How to Stop Your Basement From Flooding?
Tired of dealing with water in the basement? Here’s how to stop basement flooding once and for all: get a basement sump pump system.
Keep reading to learn when and how you’ll benefit from sump pump installation, which one to choose for your Westchester home, and what to expect from the installation process.
Sump pump installation: does your home need it?
Here’s when you can benefit from a sump pump:
- Your home is located on a flood-prone lot.
- You’ve had basement flooding (probably more times than you can count).
- You have a finished basement and want to protect your investment from water damage.
Here’s how sump pump installation can help.
How to stop basement flooding with a sump pump
A sump pump gets rid of excess water BEFORE it floods your basement. Here’s how it works:
- The pump is installed in a “sump pit” which is basically a hole in the lowest point in your basement (or sometimes in a crawl space).
- When there’s heavy rain or rising ground water on your property, the water moves toward the lowest-lying area and collects in your sump pit.
- That activates the sump pump to turn on and pump the water out to a storm drain or well.
More benefits of a sump pump
A sump pump does more than prevent floods. Here are more great reasons to invest in a sump pump:
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- Protect basement appliances, decor, and stored items. Cleaning up after even a small water leak can be very expensive. You can also lose valuable possessions and irreplaceable ones. A sump pump saves you money.
- Prevent foundation damage. Water can create cracks in your foundation. Once your foundation is compromised, that can lead to more structural damage.
- Prevent pest infestation. Water and moisture in the basement draws all kinds of pests, including rodents, centipedes and termites. Pests can damage your property as well as your health.
- Make indoor air safer to breathe. Basement moisture creates conditions where mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants can flourish. A sump pump can help protect your family from health issues such as asthma and skin conditions.
- Make your basement more comfortable. A finished basement can provide a wonderful space for family entertainment, a home gym, or space to do hobbies. But if it’s damp and smelly, nobody will want to spend time there.
- Meet requirements for home insurance. In some areas, you must have a sump pump to be eligible for flood insurance.
- Never worry about basement flooding again! Sump pump installation is a relatively small investment with a big payoff in peace of mind.
Choosing the right sump pump for your home
There’s a lot to consider in choosing the best sump pump for your property. Here’s a quick guide to the most important options. When you work with Bruni and Campisi, we’ll send an expert to your home to inspect your property and guide you in making the best choice for your needs.
Primary sump pump types:
A pedestal sump pump is installed with the motor on the outside of the sump pit. They are less expensive to install and maintain, but have a lower capacity and can’t pump solid debris that may get into your sump pit.
A submersible sump pump, as the name suggests, is submerged inside your sump pit. They tend to be less noisy but they are more expensive and require a larger sump pit.
Sump pump capacity
The capacity of a sump pump is how many gallons of water it can pump out each minute. The capacity you need depends on your property’s conditions and the size of your home.
Battery backups
Sump pumps are needed most during storms when your power may fail. So we recommend getting a sump pump with a battery backup.
Best sump pump brands
At Bruni & Campisi, we install Zoeller sump pumps, because over the years we have found them to be the most dependable. You can check out Zoeller’s line of residential sump pumps here.
Sump pump installation
If you’re replacing an existing sump pump (that’s called a direct replacement), the process is quick and easy. It only takes an hour for each pump that needs replacing.
A new sump pump installation is more complex because of the need to dig the sump pit, create a drainage area, install an electrical outlet, and install the pump. And, as we mentioned, you’ll need expert guidance to choose the right equipment.
If you’re in Westchester, Putnam, or Fairfield counties, start by scheduling a free consultation with Bruni and Campisi. We’ll inspect your home and property, recommend the right system for your needs, and explain every step of the process.
Tips to keep your sump pump working properly
A residential sump pump should last 10 to 12 years on average. Regular inspections and periodic replacements are essential so it doesn’t fail when you need it most. Don’t neglect these steps:
Sump pump maintenance
Get your sump pump inspected and maintained yearly. Here in the Northeast, we recommend doing it in late winter, prior to the wettest time of the year (early spring).
The most important task is checking the condition of the float switch, which senses the water level and turns the pump on when needed. This is a critical component of the system, and should be replaced every 2-3 years.
Your technician will also check for corrosion on the equipment, clean debris from the pit and the pump, and check that the discharge pipe is functioning properly.
Sump pump replacement
When your sump pump approaches the end of its expected life span, or the condition has deteriorated to the point where it’s no longer reliable, it’s time to consider replacing it. Don’t wait until it fails and you have to deal with a flooded basement!
Call Bruni & Campisi for sump pump installation & replacement
Here’s why homeowners in Westchester trust Bruni and Campisi to install and service sump pumps:
- Quick response with 24/7 service.
- Expert advice from knowledgeable technicians.
- Quality workmanship and reliable results.
Get started by scheduling a free consultation now!
Bruni & Campisi provides 24/7 emergency service, installation, and maintenance for plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and generators in Westchester, Fairfield, and Putnam Counties. We also offer energy audits, sewer cleaning, and chimney cleaning. With our 40+ years of experience and training, you get the quality service you need.