In Pursuit of Curb Appeal

If the crawl space or basement in your home depends on a sump pump to keep it dry, then keeping the pump operational is critical. If the pump goes out, then water will probably return with the next heavy rain. Newer pumps can sometimes be repaired, but if the pump is old, then replacing it is a better choice. Here's a look at some choices in new sump pumps.

Pumps That Work Without Power

Since problems with water occur during storms when a power outage is possible, you may want a pump with battery power. Relying on batteries for daily use isn't practical, so for daily use, an electric-powered pump is ideal. You can install a secondary pump that's battery-powered just for emergencies, or you can buy a combination pump.

A combination pump could be a good investment for keeping your crawl space or basement dry. It works on electricity under normal circumstances and then automatically switches to battery power when the electricity is out.

Pumps That Can Move A Lot Of Water

Sump pumps vary in the amount of water they can pump out per hour. If you know the size of the pump you have now and it has kept the space dry when it was working properly, then you can buy a replacement pump with the same horsepower. If you have no idea how much power your pump needs, talk to the sump pump replacement contractor about the best choice for your home and think about how prone the area is to flooding.

If water pools every time it rains, you may want a more powerful pump. However, the more power the pump has, the more expensive it is, so you want to strike a good balance between power and price.

Pumps That Install Under Water

There are two types of sump pumps. One is a submersible variety that sits in the well and is covered by water, and the other is a pedestal pump that sits outside of the well. A submersible pump is often the best choice because it is out of sight, so it doesn't take up room and it doesn't make much noise. Submersible pumps are also more powerful, so they can handle larger amounts of water during a storm.

In certain situations, a pedestal pump may be needed instead. They don't have as much maximum power, but they might be necessary in a narrow well. One advantage of a pedestal pump is that it can be accessed easily if it ever needs repairs. Plus, since the pump is out of the water, it could have a longer life than a submerged model.

Replacing your sump pump could be a matter of buying the same type as you have now, but if your old pump wasn't efficient at removing water, then buying a new pump is a chance to upgrade to a model that works better at keeping the space dry.