For homeowners living in damp areas or high water tables, a sump pump is an essential piece of equipment in the home. It helps prevent water damage in your basement for a cleaner, healthier space with lower maintenance costs. Here's what your plumber wants you to know about this flood-preventing system.

FAQ About Sump Pumps

What is a sump pump?

A sump pump system helps your basement avoid flooding by capturing potential rainwater and removing it from your space. It consists of a drainage tank below the floor level of your basement and a pump. Water that seeps in is diverted to the tank. When the water level gets high enough, the pump turns on and empties the tank, sending the water to a sewer or other location where it won't cause damage.

Who needs a sump pump?

If any part of your home extends below ground level, you need a sump pump to deal with the moisture from the surrounding soil. Different homes will need different pump capacities, depending on the amount of water in the area and the size of the basement or crawl space.

What types of sump pumps are there?

The two main types of sump pumps are submersible, which goes inside the tank, and pedestal, which sits on top. Pedestal pumps are easier to maintain since they're more accessible, but they are also visible and take up room in your basement.

When should I call my plumber to fix my sump pump?

If your sump pump turns on and off frequently, there might be a problem with the controls, or the unit could be the wrong size for your home. If it runs constantly, it’s not powerful enough to keep up with the amount of water getting in, and you'll need to ask your plumber to replace it. Flooding in your basement calls for emergency plumbing work to either open a clogged drain leading from your water tank or fix a broken pump.

While Paul Bunyan used his blue ox Babe to drink the north end of the Mississippi dry, nowadays Paul Bunyan Plumbing prefers sump pumps to keep your basement dry. In Minneapolis, MN, their team of experts have built a reputation as reliable, skilled plumbers. From leaks to clogs to sump pump issues, their expertise is on hand whenever you need them. For more information and to schedule an inspection, call (612) 977-3053 or visit them online.