Sump Pump Aurora CO prevents flooding and water damage by pumping out water collected in the lowest parts of a home, like basements or crawl spaces. A float switch activates a sump pump when the water level rises, forcing it to run and drain the water through a discharge pipe away from the house.
The most common cause of a wet basement is a sump pump failure. Most sump pumps come equipped with water level alarms that sound if the water in the pit rises too high. They are typically connected to a check valve that shuts off the pump when the water reaches a certain threshold. The pumps can also be hooked up to an electric or battery backup. A battery backup is important because power outages can leave a home vulnerable to flooding.
A float switch is often used with pumps to control when they are running or not. It is a simple device that resembles a small balloon with an on/off switch attached. The float rises when the water level in the sump pit reaches a certain point and activates the pump. A screen covers the switch to keep dirt and debris from clogging. Float switches are often used in tanks and other liquid containers to provide an audible or visual alert for high and low tank levels.
An easy way to monitor your sump pump is with a wifi-enabled water level sensor. When the switch is tripped, these devices connect to your wi-fi and send email, text, and voice call alerts. They are easy to install and use and can be used with many different types of liquid containers. They are also compact and can be plugged directly into your wall outlet. They are ideal for use in sump pump pits, cisterns, condensate pans and overflow containers.
There are also kits available that connect your existing sump pump to a wireless float switch and can alert you via phone, tablet or computer if the pump is operating. They can save you time and money by monitoring your basement for leaks or a pump failure.
If you notice your sump pump isn’t working properly, it may be time to consider replacing it. A professional inspection by a restoration and flood prevention expert can reveal hidden problems that could lead to a costly pump failure. Replacing the pump is a small price to pay to prevent potential flooding and property damage in the future.
Battery Backup
A battery backup system is a separate, rechargeable unit that powers your sump pump in case the main one fails or loses power. It’s a smart, affordable way to safeguard your home from costly basement flood damage.
The simplest models work by automatically switching on when the main pump stops working. They can run for up to 8 hours on a single battery and feature an alarm that will tell you when it’s time to replace the battery.
You can also get a more sophisticated battery backup that monitors your pump to detect any problems and keep an eye on the water level. Some of these can even send you a smartphone alert when the backup is activated.
Battery backup systems can also prevent a dangerous stall or burnout of your main pump by detecting problems with the float switch. These are often the biggest problem, especially if you have “wide angle” tethered switches. They have too much freedom of movement and can become trapped against the discharge pipe, pump, or power cord. A better design has a rigid float that moves in a solid, straight path, making it less likely to cause a failure or overheat.
You should also consider a battery backup that has a high recharge rate and long service life to minimize the cost of frequent repairs or replacement. It should also have an easy-to-understand function design that makes it a snap to install and operate for non-professionals.
Lastly, look for a model that has a built-in AC surge protector. This will protect your home’s circuits and equipment from a sudden power spike that can damage your sump pump or lead to a power outage.
A smart sump system with a wireless backup battery gives you the peace of mind of knowing your home and valuables are protected, no matter what kind of power fluctuations occur. It’s an investment in your home’s safety that will pay for itself the first time it saves you from the expense of flooding repair. You can find battery backup systems that provide up to 50 gallons of water per minute, or more if you have multiple batteries in your system.
Maintenance
A sump pump is designed to protect your basement from flooding, but it will only work if it is working properly. A malfunctioning pump or one that isn’t ready to function can lead to costly repairs or even total unit replacement. Routine maintenance can help ensure that your sump pump is ready to go when you need it most.
Before performing any sump pump maintenance or inspection, always unplug your pump. If your home has a dedicated circuit for the sump pump, this is even more important as it will be less susceptible to losing power due to a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.
It’s also important to make sure that you don’t have any lint or other debris in the pit before performing any maintenance. You may want to consider keeping a cover over the sump basin, as this will prevent any clogging from sediment and lint that can be washed into the pit during heavy storms.
If you’re not sure whether your pump is working properly, perform a test by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. Ideally, this should activate the pump and cause it to turn on and drain the bucket of water. If it fails to activate, then there may be a problem with the electrical connection or the float switch. In this case, you’ll need to consult a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
If your sump pump does activate, but fails to eject the water from the basin, it’s likely a problem with the impeller or check valve. In this case, the plumber will need to disassemble the pump and clean all of its components. They’ll also check the discharge pipe to ensure that it is clear of any obstructions and that it is directing water away from your home.
It’s also a good idea to check the bearings of your pump to see if they need lubrication. If they do, this can be done by following the directions in your owner’s manual. It’s a good idea to perform this at least quarterly, but annually is preferable.
Safety
A sump pump helps prevent basement flooding, protecting your home’s valuable possessions and reducing the risk of mold. But, like any pump, it requires some maintenance to ensure it is always operating at its best.
Annual maintenance should include an inspection of the pump, checking for signs of deterioration or accumulated debris, and testing to make sure it is functioning properly. If you are unsure of what to do, or need some assistance, call a professional.
Battery backup systems are essential to ensure your pump can continue working, even in the event of a power outage. In areas that experience frequent power disruptions, a battery backup will help prevent water damage to your basement and the items stored there.
It is also important to keep your sump pump clear of debris and obstructions. This includes cleaning the discharge line to prevent the buildup of mildew and mold that can clog the line.
Using a smart sump pump monitor to track your system’s performance can give you a peace of mind, especially during severe weather conditions when your house is at the highest risk for flooding. Monitors perform hundreds of measurements per second, allowing them to identify problems before they cause a flood.
A monitor that can detect an issue will alert you through the Moen Smart Water App, email, text or phone call so you can take the correct steps before a flood occurs. The app provides exact water-level data to detect a leak or pump failure, and will send you notifications for excessive pump running, loss of power, wi-fi status and temperature, humidity, and freeze alerts. You can even control your sump pump through voice activation, such as by asking the Moen app to “turn on” or “turn off” your pump. You can even set up notifications to remind you when it’s time for routine maintenance or annual service. This makes it easy to keep your sump pump working safely and efficiently. Then, you can rest assured knowing it will be there for you when your home needs it most. A sump pump is a necessary addition to any basement in an area prone to flooding or with crawl spaces and basements built below the water table. It can help keep your belongings, furniture, and other household items safe from moisture damage, as well as protect the expensive electronics and appliances commonly found in those lower levels of a home.