A Buyer’s Guide To Sump Pumps

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Few things are as distressing to a homeowner as a wet basement. Your basement could be wet for a variety of reasons. Maybe you forgot to have the gutters cleaned. More serious, rain water might not be able to drain away from the foundation of your home. Whatever the reason, a wet basement invites mold. Further, it keeps you from using that space as a living area. Although it’s easy to remedy problems as simple as clogged gutters, you might need a sump pump for a more serious issue.

A buyer’s guide to sump pumps

A sump pump is designed to move water that would come into your basement away from your foundation, frequently to an area in your yard that’s distant from your home. The excess water is collected in a sump, or basin, and when it reaches a certain level, it’s pumped out.

Sump pumps are available in two basic styles — pedestal and submersible. As the name implies, a pedestal is located above the sump. Although it’s easier to service than a submersible sump, it isn’t hidden. A submersible pump is in the sump and hidden from view. This type of sump usually has a cover to keep children and pets safe. The basin may be plastic, metal or concrete. Noncorrosive metal linings are generally preferred.

When you’re choosing your sump pump, you’ll have several other things to keep in mind:

  • Switches can be floating, diaphragm or mercury. Any of the three will do the job, but make sure it’s an automatic switch that’s wired to your home’s electricity. Your pump will be activated whether you’re home or not. Have a battery backup in the event of a power outage.
  • Pay attention to the gallons per minute or gallons per hour that the sump pump can move, as well as the lift. You want a pump that’s strong enough to lift the water out of the basin and send it through the pipes in your basement.

Benefits of a sump pump

The benefits of a sump pump are obvious. In addition to keeping your basement dry and free of unhealthy mold, a sump pump can allow you to use that valuable space in your home. Your family could have that rec room you’ve always wanted — or office or playroom.

Think you need a sump pump? Contact Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We can answer all your questions and help you keep your home dry. We serve homeowners in greater Cincinnati.

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