Accuweather has posted a prediction for April, and it looks like it might be a wet rainy season: https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/orland-park/60462/april-weather/338026. That’s good news; after all, “April showers bring May flowers.” However, it’s not all roses and joy if your home’s basement or crawl space is at risk of flooding!
One of the best ways you can make sure that the lower portion of your home remains dry and flood-free is to have a working sump pump that has been professionally installed and inspected. A dry basement helps to reduce the threat of mold, mildew and fungus; protects electrical appliances such as furnaces, washers, and dryers; prevents moisture that can attract unwanted pests such as bugs; and protects your foundation.
What is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a submersible pump that is placed in a pit below the floor of the house, usually in the basement or the crawlspace. In the Chicago Suburbs, most sump pumps are connected to a pipe which ejects the water outside via a hose or underground pipe either to the lawn, the street, or a detention pond. The idea is to move the water quickly away from the house.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
When it rains or snow melts, water seeps into the ground. This water can collect around the home’s foundation. A sump pump sits in the bottom of the well. As groundwater rises, it begins to fill the well. The sump pump has a switch which is triggered when the water reaches a certain height. When this switch is activated, the pump turns on and begins ejecting the water via the pipe outside and away from the home. When the water drops below a safe level, the switch turns off, and the pump waits for more water to accumulate.
Be mindful, sump pumps are intended to remove groundwater from the home. Separate pumps such as graywater sumps (for laundry) and ejector pumps (for bathrooms) are used to eliminate waste and wastewater to sewer systems.
How Do I Know If I Need a New Sump Pump?
Depending on where you live, a sump pump should be considered ready for replacement every 7-10 years. If you live in or near a flood plain, you might need to consider replacing your sump earlier than later. Also, if you have an inexpensive store-bought sump pump, you might be due for a change in as little as 3-5 years.
We recommend using American-made Zoeller sump pumps for the utmost peace of mind! This company has been making high-quality pumps since 1939 in their factory in Kentucky. We also recommend having a professional plumber install your sump to ensure that it is level and securely connected to the plumbing and that the entire system is up to municipal code.
If you need help with your sump pump or you think you are ready for a replacement, contact DRC Plumbing and Sewer at 708-203-7057 or click the button to schedule an appointment for a free consultation. We’re currently offer $35 off any service until the end of March, 2022.
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