There are many beautiful homes in Charlotte, NC – some old, some new, modern architecture and those rich in Southern style. But regardless of age or design there can be concerns for any homeowner...

There are many beautiful homes in Charlotte, NC – some old, some new, modern architecture and those rich in Southern style. But regardless of age or design there can be concerns for any homeowner – this is especially true if your home is situated in place where water drainage is not ideal. If you have found that due to landscaping or structural concerns you are faced with a basement or crawl space that floods easily, then it is often in your best interest to install a sump pump in your home.

A sump pump is designed to pump water out of your home so it does not collect and result in even greater problems. There are four types of sump pumps to choose from – primary sump pumps, battery backup pumps, combination pumps, and sewage pumps. The important thing in choosing one is to understand what type will best suit your needs.

 

TYPES OF SUMP PUMPS EXPLAINED

Primary Sump Pumps 

Perhaps the most commonly installed, the primary design will pump seepage water out of your basement. They can typically move several thousands of gallons of water per hour. Primary pumps may be a submersible design which are placed underwater in the sump pump basin while a pedestal design which sits above the sump pump basin. If you have only a small basin, then the pedestal is recommended.

Battery Back Up

These give you extra protection should your power go – a plus since a storm can cause an electric pump to go out. However, it can also be used if the main pump should fail.  Should you buy this style pump, be sure to purchase one that mentions “battery backup” not just “backup” as you don’t just want a secondary system, but one that can actually work in the event of a power outage.

Combination Sump Pumps

As its name implies, it is a combination of a primary and a battery backup. This is great for every day usage, but in the event of a flood like situation it will kick on should the primary system not be able to keep up.

Sewage Pumps

Unlike traditional sump pump set ups, this style is used to remove waste from a home to a septic system. They run automatically and can be installed in the septic tank or in a separate area.

 

TIPS FOR PURCHASING A SUMP PUMP

• If possible, opt for a submersible design as this allows the pump to be covered with a lid thus reducing noise and keeping debris from getting in the pit.
• Choose a pump with a cast iron core as this will dissipate heat to the surrounding water, which adds length of use to the pump.
• Select a pump with a no-screen intake design and an impeller that can handle solids up to .5” in diameter so as to minimize risk of clogs.
• Ideally, get one with an alarm system so you know when water reaches a specific level.
• Purchase a pump with a mechanical switch and a solid float. This avoids risk of the float becoming waterlogged or the switch failing and thus burning out the pump.

The sump pump – it may not be elegant, but it is definitely an important part of protecting homes in Charlotte from flooding. If you have questions about your current sump pump or the purchase of a new one, give the Charlotte Sherrill Construction team a call.