The Merced area gets an average of 13 inches of rain annually, and most of that falls in the spring. When that rain comes down, it has to go somewhere, and hope that somewhere is not the basement of your home. Your home may be a known flood risk, or you may think it can’t possibly happen to you. Either way, it’s important to safeguard your home against flooding by installing a sump pump. At Valley Plumbing Pros, we are your reliable installation experts. From finding the right unit to ensuring your home is flood-ready, our goal is to provide peace of mind with every service.
Another common cause of water damage in the home is old plumbing. Be sure to ask about our whole-home repiping service and protect yourself from water damage.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a motorized machine that pumps water out of the basement and away from the home. It is usually located in a hole in the basement floor, which is known as the sump pit. Most sump pumps run on electricity and need to be plugged into an outlet, but some are battery-powered, and can only last a few hours as a backup in case of a power outage.
Sump pumps have a float (either internal or external) that measures the water level. When the water rises to a certain point, the sump switches on and begins pumping water out through a corrugated hose. This hose leads outside the foundation walls, usually to another drain pipe that diverts the water away from the home. In this way, sump pumps prevent your basement from flooding.
Who Needs a Sump Pump?
Any home with a basement should have a sump pump. This is because basements are usually below grade, or underground, and water will always flow down. If your basement has flooded before, you should definitely have a sump pump, and maybe even a backup sump pump.
A good way to gauge whether you need a sump pump is to consider where your home is built and how much precipitation you get. Houses built at the bottom of a hill will receive lots of runoff in the spring. As the name indicates, the Central Valley is indeed a valley, and will therefore be especially wet in the spring.
If the area where you live has a lot of rainfall, especially in a short period of time, this can contribute to flooding risk.
A Guide to Choosing the Right Sump Pump
There are two main styles of sump pump: submersible and pedestal. When deciding which is the right model for your home, you should think about how often the sump pump will be running. If it will be used infrequently, a pedestal pump may be the more economical choice.
- Submersible sump pumps are short and stout. The motor is totally submerged in water, hence the name. The water can have a cooling effect on the motor, which may allow it to last longer. Submersible sump pumps can be more powerful and more expensive than pedestal pumps.
- Pedestal sump pumps have the motor situated above the sump. They have a tall stand and external float. Although they are cheaper than submersible sump pumps, they may be noisier and may not last as long.
In addition to cost and power, you should also take into consideration the quality of materials. A cheap sump pump might be tempting at first, but after numerous repairs and replacement, it can be more cost-effective to go with a more expensive, better quality pump.
Flooding is considered an emergency situation. If it’s caused by a plumbing mishap, you can count on our technicians for emergency plumbing service.
Your Sump Pump Installation Experts
For sump pump maintenance and repairs, trust the experts at Valley Plumbing Pros. With over a decade of experience, our plumbers will save you time and money by recommending the best sump pump for your home and even install it for you. A sump pump installed by Valley Plumbing Pros is the best choice to get you safely through the rainy season. Your satisfaction is guaranteed!
