Sump Pump Repair and Maintenance
July 5th 2022
A sump pump is a device that pumps out the water that collects in a basement or a crawl space. The primary purpose of a sump pump is to prevent basement flooding. These devices are most often found in basements and crawl spaces where there is little circulation of air, which means that water doesn’t evaporate back into the atmosphere as it would when it collects outside.
Since most basements and crawl spaces have floors that are below the ground surface, water tends to seep into them through cracks and drains over time. If that water isn’t removed continuously, your house will eventually flood with water that percolates through the soil from the surface.
When water starts flooding your basement, choosing the right sump pump can be a matter of life and death for your property, and the source of major headaches if you choose one that’s not right for you. But how do you know which one is best? You have to remember that every house is unique, so not every sump pump will fit. You can have the best sump pump installed on the market, but if it’s not the right fit for your house, it might not work as well as other sump pumps on the market.
In addition to securing your home and belongings from damage, properly functioning sump pumps can help prevent costly repairs to the foundation of your Calgary home. Basements that are prone to flooding, especially those without sump pumps installed, are at risk for water seepage into the foundation. This can cause cracks and potential structural failure over time. A failing sump pump will also use more resources than it needs to in order to raise the water that sinks into the basement floor.
Since most basements and crawl spaces have floors that are below the ground surface, water tends to seep into them through cracks and drains over time. If that water isn’t removed continuously, your house will eventually flood with water that percolates through the soil from the surface.
When water starts flooding your basement, choosing the right sump pump can be a matter of life and death for your property, and the source of major headaches if you choose one that’s not right for you. But how do you know which one is best? You have to remember that every house is unique, so not every sump pump will fit. You can have the best sump pump installed on the market, but if it’s not the right fit for your house, it might not work as well as other sump pumps on the market.
In addition to securing your home and belongings from damage, properly functioning sump pumps can help prevent costly repairs to the foundation of your Calgary home. Basements that are prone to flooding, especially those without sump pumps installed, are at risk for water seepage into the foundation. This can cause cracks and potential structural failure over time. A failing sump pump will also use more resources than it needs to in order to raise the water that sinks into the basement floor.
When Do Sump Pumps Fail?
Sump pump failure is something that homeowners do not want to happen. Unfortunately, there are a number of issues that may cause a sump pump to fail:Overworked sump pump
If the water starts coming in, the volume could go from a trickle to a torrent, overwhelming your sump pump and causing it to fail. You'll need a backup system for those times when you're getting significant water into your basement or cellar.No water moving through sump pit
If there is no water flowing when the pump is activated -this could be because no water has entered the pit or that the pump isn't linked to a drainage system. Either way, it indicates a problem with the installation of the sump system.A clogged sump pump
To keep your sump pump in good shape, it’s a good idea to either install a sump pit with a removable cover or to use a cover that can be temporarily removed every few months for cleaning. Lids help keep the accumulated gunk from clogging up the pump. Plus, if you’re sealing up your sump pit, it will maintain the right humidity levels for you.Clogged and frozen discharge lines
Sump pumps operate via two main components: the sump basin, situated below the ground surface, and the discharge lines, which carry collected water. If the discharge lines become clogged or frozen, they may cease to operate or function efficiently. This can result in a backup of water in the basement.Loss of power to sump pump
It goes without saying a reliable sump pump is an essential part of basements and commercial properties that are below grade- but what happens when the power goes out? Basements can get wet fast in areas prone to flooding and a basement full of water isn’t just a big mess — it’s a threat to your family’s safety. A backup sump pump often can prevent basement flooding during extended power outages, when the primary pump fails, or when it’s not enough.Click to close