How to Chose the Best Sump Pump

sump basinIf the area underneath your home is prone to flooding or smells musty there’s a good chance that you are dealing with a moisture problem. Even if you’ve begun to completely avoid your basement or crawl space the extra moisture can cause problems inside your home that aren’t so easily avoided.

Poor air quality, foul odors, a humid, uncomfortable indoor climate, foundation problems and mold are just a few of the risks associated with having a damp crawl space or wet basement. Basement waterproofing or crawl space waterproofing (depending on your situation) will help prevent this moisture from building up while also allowing you to reclaim otherwise unusable space.

More often than not a sump pump is used as part of the waterproofing solution. A sump pump removes water and releases it in a safe area, away from your home’s foundation. In some cases, when a home is built on a slope, a gravity-fed drain will provide sufficient drainage, but for most folks, combating a flooded basement or wet crawl usually requires the aid of a sump pump system.

A Sump Pump could save you Thousands

Sump pumps help make your basement or crawl space healthier and will also help protect any belongings you have stored in those areas. A good sump pump can save you thousands when flooding occurs.

Sump pumps seem to have gotten somewhat of a bad reputation. This is because sump pumps used to fail……a lot. And the truth is that many still do. Fortunately, advancements in sump pump technology mean there are a handful of dependable options available. But how do you know which ones work?

How to Choose a Sump Pump

When choosing a sump pump we always recommend selecting one that has a battery powered secondary backup pump.  This way, if the pump fails for any reason, you won’t wind up with a flooded basement. Some of the most common sump pump failures that we encounter result from power issues like an outage or bad breaker. A secondary, backup pump will ensure you’re covered even if there is no electricity. It’s a must-have feature when considering a sump pump.

Pedestal vs. Submersible

There are basically two types of pumps – submersible and pedestal. The pedestal pump remains above ground with its’ motor mounted outside of the sump basin. Often cheaper, pedestal units are usually loud, have a short life expectancy and aren’t exactly eye-catching.

With a submersible sump pump, the motor is sealed inside the sump basin and hidden below water level. These units operate quietly, are considered safer than pedestal pumps, last almost twice as long and flat-out look better. Almost all homeowners that use their basement as a functioning room opt for a submersible unit.

Final Items to Consider

When selecting a sump pump make sure it does not include any parts that are prone to corrosion. Make sure you’re getting one with enough capacity, horsepower and head pressure to meet your needs. A basement waterproofing technician can help you identify exactly what you require. Finally, we recommend using an automatic system for convenience.  Slightly cheaper, manually operated pumps are available if you’re able to monitor and tend to it.
GFCI Power Outlet
You’ll also need to make sure you have a GFCI outlet available (the power outlet with the test & reset buttons). You should never use an extension cord in lieu of a proper electrical outlet.

We’ve been servicing homes for over 90 Years here at Olshan and we offer a submersible sump pump system that gets the job done right. Feel free to check it out while you’re researching different models.

Olshan Foundation Repair GM Kansas City

Aaron Goucher

Aaron is a Veteran and has been in the construction industry most of his life. He joined the Olshan Team in 2002 and has served as a Certified Structural Technician, Regional Manager and General Manager. Aaron is passionate about helping homeowners in the Midwest region stabilize, waterproof and protect their homes. You can usually spot Aaron on TV or podcasts, as local media outlets often feature his advice when it comes to structural & waterproofing issues.


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