According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, more than 60% of American homes suffer from below-ground wetness. Sump pumps were created to combat this issue by removing excess moisture from the lower levels of your home such as a basement or crawl space. At A River City Plumbing, we are your sump pump professionals proudly serving Post Falls, ID and Greater Spokane, Washington areas. Not only can we help you install your new system, but also we offer ongoing sump pump maintenance and repairs, ensuring your home is always protected.
One of the leading causes of flood damage in your home is a burst pipes, especially during the winter season. Let our plumbers help protect your home today!
How Do Sump Pumps Work?
What once was a precautionary method for homes that were at high risk for basement flooding, sump pumps are now recognized as a requirement in most cities. For this reason, you can find a sump pump in a majority of all new constructions in order to comply with new strict codes and regulations.
As stated above, sump pumps are designed to keep the low-lying areas of your home dry and free from excess wetness that could cause flooding. Depending on the foundation and location of your home, some houses are at high flood risk during periods of heavy rainfall or snow.
A sump pump accumulates water in a basin and drives it outside of your home. The accumulated water can be delivered to a dry well or the city’s storm drains, depending on where you live.
Your sump pump is comprised of the following parts:
- Check Valve
- Float Valve/Pressure Sensor
- Return Pipe
- Centrifugal Pump
- Basin
When the collected water passes into the gravel-bottomed pit, it raises pressure on the sensor or the float valve to activate the sump pump. Then, the impeller, whose function is to transfer the water into the basin, turns on. While the water is moved away by the impeller, the remaining water is pushed out through a pipe and into the basin. The check valve prevents the water from flowing back in by forcing it out with pressure.
Choosing Your Sump Pump Type
There are two main types of sump pumps that each cater to a homeowner’s specific needs.
- Submersible Sump Pump: A submersible sump pump gets its name because it works while being entirely submerged in water. It’s positioned in the sump pump reservoir and operates by stimulating a motor that acts when exposed to water and can automatically shut off once the water has cleared.
- Pedestal Sump Pump: Pedestal sump pumps sit above ground and are never submerged in water. It operates through a pipe system that transports the excess water through a pipe and releases it back into the water system or through a well. Pedestal sump pumps tend to last longer than submersible pumps considering they are never submerged in water, minimizing the risk of the wear and tear that water tends to expedite.
The sump pump you choose for installation depends on the space in your basement or the design of your sump pit. Our plumbing contractors in Post Falls, ID and Greater Spokane, Washington areas can help you choose the ideal option, giving you peace of mind with every storm.
Proactive care for your home is essential, and another way to protect from harmful water is with a water softener installation!
Hire Our Sump Pump Experts
Whether you need to install a new sump pump in your home or your current unit is damaged and needs repairs, our experts can help. For over 30+ years, our plumbing specialists have been servicing the Post Falls, ID and Greater Spokane, Washington areas with friendly and reliable service. We can help you choose the right unit for your budget and needs, and help with routine checkups so you never have to worry about flood damage in your home.
