Over the decade, the number of homes in the United States with sump pumps has increased. Based on a recent study, 14000 homes and workplaces experience emergency water damage, and approximately 98 percent of basements in most households will experience water damage in their lifetime.
Imagine how devastating it can be waking up to a flooded home. The most effective way to protect your home from flooding is by installing a sump pump. There are a variety of sump pumps available today. However, deciding on the one best fit for your home can be challenging without the guidance of a professional plumber.
This blog highlights some of the most common sump pumps, how they work, and their pros and cons to help you choose the right one for your home.
Submersible Sump Pumps
These sump pumps are submerged in the sump pit, thus, saving you space in your basement. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, this sump pump may be what you need. Submersible sump pumps are built with highly powerful motors to move a lot of water at once.
The submersible sump pumps can also prevent flooding in your home since they filter debris, preventing clogging that can cause flooding and water overflowing in homes.
Despite being so powerful, these machines also have their drawbacks. Firstly, they are costly compared to other sump pumps; hence, homeowners in Fernandina, FL who are on a budget, cannot afford them.
Also, these sump pumps are not easy to access, making it difficult for the plumbers to service or replace them. In addition, they have a short life span of about 5 to 10 years.
Water-Powered Sump Pumps
Compared to other sump pumps, water-powered pumps are less common. If you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages, this sump pump would be perfect for your home. The water-powered sump pumps don’t need electricity; instead, they rely on the water pressure from your area’s municipal water source.
Another significant benefit of these sump pumps is their long lifespan because they do not have a battery or moving parts. Hence, you won’t have to be concerned about the water damaging it.
However, if you acquire water-powered sump pumps, be ready for your electric bills to go up due to the water used to create a vacuum in your pump. With these sump pumps, you’ll also require city water since low water pressure from sources such as wells can compromise the efficiency of your system.
Pedestal Sump Pumps
They are also referred to as upright pumps. Unlike the submersible, the pedestal pump’s sump motor is raised above the sump pit to prevent it from coming into contact with water. It has an extensional shaft that reaches inside the pit so it can reach the water and filter it out.
Since pedestal sump pumps are situated above the pit, they are easy to access. Hence, if you need to replace or repair the pump, it will not be hard for the plumbers to access it. Because they are not in contact with water or debris, these sump pumps have a longer lifespan than the submersible sump pumps and can serve you and your family for about 25 to 30 years.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, these sump pumps might be just what you need. They are less costly than submersible sump pumps, and since they have a long lifespan, you do not have to replace them for a long time.
However, these pumps are also quite noisy. In addition, these pumps are not as powerful as the submersible sump pumps. Hence, plumbers don’t recommend them for low-level properties or houses with a basement susceptible to flooding.
Combination Sump Pumps
Combined sump pumps are considered the most reliable and effective compared to the other sump pumps. They are designed to be used with your main electricity or a backup battery.
One of the significant benefits of these sump pumps is that they protect your basement at all times; thus, you don’t have to be worried about your basement flooding. Whether there is a power outage, the sump pump will continue operating. Also, the combination sump pump is as powerful as the submersible pump when you have electricity.
Despite their high initial cost, combination sump pumps are cost-effective in the long run. You do not need to be concerned about buying any extra parts since all the pieces are included once you purchase the sump pump.
However, since combination sump pumps are built like submersible ones, they tend to be very difficult to access, making it difficult for plumbers to perform repairs and replace them. Also, they are prone to breakages.
Effluent Pumps
You will often find these pumps in homes with effluent basins or tanks. Most people confuse them for sewage pumps. However, unlike sewage pumps, effluent pumps get rid of wastewater that collects in your sinks and showers and pump it into the leach field or effluent disposal area. The plumbers can install these pumps on a different pump chamber in either your septic tank.
Once the plumbers have installed effluent pumps, they run automatically. These pumps are relatively durable depending on how you maintain your pump and how frequently it is used. They can serve you and your family for approximately 10 to 15 years.
However, the effluent tanks are not suitable for every home. Before purchasing your home pump, read the label or consult a professional plumber in Fernandina, FL to avoid buying one that will not meet your home’s needs.
Contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing Today for Top-Notch Sump Pump Services
For all your sump-pump needs, call Bert Norman’s Plumbing. We are a plumbing company with experienced and certified plumbers who offer sump pump installation, repairs, and replacements. We have been serving the residents of Fernandina, FL since 1985 by offering quality, reliable, and customer-based services. Please do not hesitate to contact us to book an appointment.