If the basement in your Chicago home floods every time it rains, a sump pump installation can be a big help. Having the proper equipment installed can save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in expensive maintenance, repairs, and renovations to your basement — not to mention, it can save you from losing precious items that can get destroyed by floodwaters.
Overview
Sump pumps are generally installed in what is known as a sump basin, which is a recessed hole that collects excess water from any basement footer drains that you have available. Once this sump basin becomes filled with water to a certain level, the sump pump will kick in and start pumping water out of your basement and away from your home, depositing it in a place where it will not return to harm your foundation. Between storms, it is always a good idea to ensure that the outer drains remain clear of debris, so that your sump pump will always have somewhere to safely drain the water to.
Types of Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are available in two styles: pedestal or submersible. The first style sits on the basin, while the second style is hidden in the basin and is sealed to safeguard the electrical elements. Both of these types run on electricity, and they are usually hardwired to the residence’s electrical system.
You will most likely want to look for a sump pump with a built-in battery backup so that it can continue to operate even if the power goes out in your home. This is important during heavy storms. If it is flooding badly enough for your basement to fill with water, then the odds are that your electricity will go out at some time as well. In this case, a battery backup pump will allow any water that seeps in to continue to be pumped away from your home for several hours after the power has gone out.
If you are in the market for a sump pump, we recommend choosing one from Zoeller. Zoeller makes heavy-duty sump pumps that are tested and proven to protect properties in the Chicagoland area against floods.
Sump Pump Installation
If you decide to have a sump basin and pump installed, it is best to rely on experienced plumbing experts in Chicago, such as Global Plumbing. While it is possible to install a sump pump on your own, investing in a professional service provider will save you from the hassle of a DIY installation and ensure that the installation is done correctly, which will save you money in the long run. That said, as a homeowner, it’s still important to know what it takes to properly install a sump pump. Here is a quick and easy step-by-step guide to sump pump installation:
- Dig a hole through the concrete in your basement floor.
- Make sure that the sump basin will actually fit in the hole, then go ahead and set it in there.
- Add some layers of gravel to the basin.
- Add a stone paver on the top of your gravel.
- Put your sump pump right on top of that stone paver.
- Hook your PVC pipe and your check valve onto the sump pump.
- Drill a hole through your house so that you can feed the pipe through there.
- Seal it all up.
- Test your pump. Feed some water into it, then go outside to see if the water is successfully being dumped out there.
Professional Sump Pump Installation Service in the Chicagoland Area
If the area you live in is prone to flooding during the winter melt or spring rains, you could end up with a basement that has damp walls, mold and mildew issues, pools of stagnant water, and a host of other issues that can quickly pose a health hazard for your family.
If you are looking for quick, reliable, and affordable sump pump installation services in Chicago or any of its neighboring suburbs, then Global Plumbing is the company to call. Contact us today at (312) 375-9338 to learn more about our sump pump installation services.