When you bought your home, you probably didn’t think twice about the quality of the sump pump in the basement. Now your sump pump is giving you trouble or has pooped out all together. Unless you’re a plumber, you likely aren’t an expert in sump pumps. You may feel like you don’t even know where to start when shopping for a new sump pump.
The process can be overwhelming. You want to make the right choice to keep your home dry and mold-free. Below, we share how to determine which sump pump is the best option for your home.
What Is a Sump Pump and How Does It Work?
A sump pump is a piece of equipment that keeps your basement or crawl space dry. Its job is to pump water away from your home. Water can come from anywhere: groundwater, stormwater, or drainage systems. Plumbers install sump pumps in areas where we expect that water to be, such as a basement or crawl space. The goal of installing a sump pump is to prevent your home from flooding and building up excess moisture.
The pump is placed inside a sump pit—essentially a hole in the ground designed to draw all the water to that one place. When enough water is in the pit, the sump pump will turn on and pump the water outside the home. The water goes through a discharge pipe and ends in a drainage ditch, storm sewer, or other location.
Key Features to Consider When Looking for the Best Sump Pump
When buying a sump pump, you want to focus on performance and reliability. Here’s what you should consider:
Horsepower
The pump’s horsepower (HP) tells you how efficiently it can remove water from your home. A higher horsepower means a pump can move higher volumes of water faster. Sump pumps typically range from 1/4 HP to 1 HP:
- 1/4 HP, which is suitable for homes with minimal water accumulation and a shallow sump pit.
- 1/3 HP is the most common, handling average water volumes effectively
- 1/2 HP or higher is best for homes prone to heavy flooding, deeper sump pits, or areas with high water tables
The correct horsepower ensures your sump pump handles water during storms. If you aren’t sure what horsepower to go with, B-N-K Plumbing can help. Just call our team and schedule one of our technicians to come out to your home.
Type of Pump: Submersible vs. Pedestal
There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. Submersible sump pumps sit entirely underwater in the sump pit. They are quieter and less visible than a pedestal pump, making them a good option for homes with deep sump pits.
Pedestal sump pumps have a motor above the pit, making them easier to maintain. They’re typically more affordable and are a great choice for shallower pits.
The decision between a submersible and a pedestal depends on a few things, including:
- Your sump pit’s design
- Your budget
- Your preference for noise levels
- Your preferred maintenance schedule
Float Switch Design
The float switch is the part of the sump pump that activates the pump when water levels rise. There are three main types:
Tethered Float Switches
A tethered float switch with a cord is attached to the sump pump. The cord floats freely in the sump pit. When the water level rises, the switch lifts, activating the pump.
They are ideal for larger sump pits because they need more space to operate effectively. The advantage of tethered float switches is that they are durable and less likely to short cycle. Short cycling is when the pump has frequent on/off cycles. If you have a large space to work with, a pump with a tethered float switch is a good option.
Vertical Float Switches
This type of float switch moves up and down along a rod or guide as the water level rises or falls. When the float reaches a preset height, it activates the pump. Pumps with vertical float switches are great for smaller pits with limited space. Their compact designs make them a reliable choice for confined areas.
You may have a few issues if debris builds up in your sump pump. Debris can interfere with the movement of the float switch.
Electronic Float Switches
An electronic float switch uses sensors to detect water levels, unlike the other pumps that use a mechanical float. These sensors activate the pump when water pressure reaches a certain threshold.
Sump pumps with electronic float switches are low maintenance. They have fewer moving parts, reducing the risk of mechanical failure over time. Pumps with electronic float switches tend to be more expensive upfront, but they can be worth it down the line. Maintenance is limited to occasionally cleaning the sensors.
Each float switch type has pros and cons. Picking the right one depends on the size of your sump pit, the water volume it needs to handle, and other factors. If you aren’t sure what works best for your needs and budget, B-N-K Plumbing can help.
Backup Systems
Even the most reliable sump pumps can fail during a power outage. Don’t leave your home vulnerable to flooding during storms when you need it most. The best way to keep your sump pump running is with a battery backup system.
Here’s how it works: the battery backup connects to your primary or secondary sump pump. When the power goes off, the battery activates automatically. The backup battery ensures the pump continues removing water from the sump pit. High-quality battery backups can run for several hours or even days. How long they can keep your sump pump running depends on the model and the battery’s capacity.
A battery backup is important in areas with heavy rains and power outages. Here in Illinois, storms and wind can be a real threat to power lines. You need a backup battery if you live in the McHenry and Chicagoland region.
The backup battery offers peace of mind. You know your home is protected even in the worst conditions. The last thing you need is stress from significant flooding and costly repairs in your home. At B-N-K Plumbing, we highly recommend adding a battery backup to your sump pump system. It is a simple yet powerful way to safeguard your home.
Water Alarms
A water alarm alerts you when the water level in the sump pit rises too high, indicating a potential problem. This could happen if the pump isn’t working properly, if there’s a power failure, or if water is entering the pit faster than the pump can remove it. The alarm will make a loud sound or send an alert to your phone or other device to notify you of the issue.
Check Valves
Check valves on sump pumps are one-way valves installed in the discharge pipe. They prevent water from flowing back into the sump pit after the pump shuts off. When the pump pushes water out, the check valve opens to allow water to flow away from your home.
Once the pump stops, the valve closes, preventing the pipe’s water from reversing its direction. Without one, water could flow back into the pit, causing the pump to cycle on and off more frequently. Frequent cycling can cause overheating and reduce the lifespan of your pump.
How to Research the Best Sump Pump for Your Home
Making an informed decision starts with thorough research. Here’s how you can evaluate your options:
Learn About Local Needs
Ask your friends and neighbors in the area about their experience. What sump pump are they using? Are they having any issues? How did their basement fare during a particularly bad storm or season? Their experiences can provide insight into the challenges specific to your area.
Compare Models Online
Use online comparison tools and reviews to assess different models’ performance, durability, and cost. Look for customer feedback on features like reliability and noise levels.
Consult a Professional
At B-N-K Plumbing, we have extensive experience helping homeowners choose the right sump pump for their homes. Let our team assess your home and recommend the most efficient and reliable options.
The Importance of Expert Installation
Choosing the right sump pump is only half the equation. Proper installation is just as important. Even the best pump won’t perform well if installed incorrectly.
Protect Your Home With Confidence
Your sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against water damage. Choosing the right one is an investment in your peace of mind. Ready to find the perfect sump pump for your home? Contact B-N-K Plumbing today to schedule a consultation. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to guide you every step of the way.
