Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Sump Pump Basics

Like many places along the front range, Arvada is seeing it's fair share of rain this week! What's the saying? If you don't like the weather...wait 5 minutes. 

While most of the time that is the case in Colorado, perhaps not this week. This heavy rain has left many worried about keeping their basements dry. If you have a basement, then you're probably familiar with a sump pump. They're easy to ignore...until you really need them. Here are some sump pump basics to help you stay dry and protect your home. 


What is a sump pump?
A sump pump is an automatic pump that is used to remove ground water that has accumulated in a sump basin. These are usually found in the basement of homes. They are most often used to prevent basement flooding. The pumps usually funnel water away from the home...typically to a storm drain or dry well. 

Are all pumps the same?
No, there are several types of pumps. A primary sump pump is usually the standard for residences. These pumps are designed to pump water out of your basement and keep your home dry. With a primary pump, there are two options. A submersible pump is put under water in your sump pump basin. The other option is a pedestal pump. This type of pump is placed above the sump basin, with the motor out of the water. Our technicians at Payless Plumbing are highly trained in both types of pumps. They can help you choose the type of pump that will best meet your needs. 

Along with the primary pump, there is added insurance in the case of a power outage. A battery back up is available for added protection. Since most sump pumps are powered by electricity, they can fail during a power outage. A batter backup will begin provide power in the event of an outage. 

How do I know if I need a sump pump?
Just because you have a basement, doesn't necessarily mean you need a sump pump. Some homes are situated so that excess ground water can easily flow under your basement and away from your homes. If your home is on level ground with soil that easily traps water, you most likely will need a sump pump. Without one, water becomes trapped. This can cause mold and mildew issues, or in the case of heavy rains, it can cause flooding. 


The bottom line is that if you are even considering a pump...don't wait until it's too late. Protect your home and your valuables. There are many affordable options and our technicians can help you determine the pump that will best meet your needs. 


Payless Plumbing serves Arvada, Westminster, Broomfield and the surrounding metro areas. Our technicians can assess the set up of your home to help you determine if a sump pump is right for you. Give us a call today or visit our website to learn more. Don't wait until you have a flooding emergency...be prepared and call us today! 

303-927-6247

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