Residential plumbing systems are incredibly complex. The average homeowner most likely has a basic understanding of how their drainage system works without a firm grasp of the specific parts or mechanisms that protect their home from water damage. If you have a home with a basement, then chances are that you’re somewhat familiar with a sump pump. Even if you don’t know exactly what it is or what it does, you at least know that your home has one or that it should. Sump pump tank installation in Hamilton should only be handled by a licensed plumber in your area. Keep reading for everything you need to know about sump pumps.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a mechanical device that’s attached to your home’s underground water drainage system, also known as a sump pit. Water that accumulates inside the sump pit needs to be drained to prevent plumbing issues, water backlog, and flooding. The sump pump, which is typically installed at the lowest level of your home—the basement—pumps out the excess water and redirects it toward your local sewage system outside.
What Are the Different Types of Sump Pumps?
There are two main types of sump pumps that are used by residential plumbing contractors in Hamilton and other parts of Ontario.
Pedestal
Pedestal sump pumps are the most common type because they’re easy to install and maintain. They’re installed on the floor in a crawlspace or corner of your home’s basement. That way, you can easily access the sump pump as needed to inspect it for clogs or damages and perform routine maintenance. Pedestal sump pumps are also more cost-effective due to the fast and easy installation and maintenance.
Submersible
Submersible sump pumps are the opposite. They’re installed underwater inside of the sump pit located under the foundation of your home. Because they’re submerged in water in the sump pit, submersible sump pumps are a little trickier to access if there’s a problem. Because submersible sump pump installation and replacement in Hamilton is a lot more complex and labour intensive, it’s also more expensive. On the plus side, submerging the sump pump underwater under your home’s foundation results in significant operational noise reduction, which is ideal if you use your basement frequently.
Benefits of Sump Pump Installations for Residential Plumbing
While sump pumps don’t prevent high water levels from infiltrating your basement, they can stop long-term flooding from occurring by using centrifugal force to drain excess water out. As a result, there are a lot of benefits to installing a sump pump in your home if you have a basement.
- Reduces water damage caused by flooding
- Decreases the risk of mould and mildew underneath and inside your home
- Provides better air quality in your home
- Lowers the risk of water-borne pests in your home
- Increases the home value because it shows that you’ve taken good care of the property
- Protects your home against sewage backups
- Protects furniture and appliances in your basement
If the foundation of your home rests on a concrete or cement slab without a basement and you live in a fairly dry climate with minimal annual precipitation, then you most likely don’t need to install a sump pump for your home.
Signs That Your Home Requires a Sump Pump Installation or Replacement
Upfront sump pump installation and replacement costs can be a little pricey. And with the high cost of living these days, it’s perfectly understandable if some homeowners aren’t prepared to invest in a sump pump at the moment. Unfortunately, certain external climate conditions combined with an uneven foundation can leave your home susceptible to abundant water accumulation and damage as a result. Here are a few signs that you need a sump pump installation for your home in Hamilton.
Past Flooding in the Basement
If you’ve experienced flooding in your basement before, then there’s a good chance that it’s likely to happen again. Underground wet conditions are fairly common in various parts of Ontario and this can increase the risk of minor or severe flooding. High water levels can infiltrate your home’s foundation through cracks and porous concrete, which leads to potentially extensive damages. Installing a sump pump can help reduce the majority of the damage by quickly draining water out of your home.
Building or Home Is on Low-Lying Property
Homes that are built on flat or low-lying land are more prone to damages caused by pooling or standing underground water, especially if they don’t have a sump pump. If you’re planning on purchasing a home, inquire about the terrain on which it’s built. Flat terrains absorb moisture because there’s nowhere for the water to go. But if you have a sump pump, then the external pump will at least draw excess moisture out of the property and redirect it towards a sewage system even if there isn’t a slope.
The Average Amount of Annual Precipitation
Climate conditions and annual precipitation levels are another important factor to consider. Ontario winters can be long and grueling, followed by heavy rainy seasons in the spring. The melted snow and rainwater can quickly accumulate and flood your basement, causing extensive damages. Longstanding water leads to mould and mildew development and it also erodes building materials like concrete and various types of flooring. Sump pumps quickly drain excess water from your sump pit so that it doesn’t have a chance to accumulate and flood your basement.
Old and Damaged Sump Pump
Sump pumps have an average lifespan of about 10 to 15 years before they start to break down and need to be replaced. That lifespan can be even shorter if you live in an area with heavy annual precipitation levels. As your sump pump ages, its efficiency and ability to pump out water depreciates. At this point, you might want to consider replacing it for a newer model.
Schedule a High-Quality Sump Pump Installation and Replacement in Hamilton
If you’re looking for professional sewage sump pump replacement or installation in Hamilton, then you’ve come to the right place. As one of the leading residential plumbing contractors in Hamilton, MDM Mechanical has the expertise to quickly resolve any sump pump issues you may have. Book a consultation today!
