Sump Pumps

There’s no disputing that the Seattle area gets its share of rain, but if you live in the Seattle area and your home has poor natural drainage, you’re looking at a situation where your basement floods several times per year. This is where a sump pump proves invaluable, because it will pump the water away from the property so you don’t have to worry about water damage. Sump pumps are also effective for relieving hydrostatic pressure that can build up behind the walls of your home’s foundation.

Knowing what the different types of pumps exist can help you choose the right one for your basement, and can help you get the right repairs when it gives you trouble. There are two types that are widely used today: pedestal pumps and submersible pumps.

• Pedestal pumps sits on top of a basin. They are air-cooled, so they require sufficient airflow to keep them from overheating, making them less than ideal for smaller basements.
• Submersible pumps, as the name implies, sit inside the sump pit and function off of a quieter, water-proof motor.

Regardless of the type of pump you have installed in your basement, it’s always a good idea to have a battery backup for it in case you experience a power outage during a severe storm. Having backup power will ensure that the pump is able to effectively do its job when you need it most.

The pump has to be in good working order to provide the kind of results you need, because rain can come in quickly resulting in a broken pump, you’ll be faced with a basement full of water. If the pump loses power due to a burnt out motor or damaged electrical components, then you need to call for repairs. If the pump has been used heavily and is bogged down by leaves and other debris, call to have it cleaned before it ends up breaking down on you.

Ask about burst pipe repair services from Gene Johnson Plumbing & Heating.