Rain and flooding can wreak havoc on basements, especially those below the water table. A sump pump can help protect your home from flood damage.
The pump works by a float switch that rises with the water level in the pit. This activates an electric motor to power an impeller (fan-like device). The impeller pumps water out of the discharge pipe, which leads away from your house. Contact Sump Pump Aurora CO now!
A float switch is an essential component of a sump pump that triggers it to turn on. It works by measuring the height of the water level in the pump’s basin with a mechanical device. A float switch consists of a hollow body that floats in the water and an internal sensor probe. The float moves up and down with the water, pivoting on a cord attached to the switch that connects it to the pump. The mechanical switch in the float closes when it is in the lowered position, sending an electrical current to the connected pump.
A wide-angle float switch is the most common and requires a significant change in water level, several inches, to trigger on or off. This prevents it from turning on and off rapidly due to minor changes in water level, such as ripples.
Depending on the application, the float switch may use mercury or a mechanical mechanism to open and close contacts. SJE Rhombus offers a variety of float switches to meet the specific needs of your pump or tank application.
While the float switch is an important part of your sump system, it can also be a source of problems. When it is stuck, it can cause your pump to run continuously. This can lead to overheating and shorten the life of your pump. A stuck float switch is often caused by debris, such as hair or food. A blocked discharge line can also keep the float switch from working properly. Check the line regularly to make sure it isn’t clogged or frozen.
If your pump is constantly running, it could be because the float switch has become stuck in the on position. You can try disengaging the switch manually by using a non-conductive item such as a screwdriver or golf club to push it back into its off position. If you can’t fix it, you may need to replace the switch entirely. Before attempting to do this, you should disconnect all the power and water lines, loosen the pipe clamp at the bottom of the discharge line, and remove the old pump from the pit.
Battery Backup
If you live in an area prone to storms or frequent power outages, the addition of a backup battery is an excellent way to protect your home from water damage. This battery will allow your sump pump to function seamlessly without grid power, keeping your basement and your home safe even in the worst-case scenario.
The battery will provide double the power of your sump pump, allowing it to remove excess water quickly and efficiently. This feature is particularly important if your primary sump pump struggles with large amounts of water in heavy rainstorms or flash flooding. It is also a good idea if you live in an area where power outages frequently occur, since they may coincide with severe weather conditions or heavy rainfall, precisely when your sump pump is needed most.
When shopping for a sump pump battery, be sure to select one with a high gallons per hour (GPH) rating. This will ensure that your pump can remove a large amount of water in a short period of time, preventing your basement from becoming too full before the system is able to shut off again. Additionally, be sure to check the battery’s charging capacity regularly and occasionally add distilled water or acid, depending on your specific model.
If you are interested in having a battery backup system installed, contact us today to schedule an evaluation of your property and existing sump pump. We can help you choose the best model to suit your needs and ensure that your basement remains protected in the event of a sudden or prolonged power outage. Even an inch of water can cause significant damage to your home and belongings, making a backup system a wise investment for any homeowner.
Installation
Sump pumps are a common remedy to prevent wet basements, but they’re not the only solution. Your gutters should be in good condition, and the land around your home should be graded to drain water away from the foundation. Additionally, you might want to consider installing battery-powered water alarms that sound when the pump is activated and your home is flooding.
During sump installation, you’ll need to dig a hole for the pit in the lowest part of your basement, preferably near where water and sewer lines enter your home. You’ll also need to locate a GFCI outlet for the pump and run a discharge pipe to a safe location, such as a storm drain or a designated area in your yard.
Before you install your new pump, make sure to check the water level in the basin and that the float on the pump is positioned correctly in the sump pit. It’s important that it rises when the pump is activated and falls back down to keep the water from overflowing the basin.
To install the pump itself, you’ll need to set it in the pit. Make sure that the float isn’t jammed against the bottom of the pit, or it may not raise and fall as needed. If it’s positioned correctly, then you’ll need to connect the discharge line and hook up the electrical connections.
The simplest way to do this is by connecting the discharge pipe to a hose with a small opening that’s outside the pit. You’ll also need to fit a PVC pipe increaser onto the end of the discharge pipe, so you can extend it a few feet away from your home.
Once all of the plumbing connections are made, it’s time to test your new sump pump. Ensure that it’s working properly by dumping water into the pit. If you’re having trouble getting it to work, you can always call a professional for help. The price of hiring a plumber might be worth it for certain installations, such as if you’re using a submersible pump or cutting through a concrete floor to run the pipe.
Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on your sump pump is essential to keep it working well and prevent costly repairs down the road. This can be done by a professional, or you can take care of it yourself. If you decide to hire a plumber, make sure that they have a good understanding of your sump pump and its operation so that they can properly service it. They should inspect the pit and check to see that it is large enough to accommodate your pump, check the check valve (to ensure it is functioning), and make sure that the battery backup is charged and ready for a power outage.
You should also clean your pump at least twice a year. To do this, you will need to drain your sump and remove the float switch and discharge line for cleaning. Then, use a wire brush to clean the inlet screen and a plumbing snake to clean out your discharge pipe. If the pump has a vent, you should flush this out several times per year to prevent blockage and reduce wear and tear.
If your pump has been in service for a long time, it may be time to replace the battery. This will keep it operating when it is needed most, and it will protect you from water damage in your home.
One of the most common problems with sump pumps is that they fail to turn on when they are needed. This can be caused by a clogged float switch or a faulty pumping mechanism. A plumber will be able to inspect your pump, find the problem, and repair it so that it will work as it should in future storms.
Another common problem with sump pumps is that they leak. Leaking can be caused by cracks, faulty parts, or a loose pipe. A plumber can inspect your sump, find the source of the leak, and take action like tightening valves or patching the hole.