What is sump pump

Square One includes overland flood coverage on most of the policies we sell. How often a sump pump runs depends on its local conditions. Some basements are closer to the water table than others, and so their sump pumps run more often. Here are some potential causes:.

A faulty check valve. The check valve lets water out, but not back in. Check valves are usually installed near the pump, in the sump pit. Not every sump pump has a check valve installed. A blocked discharge line. Run the calculations from further up the page to see if you need a more powerful pump. A change in the water table.

Water tables can change over time, especially seasonally. If the water table at your home rises past the height of your sump pit, your pump will run much more often. Having a battery backup sump pump is important. Though, you can buy combination sump pumps that have both a primary and a backup pump in the same unit.

If you live in a flat or low-lying area, or somewhere that gets a lot of snow or rain, you should have a sump pump.

If you discover moisture in your basement, dry it out with a dehumidifier and check back a few days later. If the moisture has returned, you probably need a sump pump. Want to learn more? Visit our resource centres for hundreds of helpful articles created specifically for homeowners, condo owners, landlords, and tenants.

Then, get an online quote in under 5 minutes and find out how affordable personalized home insurance can be. Get a personalized online home insurance quote in just 5 minutes and see how much money you can save by switching to Square One. Get an online quote now. Even when you take precautions, accidents can happen. Home insurance is one way to protect your family against financial losses from accidents.

Sump pumps and your home: A guide. Topics What is a sump pump? Types of sump pumps What size pump do I need? Sump pump costs Life expectancy and maintenance Troubleshooting Home insurance considerations Commonly asked questions.

What is a sump pump? Types of sump pumps Sump pumps are either primary or backup, and your system should have one of each. Submersible pumps Submersible sump pumps are bulky devices. Pedestal pumps Pedestal pumps are long, upright devices with the pump motor sitting on top and the intake device, or impeller, at the bottom. Battery operated backup The most common type of backup sump pump is the battery-powered backup.

What size pump do I need? Determine flow rate To figure out your flow rate, wait for a rainy day and run your pump until the water drops below the shut off level. Measure Next, measure the vertical distance from the bottom of your basement to the outlet pipe. How much does it cost to replace a sump pump? Sump pump life expectancy Finally, be aware of the life expectancy of your sump pump. Maintaining a sump pump Sump pumps require scheduled maintenance.

Disconnect the check valve and remove any debris. It only takes 5 minutes. What to do when something goes wrong As long as they have a back-up power source, sump pumps are fairly reliable.

Here are some of the things to watch out for: Debris in the pump Sump pits can fill up with debris, especially open pits without a covering. Clogged or frozen discharge lines Most sump pump systems have an air gap. Improper connection to sewage line Sewer systems are not designed to handle large volumes of runoff resulting from heavy rain or snowmelt.

What will your home insurance provider want to know? Is sump pump failure covered by insurance? Other commonly asked questions How often should a sump pump run?

Here are some potential causes: A faulty check valve. How does a battery backup work for a sump pump? Don't install a large pump if you don't need one, because it might fail prematurely. Instead, choose a smaller, more efficient pump. Mechanical float activator arms are obvious and easy to inspect, but they do occasionally get stuck.

Electronic switches are sleeker and don't take up any room in your sump pit, but they're trickier to replace. Some stores offer sump pump bundles, which include backup sump pumps. Combination sump pump systems have a backup built in. Consider adding a separate backup sump pump if you don't already have one. Some pumps have fancy extra features like water alarm systems — a few even connect to Wi-Fi, so they can send signals to your smartphone or smart home if they develop a fault.

With that said, most homeowners do just fine with simple good-quality automatic pumps. Being prepared for any home repair emergency is a good idea. With the right plan from HomeServe in place, you can have peace of mind. They'll set up an appointment with an expert, local contractor to come to your home.

Find out more about plans from HomeServe today. HomeServe uses cookies to recognize repeat visits and to enhance your experience on our site. By continuing to use this website you agree with our use of cookies. Privacy Policy. Please check back soon. HomeServe Logo Icon. The email field is required. Sign up! Check icon. What Is a Sump Pump? Two main types of sump pumps exist: Submersible sump pumps, which are totally hidden in your sump basin Pedestal sump pumps, which are mounted above floor level on columns that protrude out of the sump basin Invented in by U.

What Does a Sump Pump Do? Sump pumps are activated by one of two methods: A pressure sensor , which sends a signal to your pump when the water pressure in your sump pit exceeds a specific level A float activator arm with an attached buoyant ball, which floats on the surface of the water.

How Does a Sump Pump Work? My Sump Pump Runs Continuously If your sump pump runs endlessly , or more frequently than expected, check for burst pipes, overflowing washers and other water-related household problems.

Other reasons your pump might run more often include: A frozen or clogged drain line A dirty sump pit A small or collapsed sump pit A seasonal subterranean spring you don't know about Sometimes, sump pumps are simply inadequate. Here are some steps you can take: First, make sure your sump pump's circuit breaker hasn't blown. If electricity isn't the problem, check your pump's float activator arm: It might be stuck in the off position again, remember to turn your pump's power supply off before proceeding.

To dislodge this, unplug the power again and disconnect the pipe from the pump. Run high pressure water through it or use a plumbing snake to clear out the debris.

So how do you determine if you need a sump pump? Check for the following:. History of floods. If your home has a history of flooding, then a sump pump might be a good idea. But your first line of defense is to look at the exterior and determine where the water is coming from. Sometimes water gets in through clogged drainage systems or the landscaping forces water back toward the home.

You have a wet basement. Damp air and moisture on the walls and floor can signal an issue with ground water. You live in a flat or low-lying area. Lots of rain and snow. Basement living space. If your basement is finished and serves as living space for your family, you could probably benefit from having a sump pump.

It can protect your walls, carpet, furniture and other items from water damage and mold. If you already have a sump pump, check with your American Family Insurance agent about adding sewer back-up and sump pump overflow coverage. This will help if you run into problems one day and discover an unexpected and wet surprise in your basement.

Want to spruce up your apartment without losing your security deposit? Learn about these DIY projects for renters that work for small budgets and spaces. At Home. How Sump Pumps Work and Why They Matter When you think of your favorite piece of equipment in your house, your sump pump might not be at the top of the list.