3 Kinds of Sump Pumps

We hope you never have to deal with a flooded basement. Even without outright flooding, a moisture problem in your basement can pose a severe threat to your home as well as to your health. With hurricane season upon us, concerns about basement flooding, and remediation methods such as sump pumps, are especially pertinent.

A sump pump is an essential component of any basement waterproofing system. In case you aren’t familiar, sump pumps are devices that can be installed at the lowest point in your home—in our area, typically your basement. The sump pump directs water that gathers in the sump pit and directs it away from your home, where it will no longer be an issue.

But did you know there are different kinds of sump pumps? Here is a breakdown of some of the most common types.

Pedestal Pumps

The selling point of pedestal sump pumps is that the motor is elevated over top of the sump pit. These have a shaft that is inside of the sump pit to deal with the water. As you can probably imagine, these do tend to be a little unsightly, and to take up extra space in your basement or crawlspace. But, having the motor raised over the sump pit makes it exceptionally easy to repair or replace. This also all but eliminates the risk of water damage to the motor, meaning you can expect your pedestal pump to last for decades.

Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps stand in stark contrast to pedestal pumps because they rest in your sump pit itself. Beyond the obvious advantage of not having a large pump jutting out into your basement, submersible pumps also tend to be more powerful than the alternative. They are also especially suited to eliminate debris that could clog your waterproofing system. Add to all this the fact that they are less noisy than pedestal pumps, and it’s easy to see why these are such a great option.

However, all these perks come with a cost—literally. They are typically much more expensive. In spite of their price tag, they generally have shorter lifespans too. You’d be lucky if your submersible pump lasted for ten years.

Water-Powered Pumps

This year has proven to all of us the advantages of preparing for the worst. What makes water-powered sump pumps such an excellent investment is that they will continue to function in the event of a power outage. Considering that storms severe enough to cause flooding also tend to cause power outages, this sort of pump can be pretty appealing. One downside of these, however, is that they can be pretty expensive, as you will be charged for the water they utilize in the pumping process. It may be worth shelling out the extra cash for a more efficient pump, as they can do the same job with less water.

Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today for Your Waterproofing Needs

Whether you need a new sump pump installed or want to waterproof your entire basement, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420. To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.