Sump Pumps
A sump pump is a mechanical device used to remove water from lower level areas. Sump pumps are particularly helpful in wet basements. Water that arrives via the walls and floors is collected and pumped out of the home. Having a waterproofing system and/or a proper sump pump installed are options for keeping a wet lower level dry. A knowledgeable waterproofing expert, like those at B-Dry®, will be able to help you determine the best solution and whether a sump pump is needed.
All About Sump Pumps
Simply put, a sump pump is a special purpose pump, used to remove water from areas where it is creating a problem. Sump pumps are commonly used in basements that accumulate groundwater. Sump pumps are critical components in any waterproofing system, so reliability is important.
Battery Back-Up Sump Pump
Primary sump pumps are powered by electricity. If your house experiences a loss of power, then your primary sump pump will not work when you may need it the most. You will be faced with a very limited number of options: either bail water from the sump well with a bucket; arrange a siphon, maybe by using a garden hose; or watch your basement flood. None of these are desirable options. However, if you an effective Battery Back-up Sump Pump System, you have added another option.
How do I know if I need a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is designed to remove water from your basement or crawl space. It does this by collecting the water and discharging it outside of the home at a safe distance from the foundation.
Can I install a sump pump myself?
There are many DIY projects that a “weekend warrior” can tackle successfully—installing a sump pump may not be one of them. The reason is that there are a number of variables that must be considered, and skills that are prerequisites in order for the job to go smoothly—and most important, to end up with an effective solution.
Click here to learn more about Installing a Sump Pump Yourself
How to Care for a Sump Pump
Sump pumps tend to be pretty much maintenance-free. They just run until they suddenly stop running, usually without giving any signs. However, if you have a basement or crawlspace with a sump pump installed in it, there are some things that you can do to provide some peace of mind.
Sump Pumps - Check Your Valves
If you have a sump pump in the lower level of your house, you may have concerns about how to check it for proper functioning. There is a simple process to follow that will check all of the critical components, including one that is often overlooked—the check valve. The check valve is a one-way valve that allows water to pass through it, but will not allow it to return in the direction that it came from. The purpose is to prevent water from recycling over and over, working the sump pump unnecessarily.
Odors from the Sump Pump
The solution is simple--B-Dry® eliminates this problem by drilling one hole in the center of the bottom of the sump well. This allows the small amount of water that may remain in the bottom of the well to drain out, as the level of the water in the soil around it drops (during dry periods, for example). Another option, when there is no drainage hole in the bottom, is to pour a DILUTE solution consisting of 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach and one gallon of water into the sump well, whenever the odor is noticed.
