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Why Installing a Sump Pump is the Best Gift

Does a sump pump make a good holiday gift? When people think of gifts for the holidays, sump pump installation may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, a new sump pump is a gift that just keeps giving. There are many benefits to installing a new sump pump, including increasing the home’s value for years to come.

This blog post shares insight from plumbing industry experts on why homeowners should invest in a sump pump this winter. The winter season is a good time to install a sump pump to prepare the home for heavy precipitation in the spring. Homeowners will love receiving a new sump pump as a smart, practical gift to help take care of their home.

What Do Sump Pumps Do?

A sump pump is a device designed to remove floodwater from a basement or crawl space. It is common for homes with an underground basement to experience different levels of flooding from precipitation runoff and groundwater. This water can pool on cement floors and attract bugs, mold, and foul smells.

Sump pump basins in the ground collect the water, which can then be pumped out of the home to be disposed of outdoors. A sump pump is the best way to prevent basement flooding and the damage that accompanies it. A flooded basement can cause a lot of property damage, including the risk of fire if the water reaches electrical wiring.

Submersible Sump Pump or Pedestal Sump Pump?

pumps There are two main types of sump pumps that homeowners can choose from. Submersible sump pumps are submerged in the water in the sump pit, whereas pedestal sump pumps sit above the ground. Each has pros and cons, but submersible sump pumps are typically the most efficient and powerful. Being submerged in water helps reduce noise from submersible sump pumps and keeps their engines cool.

Pedestal pumps are the easiest to install and maintain, but they may not be powerful enough to handle heavy flooding. Homeowners may also prefer pedestal pumps because they typically have a smaller price tag and last longer than submersible pumps. Pedestal pumps also take up more space than submersible pumps because they sit above the sump basin instead of inside it.

Secondary and Backup Sump Pumps

If the sump pump runs on electricity, installing a secondary or backup battery sump pump may be needed to protect the home from flooding during disasters because it’s common for electricity to go out during storms. The basement could badly flood if the sump pump shuts off during a storm with heavy rain. Combination sump pumps are a great option because they have a built-in backup.

Another reason why homeowners may need a secondary or backup sump pump is if their home experiences such heavy flooding that one sump pump alone can not get the job done effectively. Installing more than one sump pump in the basement may be necessary to keep the basement dry and clean during periods of heavy precipitation.

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Harrisburg, PA, and the surrounding areas since 1967. They provide upfront pricing, on-time arrivals, and clean-up after every project. Call them today for sump pump installation services in Harrisburg, PA.

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Why You Should Ask for a Sump Pump On Your Holiday Wishlist

Sump Pump Installation Is a High-Value Holiday Gift for Homeowners

Looking for a practical holiday gift for a homeowner this winter? A sump pump may be a valuable holiday gift list item to consider purchasing for homeowners who struggle with water in their basement forming standing puddles or downright floods.

A sump pump removes the water from the basement and pumps it outside the house. Sump pump replacement or installation can raise the home value and protect from water damage for years to come.

Without a sump pump, the homeowner will be left mopping up the puddling water to prevent a flooded basement, which can be time-consuming and ineffective. Leaving puddles of water standing in the basement can lead to mold, mildew, and can negatively impact the structural integrity of the building.

Why Sump Pump Installation Is Necessary

Groundwater from precipitation can naturally gather on a cement basement floor. To keep this rainwater from causing water damage, installing a sump pump removes water from the house and pumps it outside.

For new sump pump installation, the basement first needs a water basin to be cut out of the floor, where the water will gather. As the basin fills with water, the sump pump removes it to the outside of the house.

The Hazards of a Flooded Basement

Mold and mildew
Respiratory problems
Accidental slips and falls
Electrocution
Property damage
Loss of structural integrity
Bug larvae grow in stagnant water

Which Kind of Sump Pump Is the Best?

There are a few different kinds of sump pumps. The right one for a home will depend on the structure itself and the environmental factors that contribute to the water gathering in the basement.

Homes in heavily steep areas with a lot of groundwater runoff may need a larger and more powerful sump pump. When the sump pump is too small or not working efficiently, it will not keep the basement from flooding.

Pedestal pumps sit above ground vs. submersible pumps which sit underground. Pedestal pumps are more affordable than submersibles, but they tend to break down more often partially because they are exposed and they can be damaged easier that way. It can also be more difficult to find a good place in the basement for a pedestal pump because they sit above-ground.

Submersible pumps are more expensive than pedestal pumps, with the trade-off for the higher price tag being that they are more powerful and long-lasting. Submersible pumps sit directly in the basin of water.

The water helps to cool down the motor for long-lasting performance. Homes with a lot of water runoff in their basement may need a submersible pump, as a pedestal pump may not pack enough power.

Do You Need a Backup Sump Pump?

Just like any other piece of home hardware, sometimes a sump pump can stop working. Some sump pumps require electricity to power the motor, so when the power goes out, the sump pump stops too. In the case of a power blackout or a malfunction, having a backup sump pump may be necessary to prevent the basement from flooding.

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. is a trusted local plumbing company that offers comprehensive plumbing services at fair prices from expert plumbers. Call them today for sump pump services in Harrisburg, PA!