Sump Pump Installation & Service
Maybe you’ve heard your friends or neighbors discussing their sump pumps or maybe you even have one yourself, but do you know what it is? A sump pump is a piece of equipment that plays a huge role in keeping flood- and leak-prone basements dry. Read on to learn how a sump pump works and whether you should have one installed in your basement.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is an electrical pump installed in a sump pit that has been dug into the floor of a basement. Drilled through the foundation, the sump pit collects water that has pooled beneath the foundation or that has been redirected from higher points inside a home’s crawl space or basement. The sump then pumps the water up and out of the basement through a pipe leading to the home’s sewer or drain field.
Sump Pump Installation & Replacement
There are two types of sump pumps available to homeowners: submersible pumps and pedestal pumps. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, but both will move water up and out of a basement. Pedestal pumps tend to be a little less expensive, but for homeowners concerned about potential noise pollution, a submersible pump is the best option.
Sump pump operation requires a sump pit -- or a hole in the foundation of the basement. If the basement is not a dirt-floor crawl space, this will require the use of a jackhammer. It’s important to be very careful to position the sump pump basin far enough away from the wall to account for the foundation footing. For this reason, we do not recommend this as a DIY project. Once broken through the foundation, the pit must be dug deep enough to accommodate a pre-fabricated sump pump basin. After the basin is installed, a technician will install the pump and discharge pipe, directing water up and out of the basement or crawl space. This requires drilling an additional hole through the exterior wall of the home. Finally, the sump pump must be plugged into a GFCI plug, and never use an extension cord with a sump pump.
While it’s possible to purchase sump pumps, sump basins, and all the tools necessary for installation, we recommend leaving this job to professionals. If constructed improperly, this process can lead to long-term foundation problems.
Find an Aire Serv technician near you to learn about your sump pump options.
Sump Pump Repair
Like all home appliances, a sump pump can fall into disrepair over time. A particularly busy sump pump will incur more wear and tear than one used less frequently. There are four common problems we see in sump pumps that require repair, and in, some cases replacement. They are:
- Debris in the sump basin. Debris in the sump basin can cause problems to the sump pump itself, causing it to malfunction or break.
- A jammed impeller. Debris that makes its way into the pump can cause the impeller to jam, allowing the basin to flood.
- A malfunctioning float. The float rises with the water in the sump basin to trigger the pump to turn on. If the float does not rise properly, the sump basin is in danger of flooding.
- Electrical connection issues. If there is a problem with the electrical cord, motor, or GFCI outlet, the pump will not work and will allow the basin to flood.
Aire Serv technicians are trained to diagnose common sump pump problems and restore them to working condition. If your sump pump needs service, you need Aire Serv. Schedule an appointment online.
Do I Need a Sump Pump?
If you’ve experienced any kind of basement flooding in the past, it’s probably worth your time to consider installing a sump pump. Because of their ability to rapidly remove substantial amounts of water, sump pumps prove to be a huge advantage in homes that are built:
- Near rivers or streams
- On land with a high-water table
- In climates that experience frequent freeze-thaw cycles
- On soil that does not drain well
- Where rapidly melting snow and ice are frequent
- Where heavy rainstorms take place
In these cases, a sump pump can help to drastically reduce or mitigate the amount of damage to a basement and its contents by pumping water up and out, away from the home’s basement. Sump pumps have proven so effective that some insurers now require sump pump systems as a contingency for flood insurance.
Call Aire Serv for Expert Sump Pump Services
If you’re considering installing a sump pump or looking for sump pump repair, you need Aire Serv. Our technicians are dedicated to helping homeowners breathe easy with HVAC, water heater, and home system services designed to keep your family safe and comfortable. Find the Aire Serv location nearest you or schedule an appointment online to learn more about our sump pump services.
