When a homeowner walks into their basement and finds a flood, one of the first thoughts that come to mind is that the sump pump didn’t work. It’s easy to automatically assume that either the power went out or the pump was on its last leg. That’s the point of the back up sump pump, but that’s for another day.
Let’s go with a power failure and let’s also assume the sump pump is relatively new – most good ones last 5 to 10 years or more – what else could it be?
The flaw in the plan could have been that your sump pump was from the hardware store, even one that had a lifetime warranty. Most sump pumps you find at home improvement stores are not built to last. To make matters worse, if it was bought at one of these store, it was probably installed by an inexperienced handyman, the previous homeowner or you, who probably didn’t know all the ins and outs of a proper sump pump installation.
Professional plumbers, waterproofers and HVAC techs routinely perform sump pump installations. They prefer high performance cast iron pumps for longevity and reliability. These industrial grade pumps are not often found at retail outlets.
The smart homeowner can choose to obtain a higher quality pump from a plumbing supply distributor, but can he install it as efficiently as an experienced professional? Failure to properly install the pump can lead to a flooded basement just as easily as the wrong pump.
So, what is the best sump pump to install? It depends. That is why you need a professional to come out and evaluate your unique situation. A professional will use measurements such as size of the sump pit, pumping capacity requirements and a proper location for discharge of the water.
The sump pump is the heart and soul of your basement waterproofing system. Let American Weathermakers help you purchase, install and maintain it for years to come so you and your home are safe from water damage.