Unless your basement has flooded, you probably never think to replace your sump pump. Usually, the sump pump you have is the original pump the builder saved money on when he built the house. The sump pump is the heart of the drainage system. So, it is important to know what to look for and what questions to ask when installing a new heavy-duty sump pump.
1. Do I need a back-up pump system? It is not a matter of if a sump pump will fail; it is a matter of when. Whether your primary pump stops working due to a power outage or another mechanical failure it is important to have a back-up system.
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When you are looking to replace the sump pump and install a back-up sump system, you may have to install a larger pit. Most sump pits are not designed to accommodate a primary pump and a back-up pump. But to protect your home against the inevitable flood, you need a back-up system.
The battery backup system should either be an AC pump with an inverter, or a DC pump with a charger. AGM batteries are recommended because they require no maintenance. A good pump uses low energy to run at full capacity. Having an efficient pump that reduces the number of pumping cycles by discharging the maximum amount of water will extend the life of the pump.
2. What horse power do I need? Sump Pumps come in basically three sizes: 1/3 hp, 1/2 hp, and 3/4 hp. "In most conditions, 1/3 hp is sufficient," says Tim Wilkerson of Emecole, a waterproofing supplier in Romeoville, Ill. The pumping capacity of such a pump should exceed 2000 gallons per hour of pump through 10 feet of head or height of the vertical discharge line (Discharge line is the 1-2" PVC pipe that runs up and out of the basement). You should check with your area's building codes to make sure it doesn't require a more powerful sump pump.
Tip: The pump will function better if the discharge line uses two 45-degree angles as opposed to one 90-degree angle to exit the house. "You are diminishing the pumping capacity every time you add a direct 90-degree fitting," says Wilkerson.
3. What is a check valve? Do I need one? A check valve is a valve in the discharge line that prevents the water from dropping back down into the sump pit. Wilkerson suggests a clear valve with a full flow design. "This way you can always verify if the valve and the pump is operating properly," he says. "The full flow design is desired to optimize the flow performance through the check valve."
4. Do I need to vent my sump pump? "Sump pumps should always be vented," says Wilkerson. "If they aren't, after the dry season they become air locked." Ask your waterproofing contractor if your sump pump is vented.
Usually, contractors will drill a tiny hole in the casting of the pump or in the discharge pipe to release any air. You will see a small amount of water dripping out of the pipe but that is not a problem.
5. Aren't sump pumps all the same? Sump pumps can vary in look, warranty, price and performance. One main difference between pumps is the type of float switch. Remember, the switch is a typically the first thing to go out on a sump pump. Look at the various float switch options to see which ones would be least likely to fail.
Here are the four main kinds of switches:
Tethered Float Switch: This kind of float switch comes on a foot long piece of wire with the float on the end. As the water level rises the little ball floats to the top and triggers the pump.
Pressure Sensitive Diaphragm switches are not really "floats" at all but work with the same concept. These types of pumps are completely under water and the rubber diaphragm senses when the water pressure increases and turns on the pump.
Electronic Switches don't have an actual float either. This switch has electronic sensors triggered by rising water.
Vertical Action Float switches run on a pillar and when the float gets to the top it turns on the pump. This float switch is clamped to the discharge line.
Also float switches on back up pumps typically sound an alarm so you know there is water in the basement. Just knowing there is a water problem can save you from major water damage and mold.
No matter what kind of pump you choose it is important to have a reliable backup pump system so you never have to bail your basement. For more information about basement waterproofing, and for a complete line of primary and backup sump pumps, please visit us at www.emecole.com
Christmas Sales Black and Decker 5106551-01 18 volt dual station battery charger 201
Dec 08, 2011 01:36:40
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