4 critical sump pump questions answered by a Boston plumber

A flooded basement can be an absolute nightmare. In one overnight storm, you can lose irreplaceable documents and family heirlooms. Basement floods can ruin furniture and cause structural damage to the foundation of your building.

A sump pump can prevent a flooded basement, even in the worst storms. But proper installation and maintenance are vital to ensuring it performs correctly. Understanding your sump pump can save you thousands of dollars in potential damages.

We’ll answer a few frequently asked questions about sump pumps in detail so you can make the most of your sump pump installation. 

Suppose you have any further questions or need sump pump installation, inspection or repair. In that case, call Plumbers 911 Boston to be connected to a licensed contractor in your area today.

Where should the water go?

A sump pump system contains a hole in the ground to collect water and a pump to remove it. The tank is placed beneath the ground at the lowest point in your basement or below-ground building level. Water flows into the tank until it reaches a certain level (usually 15 to 25 gallons) when the pump kicks in and moves the water safely away from your house.

Sump pumps should be set up to drain at least six feet from your property into your yard or a storm drain. But never discharge sump pumps into the city sewer system. Draining into a sewer can cause dangerous sewage backflow into your drinking water. Make sure any sump pump runoff does not impact your neighbor’s property. 

How can you prevent your sump pump from failing?

Regular maintenance from a licensed plumber like the contractors through Plumbers 911 Boston is critical to avoiding sump pump failure.  Our affiliated plumbing contractors can inspect your sump pump to ensure it is in top working condition. They can make any necessary adjustments or repairs to avoid breakdown. They can also ensure that the sump pump pipes are correctly fastened to effectively drain water away from the house. If your sump pump needs replacing, our contractors can install a new one and prevent a basement disaster. 

What kind of sump pump do you need?

A sump pump question is for a licensed plumber. The contractors referred through Plumbers 911 Boston would be glad to assist you.

The right sump pump depends on the size of your property, the amount of water that needs evacuating and how much you want to spend. 

There are two sump pumps: a pedestal pump and a submersible pump.

A pedestal pump has a motor mounted above the sump basin. The pumps typically last 25 to 30 years but can clog easily. A submersible pump is sealed inside the sump basin to prevent short circuits. It’s a bit more expensive and only lasts 15 years, but it is less prone to clogging. 

Does your sump pump need a battery backup system?

Heavy storms frequently cause power outages. The last thing you want is the power to go out and your sump pump to fail when you need it the most.

That is why we recommend installing battery backup to your sump pump. The backup battery allows your sump pump to continue pumping even after the power goes out.

A licensed plumber supplied through Plumbers 911 Boston can install battery backup on your sump pump. 

Need help with your sump pump? Call Plumbers 911 Boston

We recommend having your sump pump inspected twice per year. Call Plumbers 911 Boston to be referred to a licensed plumber to inspect your sump pump and perform routine maintenance. They can clean it and check it for damages. They can also check to see if your sump pump is too old and needs to be replaced.

Our affiliated, licensed plumbers will ensure your sump pump is at peak performance before the next big storm.

All our Boston Licensed Plumbers are highly trained, vetted and drug tested. Call Plumbers 911 Boston and schedule a time for a trusted, licensed Plumber to come to your house.