Water damage. It’s not something homeowners ever want to face. However, in areas like Rochester, NY, where heavy rainfall and high water tables are the norm, the potential for water damage does exist.
But here’s the good news: By being proactive rather than reactive, you can help protect your home from potential water damage. To be proactive, we recommend having sump pumps installed.
It’s true! With the right sump pump plus its regular maintenance, you may be able to avoid costly water damage to your home, including your basement, where important appliances like water heaters and furnaces tend to live.
What Are Sump Pumps and Why You Need Them
A sump pump is a device installed in the lowest part of a home’s basement or crawl space. It’s designed to prevent flooding by automatically removing water accumulating in a sump pit. When the water level in the pit rises to a certain point, the pump activates, directing water away from the house.
Modern sump pumps have evolved significantly since their inception, offering homeowners an efficient way to prevent their basements from flooding. Originally, sump pumps were intended to simply remove water. But today’s pumps are packed with added features like backup systems, ensuring your home can potentially stay dry even during events like power outages.
The Role of Backup Sump Pumps
Your primary sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against flooding. That said, there’s always the possibility it could fail.
From power outages to mechanical malfunctions or an overwhelmed pump during heavy rainfall, there are several things that could prevent your sump pump from doing its best. But this can leave your basement vulnerable to water damage—which is exactly what you don’t want!
That’s where backup sump pumps come into play. These secondary pumps kick in when your primary unit stops working. They can provide added protection and potentially help to prevent costly flooding.
There are two main types of backup sump pumps: battery-powered and water-powered systems. Battery-powered backups are a popular choice because they activate when the power goes out, running off a rechargeable battery until the electricity is restored. Water-powered backup systems, on the other hand, use your home’s water pressure to remove water from the sump pit, making them an excellent option for homes without a reliable power source during outages.
How Sump Pump Failures Can Affect Major Appliances
You may already know this, but sump pumps that malfunction can cause big problems. Expensive appliances are housed in most basements, including water heaters and furnaces. These appliances are essential to your home’s comfort, and when they come into contact with water, they can experience electrical issues, rust, or total failure.
Because most warranties on water heaters and furnaces don’t cover damage caused by flooding or moisture, any repairs or replacements may come out of your pocket. Needless to say that a flooded basement can turn an otherwise manageable issue into an expensive problem.
However, you can potentially avoid this scenario by regularly maintaining your sump pump system.
Signs Your Sump Pump or Backup System Needs Maintenance
Like any other helpful appliance designed to make our modern lives easier, sump pumps can experience wear and tear over time.
What might that look like?
Some common signs that your sump pump might need attention include grinding or rattling noises or irregular cycling—when the pump turns on and off too frequently. Additionally, if your sump pump runs constantly, even when there’s no water to remove, it could indicate a problem with the float switch.
You may avoid some of these common issues by regularly maintaining your sump pump and backing up the sump pump. Scheduling routine inspections, just as you would with any other major appliance, is key to keeping your sump pump in good working order.
Final Thoughts on Sump Pumps
A reliable sump pump system with a backup is crucial for protecting your home. At G.T. Plumbing, we recommend Liberty sump pumps for use in homes. Please let us know if you’d like help choosing, installing, or maintaining a sump pump system.
A properly maintained sump pump system is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your home. With the right equipment, you can rest easy knowing that your home is protected from water damage, even in the worst weather conditions.
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