Living in Arizona, you may not necessarily need a sump pump. This is because most homes in Arizona do not have basements. But if you do own a home with a basement, investing in a sump pump will be beneficial, especially to protect you from the floods that the Monsoons bring to the state every year.
What is a Sump Pump?
You never want to deal with a flooded basement. Luckily, a sump pump can be used to protect your basement from flooding due to heavy rains and rising waters. When your basement floods, it can cause severe damage, leading to costly repairs.
Simply put – a sump pump will move water from your basement out of your home into a naturally constructed pit-hole that is usually carved below the main surface of the basement’s floor. This is commonly referred to as the sump.
The pit or basin holds the sump pump where there are valves that can sense when the water is level is escalating. When the water gets too high, the sump pump will pump out excess water using a discharge line called an effluent.
The water is pumped into a designated area away at least 10 to 20 feet away from the property into a dry well, creek, or pond.
Types of Sump Pumps
Of course, there isn’t just one type of sump pump, you have options!
- Submersible
- Pedestal
- Battery-Operated Back-Up
- Water-Powered Back-Up
The most common type is a submersible sump pump. This is where the pump and motor are conveniently located in one unit and is submerged in a basin. This sump pump is quiet, saves space and tends to clog less. However, they may not have the longest lifespan. It is still one of the best options for most homeowners.
The pedestal sump pump has a separate motor and pump. This sits on a pedestal above the basin and pumps water out through a hose. When choosing this option, be prepared for it to take up some space and to make noise. However, it does have a longer lifespan than a submersible sump pump and you can access it easier for repairs and needed maintenance.
A battery-operated back-up sump pump is ideal for any homeowner with a basement. This gives your home extra security from potential flood damage. It comes with a float switch and will operate when the power is out due to a severe storm.
A water-powered back-up sump pump will clear extra water out when it reaches an increased water pressure. This means you won’t need to monitor it or replace any batteries. Keep in mind though that this could increase your water-bill and not all cities allow it.
Professional Opinions
Speak with the experienced plumbers in Phoenix at Rainforest Plumbing and Air to figure out if a sump pump would be best for your home and which one is the best one to use. For the past 20 years, Rainforest Plumbing and Air has made it their mission to deliver excellent service by being timely, accurate and fair. They are open all hours of the night, which means if you are having a plumbing issue at midnight, Rainforest will be there to fix it. Their licensed technicians can also come to fix faucets, garbage disposals, water heaters, clogged drains, residential AC units, commercial AC units, thermostats and more.
