when excessive water accumulates around these areas, your home is subjected to increased rain buildup, which can lead to water leaks, seepage, flooding, and structural and foundational issues. They save homeowners thousands of dollars in invasive and time-consuming repairs, not to mention the hassle of it all to begin with.

☔ Is My Sump Pump Broken?

In order to determine if your sump pump is still working is to test it, manually. This means you will have to grab a 5 gallon bucket, fill it with water, and then dump it into the sump pit. The float trigger should activate as you pour water into your sump pump. Then after a few minutes, the pit should drain, and the sump pump should turn off automatically. If this all happens, your device is working. If your sump pump reacts any differently, such as not shutting off after the pit drains or making odd sounds, you might need sump pump repair or replacement.

☔ When Should I Replace a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are designed to last a long time. Generally, their average lifespan ranges between 8 and 10 years. However, this lifespan depends on several factors, including the quality of the make and model, the frequency at which it was used, and the annual rainfall in your region. Talk to your trusted plumbing company for advice on when you can expect to replace your sump pump. It is important to have your home’s plumbing inspected by a licensed plumber on an annual basis to ensure all systems are running efficiently.

☔ Can I Install a New Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are serious plumbing appliances that require serious expertise and resources. So, if you are thinking about installing your new sump pump on your own, please reconsider. It is strongly encouraged to hire a licensed and experienced plumber to advise you on which kind of sump pump your home requires, and to install it for you properly, and up to code. When it comes to mitigating flood and water damage to your house, you do not want to take any shortcuts or make a mistake.

Do you need to replace or repair a sump pump in your home? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 to get professional plumbing services for sump pumps in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve both residential and commercial clients and offer 24 hour emergency plumbing service.

You Should Also Read:

Why Won’t My Sump Pump Turn Off After it Rains a Lot?
How to Determine Which Sump Pump Size You Need
The Dangers of In-Home Flooding

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

What You Need to Know About Your Sump Pump

Posted on August 29, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you have moved into a new house that is equipped with a sump pump, or you are considering replacing the current one in your home, it is important to have the right knowledge in order to prevent costly breakdowns, inconvenient problems, and common user errors, down the line. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about your sump pump.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Service 317-784-1870

Testing Your Sump Pump

When it comes to your sump pump, the most important factor is function. You must periodically check on your unit to ensure it is still working properly. To test your sump pump’s operation, all you have to do is fill up a 3 to 5 gallon bucket with water and pour it into your sump pit. As the pit fills up with water, the float trigger should activate. Then, the water should drain from the pit and the pump should turn off. If this all happens, your sump pump is still operational. If the trigger activates but the water does not drain, or the pump does not shut off, you need to have your sump pump professionally inspected and serviced by a licensed plumber.

Replacing a Sump Pump

Sump pumps are designed to last around 10 years, but their lifespan can vary depending on several factors, such as regular maintenance, number of occupants, annual precipitation, brand or manufacturer, and more. Additionally, the cost of a sump pump averages around $1,000, more or less, depending on the make, model, and retailer you choose. For this reason, it is important to provide sufficient maintenance and care on a regular basis to avoid breakdowns and premature replacements.

Sump Pump Repairs

If your sump pump is experiencing some minor issues, have them addressed right away, before the problem can grow into something worse, and therefore, more expensive. The general rule of thumb is to have your unit inspected professional once every year, regardless of its performance. Failed sump pumps lead to costly basement flooding and property damages, meaning it is much cheaper to replace or repair a sump pump rather than pay for basement and foundation renovations. See our blog, “Top 7 Reasons Why Sump Pumps Break” to learn what signs to look for in a failing sump pump.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Services

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional sump pump service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience working with sump pump inspections, repairs, and replacements. Best of all, we carry the Zoeller Aquanot® sump pump and can install it for you at the most competitive price in town! Call 317-784-1870 and receive a free estimate for sump pump repair and service in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

FAQS About Sump Pumps and Basement Flood Prevention

Posted on April 5, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

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

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.