Whether it is a slow leaking pipe or flood water entering your basement, water can cause irrecoverable damage to your house. While the former can be fixed easily, the latter requires long-term planning.
Flood or rainwater getting collected in your basement or crawlspace can weaken your house structure and often create a need for expensive and arduous repairs. However, installing a sump pump can help you reduce or even prevent this damage completely. Even if you get plumbing services in Florida, this a pretty affordable plumbing solution in the long run.
A. What Is a Sump Pump?
Installed in a pit usually dug in the lowest areas of your house such as the crawlspace or basement, a sump pump will remove the water collected in the sump through water drains or naturally. When the collected water reaches a pre-set level, the pump turns on and starts pumping out the water.
Sump pumps come in two variants, submersible and pedestal. In the submersible design, the motor is sealed and placed inside the unit; while in the pedestal design, it is placed above the sump. Each type of sump pump comes with its advantages.
B. Do You Need a Plumber to Install Sump Pump in Florida?
Installing a sump pump is a complex process that requires careful planning and also good plumbing and even masonry skills. Some of the important considerations you have to make include the following:
1. Choose the Right Type and Size of Pump
When it comes to both pedestal and submersible sump pumps, you also need to consider the various factors mentioned below:
a) Type of Power: Battery or Water-Powered
While battery-powered pumps are easy to install and more powerful, they have a shorter lifespan. On the other hand, water-powered pumps can work around the clock. But they are not suitable for homes with wells.
b) Type of Material: Plastic or Cast Iron
While plastic sump pumps are cheaper, they don’t last long. Cast iron pumps, on the other hand, are heavy but they can run at much cooler temperatures. However, they are also prone to corrosion over time.
You will need to choose the right type of pump based on your budget, the amount of water accumulating in your basement, and how far you need to drain it. With so many variables to think about, you should consult an expert with years of experience in offering plumbing services in Florida to get the best possible solution.
2. Locate the Lowest Area for the Sump Pit
Another important factor you have to think about is the location of the sump pit. As the water should to be able easily flow towards the sump pit, it needs to be at the lowest point in your basement or crawlspace. However, locating the lowest point is easier said than done, especially for those who have no plumbing knowledge.
If you dig the sump pit in the wrong area, the groundwater and the runoff will not collect into it effectively. You will not only risk flooding your basement or crawlspace, but you will also have to spend considerable money on re-installing the sump pump. That’s why an experienced plumber in Florida should be called.
3. Determine Where the Water Should Drain
The water pumped out by the sump pump needs to be discharged in a designated area. Usually, you can discharge the pumped water into a dry well, public drainage system, or a natural water body in your area.
However, you have to consider the costs involved in laying down the discharge pipeline or drainage. You also need to consider the local and state building codes. In some areas, the local governments may have specific laws about how and where the sump water should be drained.
If you have to drain the water at a higher level or longer distance, you may need a sump pump with higher horsepower. You may also need to extend the drainage hose line. It will, of course, increase the installation cost, and may require additional planning.
4. Install the Pump
Installing the pump and the pipes will require advanced plumbing skills. For example, if your crawlspace or basement has concrete flooring, you will need a jackhammer to dig a sump pit through it.
You will also need to choose the right type of switch system and install it. The switch system will turn the pump on when water reaches the cut-off level. From pressure and float switches to the diaphragm and electronic switches, you have plenty of choices. However, you do need to understand how each system works to find the one suitable for your home.
You will also need to consider installing additional accessories like water level alarm systems. These systems can alert you when the pump fails to collect and discharge the water from your basement or crawlspace. It can stop your basement from flooding. As you can see, with so many factors involved, you are better off hiring professional plumbing services in Florida.
Conclusion
Although a sump pump will not eliminate the water damage caused by a flooded basement or crawlspace, it can certainly help preserve the structural integrity of your house. However, to make the most of it, you need to choose the right type of sump pump, install it at the right place, and keep it in excellent working condition. That’s why you should leave it to expert plumbers.
Get the Best Plumbing Services in Florida Now!
Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration is one of the most trusted and experienced companies offering plumbing services in Florida. Our expert plumbing team is just a phone call away. From planning to installation, we can take care of everything. Call us on (561) 782-2779 or schedule an appointment to see how we can help you.
