A sump pump is the core of your basement waterproofing system. If this pump fails for any reason, the whole system stops working and, despite the money you spent to avoid it, your basement gets flooded. This is why, if you have to rely on a sump pump, reliability is a high priority.
Though stories of old sump pumps failing are common, today’s modern sump equipment is better and more reliable than any before and is very reliable – assuming you get the right kind. The wrong equipment, however, could cause you to be the one telling how your sump pump failed in your time of need.
Though the pump is a critical component, it is only one part of a good sump pump system.
If your sump pump is sitting in a muddle hole it will clog quickly. Another thing to be careful of is a liner that is too small, which could cause your pump to "short cycle," where it turns on and off very quickly. The best option is a sturdy housing or liner that is the right size for your sump pump.
Pump manufacturers do not offer lifetime warranties on their pumps. There are a few contractors who make a big deal out of offering free replacements forever (or a long term), and they tie this “warranty” into their sales pitch. The problem is that the only time you’ll know you need to call them for a replacement is after the pump has failed and your basement is already flooded!
It would be counterproductive to have a sump pump open to the air in your basement, since any water in the bottom of the liner would evaporate and end up in your house. By putting an air-tight lid on the pump liner you can not only make your installation look good but you can seal away the water and stop anything from falling in and clogging the pump.
Sometimes the water doesn’t come from outside your house. If there is a plumbing leak and water gets on your basement floor, a sump lid with a floor drain will let you use your sump pump to drain the water away.
Another way to prevent mud, debris, or gravel that ends up in the sump liner from clogging or damaging the pump is to pick a good stand like the CleanPump Stand. By raising the pump off the bottom of the liner, a stand also keeps the check valve and discharge pipe clean.
A battery powered alarm that warns you when water reaches a point above where the pump(s) should normally turn on is vital. The only other way to tell if your pump has failed and you are in danger of flooding is after your basement already is flooded. The WaterWatch Alarm will warn you if your sump pump isn’t working.
What if the power goes out? What if my pump fails?
You need to plan on:
• The power going out – which usually happens in a big storm with rain
• The pump being accidentally unplugged
• The circuit breaker tripping
• The primary pump failing
• The primary pump not being able to keep up with the volume of water in a very heavy rain
These are the reasons why sump pump based basement waterproofing systems fail. You don't have to add your story to the tales of woe if you get the right equipment.
Learn more about Sump Pumps at Basement Systems Website
Pump Alarms