Do you have a basement on your property that floods after heavy rains? Don’t worry, there is an answer. This guide will help you select the right sump pump to keep your basement dry and safe. Learn how to choose the best sump pump for your needs, from selecting the appropriate type and pumping capacity to understanding the correct power for your home. Keep your home protected with this essential guide from the expert team at Bienvenu Brothers.
Bienvenu Brothers are here to help you find the perfect sump pump for your home. With many years of experience, we provide quality products and services so that you can stay worry-free and protected. Contact us today for all of your sump pump needs.
What is a Sump Pump?
Before we dive into the details of selecting a sump pump, let’s first discuss what a sump pump actually is. A sump pump is an important device that helps keep your basement dry and free from flooding by moving water away from your home’s foundation. It is located in a special “sump pit” within the basement and is typically submerged in water. When the pit fills with too much water, the pump will turn on automatically and pump the water out of your home.
Picking The Right Type
There are two main types of sump pumps to choose from: Standalone and battery backup. It is recommended to have one standalone alone sump pump that runs on electricity and one backup sump pump that is battery-powered. This way, if there’s a power outage, your basement will still be protected.
Standalone Sump Pumps
The two major types of standalone pumps are submersible and pedestal. Each type has its features as well as its own set of advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making a decision.
Submersible Sump Pumps
As the name implies, submersible sump pumps are installed underwater in the sump pit. This type of pump is best used for areas with large amounts of water accumulation. It can also be used in areas with limited space, requiring very little maintenance and taking up less room than a pedestal model.
Submersible pumps are more powerful than pedestal pumps and can drain thousands of gallons of water from your basement every hour. These pumps can last up to ten years before needing to be replaced. The downside is that since they are located under the ground, they are more expensive to install, repair, and maintain.
Pedestal Sump Pumps
Unlike submersible models, pedestal sump pumps are mounted above the sump pit. This allows for easier maintenance and repair and a longer lifespan. They often last up to 30 years with professional maintenance.
On the downside, pedestal pumps are less powerful than submersible models. This type is best used for smaller spaces that don’t collect much water.
Battery Backup Sump Pumps
Battery backup sump pumps are designed to provide protection in case of power outages. This type of pump runs on a battery and turns on automatically when the power goes out. Battery backup sump pumps provide added peace of mind in flood-prone areas or during storms when power may be lost.
Most battery-powered backup pumps are small submersible pumps. You should not use them as standalone sump pumps because they are not as powerful as standard submersible pumps.
Understanding Pumping Capacity
When selecting a sump pump, it is important to understand its pumping capacity. The pumping capacity rating of each model is stated in the number of gallons of water per minute (GPM) that it can pump out of the sump pit.
The sump pump capacity rating you choose will depend on the type of soil available on your property as well as the amount of water that enters the sump pit during a high-flow period. A professional plumber from Bienvenu Brothers can help you determine this.
If your home is built on soil that is based on sand, you should have a pumping capacity of about 14 gallons per minute (GPM) for every 1,000 square feet. However, if your home is built on soil that is based on clay, you only need about eight gallons per minute (GPM) for every 1,000 square feet.
It is recommended to buy a sump pump with a higher GPM rating than you may initially need. This will ensure that your basement remains dry during heavy rains or large storms.
Sump Pump Horsepower
Another important factor to consider when selecting a sump pump is the power of the pump motor. If you choose a sump pump that is not powerful enough, it may not be able to handle large volumes of water and the sump pump’s performance could suffer. On the other hand, if it’s too powerful, it will cycle on and off, and you could end up wasting energy and money. This could also cut the lifespan of your unit.
Pedestal sump pumps mostly come in 1/3 to 1/2 horsepower. If your local water table is high, it’s best to choose a pedestal pump with a 1/2 horsepower motor. Otherwise, a 1/3 horsepower model should suffice for most homes.
As for submersible pumps, the motors range from 1/3 to full horsepower. For homes of average size in areas with high water tables, pumps with a capacity of one-third horsepower are usually appropriate.
If the ground becomes extremely saturated near the surface during rainfall, it is an indication that your local area has a high water table.
Your Basement & Property Deserve The Best Sump Pump
Now you have the essential information you need to choose the right sump pump for your home. Let Bienvenu Brothers help you make the best decision for your needs and budget. Contact us today at (504) 835-7783 for all of your sump pump needs! Our certified technicians will be happy to provide you with quality services that exceed industry standards. We look forward to working with you.