Sep20

By Dave Bangar

6 Tips for Choosing the Right Sump Pump for Your Basement

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Different Types of Sump Pumps And How To Find the Right One

As a Kelowna homeowner, having a sump pump installed in your home is a no-brainer when you live in a wet, rainy British Columbia climate. But did you know that there is more than one type of sump pump to consider? It’s true! There are numerous types of sump pumps to consider depending on your unique needs. However, choosing the right one can be a difficult task if you don’t know what you should be looking for.

In this article, we will go over the different types of sump pumps to consider for your basement and provide some expert tips for selecting the right one.

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a device that pumps out excess water from the home in order to prevent flooding or water damage. The pump should be installed in your basement and sit in a sump pit, which is a shallow pit dug into the ground. During periods of excessive rain or snow melt, water will accumulate in the sump pit. When the water level reaches a certain point, the sump pump automatically starts pumping the water out of the pit and away from the home. 

What Are the Different Types of Sump Pumps?

As previously mentioned, there are many different types of sump pumps that come in various sizes and capacities and can be powered by either electricity or water pressure. Below, we will list the main types of sump pumps to consider.

Pedestal Sump Pump

Pedestal sump pumps are installed above the water line and have a motor mounted above the sump pit. The main downsides of pedestal pumps are that they can be louder and less efficient than submersible pumps. However, they are also easier to maintain. 

Submersible Sump Pump

This type of sump pump is submerged in the sump pit and has a motor enclosed in a waterproof casing. This type of pump is ideal for most homeowners as it tends to be more powerful and quieter compared to pedestal pumps.

Battery Backup Sump Pump

This type of sump pump is installed alongside the primary sump pump and is powered by a rechargeable battery. The battery backup sump pump activates when the main pump fails and helps ensure the home does not flood in the event of a power outage.

Water-Powered Sump Pump

As the name suggests,  Water-powered sump pumps are powered using the water pressure from your home’s water supply and do not require electricity or batteries to operate.

Combination Sump Pump Systems

Some sump pump systems offer a combination of pumps, such as a submersible pump and a battery backup pump, in a single unit. These systems provide both primary and secondary pumping capabilities, offering enhanced protection against flooding and water damage.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sump Pump For Your Kelowna Home

Not sure which of the above sump pumps is right for you? Consider the following:

Water Volume and Pumping Capacity

Look at how much water is typically accumulating in your sump pit during heavy rainfall and choose a sump pump that is powerful enough to handle it.

Power Source and Backup Options

Does your home frequently experience big storms and lose power regularly? If so, consider a sump pump with a battery backup or a water-powered option to ensure you and your home are protected

Pros and Cons

Consider the pros and cons of the different options, such as cost, effectiveness, and noise level.

Sump Pit Size

Always check the dimensions of your sump pit to make sure that any pump and components that you purchase to ensure that they fit. 

Ability to Handle Debris

If your sump pit collects debris or solid particles, consider a submersible pump that has good solid handling capabilities, as this will help reduce the risk of clogs.

Quality and Reliability

It’s important to invest in a high-quality sump pump made by a reputable manufacturer to ensure it is reliable and will last for many years. You can determine this by reading customer reviews along with recommendations from experts or friends.

Your Plumber’s Recommendation

If you are still feeling uncertain about which sump pump to get, consult with a professional or a qualified plumber who can help you determine the best sump pump system for your specific circumstances.

At My Plumber Kelowna, we have a team of licensed, trained, and highly experienced plumbers who can help you choose the perfect sump pump system for your Kelowna home and install it for you.
Call us today at 250-601-0000 or fill out a form on our website, and we will be in touch ASAP.