Installation of a Sump Pump for Austin Homeowners in 78620

Keeping your basement dry and protected is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your home. If your property is located in Austin, Texas and you reside somewhere in the 78620 ZIP code, installing a sump pump could be one of the wisest investments you ever make. Not only does a sump pump help shield your dwelling from excess standing water that can be damaging to its structural foundations but it also serves to keep harmful and potentially toxic mold and mildew spores at bay.

The installation of a sump pump, while not overly complex, requires sound knowledge of plumbing and other related systems. It's also advisable to hire a qualified and experienced plumbing professional for such a task. That's because even the slightest mistake in setting up the pump, or its connections with the other plumbing fixtures, can lead to irreparable damage to your home, loss of belongings, and adverse health effects.

If you are a property owner in the 78620 ZIP code in Austin, Texas, here's a comprehensive guide on sump pump installation.

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump, simply put, is a pumping device that helps remove standing water from a certain area. The system comprises the sump pump itself, a discharge line for expelling the water away from the home, as well as a sump pit, which is a collection basin for the water.

When excess standing water makes its way to the basin, the pump kicks into action through a series of motions triggered by a sensor or a float. The pump begins drawing in the water from the basin and then pushing it out through the discharge line.

Most commonly, sump pumps are used to protect the basement of a property. However, they also are used to keep crawl spaces, other lower-level floors, and central vacuums of a dwelling dry.

Types of Sump Pumps

When it's time to install a sump pump in your home, you'll get to choose from two distinct types of pumps; the most common being the submersible sump pump and the pedestal sump pump.

The submersible sump pump is the far more popular type of the two. The pump is placed inside the sump pit, which is essentially a collection bowl that's designed to keep standing water in check, and it's run by an electric motor. The motor activates the pump to start working when it senses an elevated water level in the sump pit.

The pedestal sump pump, on the other hand, is situated outside the sump basin. This type of pump is powered by a pull-chain installation, meaning it doesn't have a motor. To kick the device into action, you have to manually pull on the chain.

Benefits of a Sump Pump

Installing a sump pump offers property owners several benefits. Here are some of them.

• Keeps effects of flooding and excess standing water at bay

• Keeps mold and mildew from setting in the home

• Helps to reinforce the structural integrity of your dwelling

• Shield your home from soil erosion

• Keep soils adjacent to the foundation watertight

• Protection against costly primary water damage

• Rebuilds your home's value

Steps for Installing a Sump Pump

Installing a sump pump needs a degree of technical wizardry. That's why it would be wise to hire a qualified and experienced plumbing contractor for such a job. Here are some of the things the technician will typically do.

The technician will begin by picking the right-sized HVAC system – not any size will do. For such a job, it's advised you two get a sump pump with a sump basin capacity of up to 20 gallons. Anything above 20 gallons would be deemed excessive.

After choosing the right system, the technician will install it in the most suitable area of the home; typically the lowest part of the basement. The settings will then be adjusted according to local codes, and the pump should then be plugged into an electric outlet.

The technician may also install the discharge line as part of the process – a PVC pipe running away from the pump and ending at an area that's far away from the home, such as a drain.

Overall

Installing a sump pump in your home can be a cost-effective way of keeping it protected from the effects of flooding and excessive standing water. Choose a dependable system, get a qualified and experienced plumbing contractor to do the job, and you can keep your dwelling free of water damage for years to come.

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