For many homeowners, a sump pump has saved them from thousands of dollars’ worth of water damage on more than one occasion. If you live in an area prone to basement flooding, your sump pump is a valuable tool when it comes to keeping your basement dry and your valuables safe.

Of course, it’s not as simple as grabbing any old sump pump and installing it in your basement. It’s important to get the right sump pump, and for that, it depends on your specific situation. Here are some tips that will help:

Primary Sump Pumps

Primary sump pumps are designed to prevent flooding in your basement by pumping seepage water out. When running optimally, they have the potential to pump thousands of litres of water out every hour. There are two types of primary sump pump: submersible and pedestal. A pedestal pump has the motor out of the water, while a submersible pump can operate completely underwater.

Battery Backup Sump Pumps

A battery backup sump pump is a pump that will keep on working during a power outage. Since sump pumps are powered by electricity, yours could be of no use to you if you lose power during a heavy thunderstorm. As the water comes in, it will just keep rising until the power returns and your pump kicks into action. With a battery backup sump pump, as long as the battery is charged you are good to go. These pumps are great if it is common for you to experience power outages during heavy downpours.

Combination Sump Pumps

A combination sump pump has both a primary pump and battery backup pump in one. These pumps are like a little insurance policy just in case the primary pump malfunctions or can’t handle the incoming water, or if there is a power outage. If you have ever had a flooded basement, you know just how unsettling it can be, not to mention costly. If the thought of extensive water damage worries you, then a combination pump is likely a good choice.

Sewage Pumps

Sewage pumps differ from the standard sump pump in that they are designed to pump waste and effluent from your home to a septic system, but they should still be mentioned. Sewage pumps will run automatically and can pass solids and not just liquid, which is the biggest difference. You can have a sewage pump installed in the septic tank or a separate pump chamber.

For most homeowners, a primary pump is likely the best option but keep in mind that it will stop working if the power goes out. The depth of your sump basin will help determine if a pedestal or submersible pump is the best option. And if you’ve suffered power outages and flooding at the same time in the past, then adding the extra insurance with a battery backup sump pump just makes sense.

If you’re unsure of which type of sump pump would be right for your home, feel free to get in touch with us at Marco Plumbing today so we can go over your options.