How to Choose the Best Sump Pump for Your Home

It’s no secret that water in your basement is a bad sign. What may seem elusive, however, is how to get that water out and keep it out.

The answer is effective basement waterproofing. Think of your basement waterproofing system as your body’s circulatory system. Interior drainage is vital to catch leaking water, but a sump pump is the heart of the system.

With various sump pumps on the market, how do you know which one to buy? This article covers everything you need to know about choosing the best sump pump for your home and how local basement waterproofing experts can help.

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What Is A Sump Pump?

Let’s start with the basics by explaining what a sump pump is and how it functions in your basement.

A sump pump is an essential appliance used for basement water collection and removal. It’s also part of a comprehensive basement waterproofing system.

Here’s how it works:

A sump pit is created in the lowest part of the basement.
An interior drainage system intercepts leaking water.
These drains channel the water to a sump pump.
The sump pump system collects water inside a basin.
The water is pumped out once it reaches a certain level in the sump basin.
Exterior discharge lines ensure water drains far away from your home.

Sump Pump Essentials

Many household appliances come with accessories for improved function or just another level of convenience.

As opposed to optional add-ons, here are a few features every sump pump should have:

Sump Liner: A sump pump liner protects your pump by keeping it in optimal condition, even when exposed to high moisture levels over extended periods.
Sump Stands: These stands elevate your pump within the sump liner, preventing debris collected by the liner from damaging the pump.
Airtight Lid: The water entering your home can carry an unpleasant odor. An airtight lid on your sump pump prevents these odors from permeating throughout your home.
Alarms: Without an alarm, you might not notice a sump pump failure until your basement is flooded. An alarm alerts you immediately if the pump fails to activate, allowing you to address the issue promptly.
Antifreeze Lines: In cold weather, pipes can freeze and cause water to back up, potentially damaging your pump. Antifreeze lines help prevent this by allowing excess water to escape from the pipes.

Adding A Backup Pump

A backup sump pump is important, especially if you live in an area prone to power outages and flooding. While a backup is optional, it could mean the difference between a dry basement or a flood-damaged home.

Here are a few things to consider if you want the best sump pump to protect your home:

Generator-Powered Pumps

These pumps operate similarly to standard sump pumps but are powered by a generator instead of the electrical grid. The primary additional expense for this type of backup pump comes from installing and maintaining the generator.

Battery-Powered Pumps

The most popular backup option, these pumps are entirely independent, powered by a dedicated battery that isn’t connected to any other power source. Homeowners need to ensure the battery is always fully charged to maintain pump readiness.

AC-Powered Pumps

Powered by a deep cycle battery charged by an AC charger, these pumps continue to operate as long as the battery has enough charge. This option is particularly effective for homes that frequently experience flooding.

Water-Powered Pumps

These pumps utilize the flow of incoming water to the sump pit for power. When water reaches a certain level, it triggers a float mechanism that opens valves, creating a water flow that generates the necessary energy to operate the pump. This method uses less energy than electric pumps and is dependent on having a sufficient water flow.

Sump Pump Maintenance

When choosing a sump pump for your basement, you should also consider the maintenance required for continued operation. Sump pumps can be quite complex and delicate, especially their inner components. It may be tempting to troubleshoot your sump pump on your own, but we don’t recommend it.

When a basement waterproofing expert like Baker’s Waterproofing installs your basement sump pump, you can count on us for ongoing support.

During annual maintenance appointments, we check your sump pump system to ensure it continues to function properly, and we fix any issues we encounter. Our sump pumps and other basement waterproofing systems are covered by comprehensive warranties.

Choosing the Best Sump Pump System

We’ve given you a lot to consider, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Our team at Baker’s Waterproofing is here to take the guesswork out of sump pump options, installation, and maintenance.

We offer various basement sump pump systems that are customized to meet your home’s unique needs and your budget. Whether a single pump system is best for your home or your basement requires ultimate protection with a triple system with a battery backup, we’ve got you covered.

Get the Best Sump Pump from Baker’s Waterproofing

Baker's Waterproofing inspector meeting with homeowners

Selecting the right sump pump is crucial for maintaining a dry basement and safeguarding your home against water damage.

At Baker’s Waterproofing, we take pride in offering only the finest sump pumps on the market, customized to suit the specific needs of your home. Our range features high-quality cast iron pumps equipped with water alarms, airtight lids, and backup systems to guarantee peak performance and dependability.

Don’t risk your home’s safety. Contact Baker’s Waterproofing today to schedule a free inspection and find the ideal sump pump solution for your home.

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FAQs

What are the benefits of a basement sump pump?

Think of a basement waterproofing system as the body’s circulatory system. A sump pump is the “heart” of this system. While interior drains collect water, a sump pump actively removes it from your basement to keep it dry. A quality sump pump should be cast iron for longevity and carry a long-lasting warranty.

Is a battery backup sump pump necessary?

It depends. It’s particularly important for homeowners who experience regular power outages, or for those who don’t frequent their basements often. Installing an AquaStop™ sump pump with a battery backup ensures your basement remains dry even when the power is out.

Can you install a basement sump pump yourself?

You can, but there are many factors to consider. You’d have to put time and effort into installing the system, and the manufacturer’s warranties are typically limited. Many big box store sump pumps are lower quality, lack an airtight lid, and do not have a pump stand to keep them upright and elevated off sediment.

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.

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