Heavy rainfall, melting snow, and groundwater seepage can all lead to basement flooding — an incident that can damage furniture, carpet, drywall, electrical components, and appliances. Sump pumps are often the first line of defense, keeping water outside the home where it belongs.
However, simply having a sump pump isn’t sufficient. Sump pump placement is also a necessary consideration for preventing flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to protect your home or a contractor installing a new sump pump for a client, these tips can help ensure you put the pump in the right place.
Preventing Basement Flooding With a Sump Pump
Sump pumps collect stormwater from around a home’s foundation drains and pump it outside the house to prevent basement flooding. Automatic sump pumps have the following parts:
- Sump pit: The sump pit is essentially a hole in a basement floor that collects water.
- Float switch: The float switch rises with the water level inside the sump pit. When the water reaches a certain point, the float switch signals to the sump pump to start working.
- Check valve: This component opens when it’s time to expel water and closes when the sump pump is finished working.
- Discharge pipe: The discharge pipe provides the pathway for water to exit the home.
- Alarm system: The sump pump’s alarm system alerts homeowners to any issues with the sump pump, such as water levels rising unexpectedly.
Most homes are equipped with a primary pump and a backup pump. When the primary sump pump loses power or malfunctions, the backup sump pump kicks in. Rather than drawing power from an electrical outlet, backup sump pumps use battery power or water pressure to remove water from the basement.
Where to Install a Sump Pump in a Basement
Because water naturally flows downward, the best place to put a sump pump is at the lowest point of the basement. Here are some additional tips for sump pump placement:
- Find a central location: Select a central location within the lowest point of the basement.
- Position it close to an exterior wall: Positioning the pump near an exterior wall makes water discharge easier. However, contractors should leave a few inches of space to avoid potential structural issues and ensure easy access.
- Consider accessibility: Ensure the sump pump is easy for homeowners to inspect and contractors to maintain and repair.
- Assess plumbing: Positioning the sump pump close to existing pipes and drains can make connecting it to the existing plumbing system easier.
- Find a power source: The sump pump must be near a reliable power outlet. It is not recommended to use extension cords or stretch power cords across the basement.
Before installing the sump pump, contractors should inspect electrical connections, check the sump pit for debris, and ensure a level surface.
Choosing the Right Sump Pump for a Basement
Another consideration for preventing basement flooding is choosing the right sump pump. As mentioned, automatic sump pumps have a float switch that activates when water reaches a specific level. They operate independently and do not require supervision. Manual pumps need to be turned on and off and are often used for river flooding and other intense weather events.
Centrifugal pumps are a popular automatic option, and they use centrifugal force to move water out of the sump pit. They’re classified further into submersible and pedestal pumps:
- Submersible pumps: These pumps sit under the water in the sump pit. They’re efficient and quiet, and the water will not damage the motor.
- Pedestal pumps: The motors are mounted above the pit, with the impeller situated in the water. These pumps are cost-effective and easy to repair.
When making a decision, consider the following factors:
- The volume of water needing to be pumped out regularly
- The appropriate basin size
- Motor power, which is usually ¼ to ⅓ horsepower for homes
- The available switches, including diaphragm and tethered float switches
- Materials, including cast iron, bronze, plastic, and stainless steel
- The availability of backup systems
It’s also important to shop the top brands with a reputation for reliability.
Maintaining a Basement Sump Pump
In addition to placing the pump in the right spot, preventive maintenance strategies can protect a home from flooding:
- Inspect the pump for intake debris, seal leaks, and excessive wear
- Listen for unusual noises or vibrations
- Test float switches by manually lifting the switch to ensure it activates and deactivates
- Clean pump impellers and seals to prevent buildup
- Monitor flow rates and compare them to initial readings
- Check wiring and power supplies for electrical problems
- Replace seals, gaskets, and bearings as recommended by the manufacturer
- Ensure pumps and equipment have proper ventilation to avoid overheating and motor damage
- Use surge protectors to protect sump pumps from unexpected voltage spikes
These tasks may exceed a homeowner’s capabilities, but experienced contractors can inspect and maintain a residential sump pump. They understand best practices, including the importance of using approved parts and wearing protective gear.
Other Flood Mitigation Strategies for Homeowners
Installing a sump pump in the lowest part of a basement is an effective flood mitigation strategy. Here are some other ways homeowners can prevent basement flooding:
- Maintain gutters: Ideally, stormwater flows into gutters, through the downspout, and away from the home. When gutters get clogged, water could pool around the home’s foundation during a rainstorm and seep into the basement. Clearing the gutters once in the spring and once in the fall is generally sufficient, but more frequent cleanings might be necessary for homes in woodsy areas.
- Grade the lawn: Lawn grading ensures stormwater flows away from a home and toward the proper drainage system. Professional landscapers can create a gentle slope that redirects water without being too steep.
- Seal cracks in the foundation: Sealing cracks with a waterproof compound can prevent water from sneaking in.
- Install a French drain: French drains are trenches dug in the yard. A perforated pump goes inside and is surrounded by stone or gravel. Water flows through the stones or gravel and into the pipe through the perforations. Then, it can flow freely toward a municipal drain or another location.
- Take care of plumbing issues fast: Even minor plumbing issues can become major disturbances. Homeowners should contact a reliable plumber to address potential problems and ensure they do not become bigger.
Homeowners can follow these tips, and contractors can recommend them upon residential sump pump installation.
Find High-Quality Sump Pumps From Zoeller Pump Company
Sump pumps benefit homeowners who live in areas prone to excessive rainfall or near bodies of water. If you’re a homeowner looking for an effective and reliable sump pump, you’ve come to the right place. Zoeller Pump Company offers high-quality sump pumps and backup systems that can keep your home dry. We can help you find an experienced contractor near you, or you can take advantage of our Dry Basement Guarantee and have a factory-certified installer set up your system.
Contractors working on residential projects can also rely on Zoeller Pump Company basement sumps to protect their clients’ homes. You can locate top distributors near you to find a sump pump that meets your project needs!
