Need A Sump Pump? Use This Buyer’s Guide To Get What You Need
Sump pumps have become a must-have item in many homes since the enactment of the federal Clean Water Act.
The act led to changes in how rainwater could be drained away from homes. Namely, it prohibited builders from running a drainage system that sent rainwater into local sewer lines. As a result, many residential drainage designs could not meet the need to direct rainwater at a distance that was far enough to prevent basement and crawl space flooding. Many homes, therefore, have experienced water damage.
But installing a sump pump is an effective, lasting solution to preventing water damage to your basement or crawl space. If you’re in the market for one, here’s what you should look for:
- Size – You will hear some industry terms when you’re sizing a sump pump. Total developed head is the term that plumbers and contractors use to calculate how much water the sump pump must remove from a space, which basically depends on your basement’s ceiling height and how far away your discharge should be. These factors are generally more important than the actual horsepower of a given system.
- Type of system – Sump pumps are made from a variety of materials, including cast iron, plastic and stainless steel or a combination of stainless steel and cast iron. Be aware that plastic pumps won’t last as long as the durable cast iron ones.
- Switch quality – The float switch on your sump pump basically tells the unit when to cycle on. You have two options. A dual float switch, which has two switches — the second one will activate if the first fails — or a system with electronic level control, which bypasses using a float or any moving parts in fact, so there is less wear and tear and possibility of failure.
The best way to maximize your investment in a sump pump is to use a professional to help you select, size and properly install it. For more information about sump pumps, or to schedule an appointment, contact Apollo Home in Cincinnati. In addition to our regular service, we respond to emergency calls.
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