What does a sump pump do?

Got water problems, or damp areas, especially in your basement? Then you likely are familiar with sump pumps. A sump pump is a pump that is used for the sole purpose of removing water. Many homes have a sump pit in their basement, which is the hole created soley to remove water and a place to put the sump pump. The Sump pump then filters the water to the sump pit. Not every home has to have a sump pit to use a sump pump and they can be used without a pit. Sump pumps work by pumping water away from the flooded, damp, or wet area.

There are two types of sump pumps – the submersible and pedestal. The submersible sump pump is mounted inside the sump pit, while the pedestal’s pump motor is mounted above a pit – or a location such as a basement drain, where the water can be pumped to.

How long do sump pumps last?

How long sump pumps last does depend a lot on how much you use your sump pump as well as how well its maintained. Because you are often dealing with wet and sometimes dirty water or fluides, the more you clean and maintain your sump pump, the longer the life of your pump. Performing routine components checks is also important. Regularly cleaning dirt out of the sump pump can keep the valves, lines and pump a longer lifespan. Your sump pump, if maintained well, can last for years. If not maintained it can need to be replaced after a year or two. Make sure you disconnect your sump pump from any electrical connection before servicing!

Who is a candidate for sump pumps?

If you live in an older home, have a damp basement, near water such as a lake or river, or at the bottom of a hill, especially near a lake or river, or somewhere where rain can easily seep into your basement or other levels of your home, then it’s a good idea to buy a sump pump.  If you any room or level in your house lower than the ground, it’s a good idea to consider a sump pump.

Cost points of repairing vs replacing sump pumps

A new sump pump can run anywhere from around $100 for a smaller home unit to over $700 for an industrial size unit.  The size, horsepower and style (pedestal/submersible) also play into the price, but you can expect to pay $100-$300 for a new home pump.  When it comes to repairs, the check valve is important, a good, new check valve is the key to keeping the sump pump running effectively.  If you need a sump pump pit built costs can be around $1,000 to over $5,000 or more to build the pit, add the lines, asin and drains, pending on needs.  As for repairing components, costs of parts vary, anywhere from $20-$100 for valves or lines as well as labor costs associated with fixing a sump pump.

How is a sump pump installed?

Before starting any sump pump project, have a representative from the city come to your house to make sure you are digging in an area where you are safe.  Once you identify the location, dig the hole and add some gravel.  Take the sump pump adapters and attach in the hole.  Then, you install a check valve and run that away from the house.  You then run PVC through the wall and apply sealant to that hole.  You then take the pipes and position it so it drains away to the right location.  Then cover the sump pump.  Sit back and watch it go to work.