Kitchener Plumbing Services: What Is A Sump Pump?

If your home is built below the water table or in an area prone to large amounts of rainfall, you may be at risk for flooding. This could cause property damage and have potentially serious consequences for your health because of the risk of exposure to fungal spores. A sump pump helps to prevent flooding by removing water from your home. Chances are that your home already has a sump pump if it was built below the water table or in a known floodplain. However, you may require plumbing services in Kitchener to repair or replace it sooner or later.

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is located in the basement below the level of the floor in a shallow pit called a sump or a basin. The pump itself is a mechanical device that activates when the water level in the pit gets too high and works to pump it back out. Special valves are designed to react to changes in pressure or escalating water levels to activate the pump so that it only runs when needed. The effluent is a pipe that connects to the pump to allow the excess water to drain away from the basement and the foundations of the home.

What Types of Sump Pumps Are Available?

There are two basic types of sump pumps. A pedestal sump pump has a motor that sits above the basin on its own pedestal while the pump itself is submerged in the pit. A submersible sump pump combines the motor and the pump in a single unit, both of which are closed into the basin. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Pedestal pumps are easier to access for maintenance and last longer, while submersible pumps are quieter and take up less space.

When choosing a sump pump, other important considerations include whether the size is proportionate to the job it has to do and whether the horsepower will be adequate to keep up with the flow of water into the basement sump.

Where Does the Water Go?

The water that is pumped out of your basement has to be removed away from the foundation of your house or it defeats the purpose. When a sump pump is installed, an area is designated for the water to be discharged. Local building codes often determine which areas are acceptable as designated sump pump discharge areas. For example, it is illegal under the law of Ontario for a sump pump effluent to connect directly to the city sanitary sewer.

How Long Does a Sump Pump Last?

Like other mechanical devices, sump pumps do not last forever. You usually have to have one replaced every seven to 10 years. Different factors can affect the lifespan of your pump. For example, if a switch gets stuck in the on position, the sump pump may run continuously. This places a strain on it that could shorten its useful life. Errors during installation can also prevent a sump pump from running properly for as long as it is supposed to. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you hire professional plumbing services in Kitchener to install your sump pump for you.

How Do You Know When You Have To Replace Your Sump Pump?

A sump pump is supposed to cycle on and off in response to the water level and pressure. It is a major sign of trouble if it runs continuously. This can happen because the pump is not large or powerful enough to handle the flow of water. It may also be a sign that the pump is nearing the end of its useful life. While some level of noise is part of normal operation for all sump pumps, loud roaring, clanging, or rattling are all signs of trouble.

Contact our Handyman Connection team for your plumbing needs in Kitchener. Diagnosing a problem or attempting a DIY fix can sometimes cause unnecessary stress. Let our professional team help with home repairs or installations and ensure that the job is done correctly the first time around. Call us today!