So you’ve just schedule a sump pump installation. Your basement is fully protected from flooding and you no longer have to worry or think about what is going on in the lower level of your home or business — not quite! Sump pumps are vital to keeping your basement from flooding and can provide long term protection without any issues, but they are also very complicated devices whose owners should know what to expect throughout their lifespans.

Why You Should Choose McHales for Sump Pump Installation

Many people have a sump pump installation in the basement of their home or business, yet do not understand how it works or how to properly monitor and care for it. That is why it is important to call McHales to handle your sump pump installation. When you contact us, not only are you receiving the service it needs but you will also save on the unnecessary time, money, and frustration spent on repairing a flooded basement. It is valuable for you to learn the ins and outs of your sump pump installation, so it can run as efficiently as possible for as long as possible. With McHales, you can ensure that you will receive high-quality and efficient service with our experienced and well-trained plumbers and technicians. 

Here’s What You Can Expect from Your New Sump Pump

Types: Your sump pump will be one of the several types currently on the market. Submersible pumps are located inside a sump well and as its title indicates, can operate underwater. Pedestal pumps, which tend to be louder and less popular than submersible pumps, operate outside of the sump well. Other, less common types of sump pumps include floor sucker pumps, which remove water from a floor’s surface, and water-powered pumps, which are incorporated into a structure’s plumbing to control water. 

How it works: Simply put, sump pumps are installed to prevent flooding in structures. During periods of significant rainfall, snowmelt or other wetness, water can accumulate quickly and flood basements in that area. Both submersible pumps and pedestal pumps work to prevent this flooding by using a float. When water reaches a certain point in the sump well, a float prompts the sump pump to turn on and start removing the water before it floods the structure.

Parts and features: While different types and models will have different parts, each sump pumps installation is a product of several intricate parts and features all with a role contributing to flooding prevention.  Some of these parts include motors, floats, float rods, sump tanks, check valves, discharge lines, backup batteries, electrical outlets, and many others. Sump pumps are also equipped with several features designed to reinforce the system and prevent flooding even in the worst-case-scenario. Backup batteries ensure the sump pump will continue to function, even if there is a power outage that prevents the pump from working through standard electricity. The water level alarms sound when the water in the sump pit, exceeds the top of the pump, signaling the property owner to take further action to prevent the basement from flooding. Sump liners prevent a sump pit from becoming clogged and check valves prevent expelled water from returning back into the sump pit.

Common Mishaps with Sump Pump Installation 

Sump pump installation can be saviors when it comes to basement waterproofing, but they aren’t without their issues. As the systems work hard while being exposed to the elements, they can have occasional mechanical issues. Some of the most common problems include electrical failures, clogged pipes, stuck switches, damage from an overworked pump, a rare product defect, or improper installation.

Warning signs: There are some signs that indicate something is wrong with your sump pump installation. If you hear an unusual noise coming from your sump pump, it could be a sign of an overworked engine or a broken part. Similarly, if your sump pump is turning on often, or staying on for long periods of time, it is likely working too hard. The presence of a strange smell in the basement could mean that unwanted moisture caused mold or mildew growth. And of course, if you see water in your basement, it’s a clear indicator that your sump pump is not performing well. You should pay close attention to these warnings so you can call a professional to inspect your device before it fails and your basement floods.

Replacements: If you do have a failing sump pump, there are some options for ensuring your basement is fully flood-proof once again. A professional will be able to inspect your sump pump and determine what it needs. It can be a quick repair or part replacement, or an entire system replacement. In some cases, the professional may decide it is best to install a secondary sump pump to back up and reinforce the first.

Lifespan: When you live in a house for decades, it might seem unusual how often you have to replace your sump pump. Because they run on a motor and are susceptible to wear and tear, the normal life span of a sump pump is only about ten years. They can last longer or shorter, depending on how much use they actually get, and several other factors. Because of this, experts recommend sump pump inspections at least annually, and more frequently as it gets older.

If at any point you need assistance, call McHales for care and maintenance on your new sump pump installation!