Sump Pumps are mainly used in situations where the foundation is prone to flooding and also with issues involving dampness, commonly where a home's basement is located below the surrounding area's water table level.
Usually hard-wired to a home's electrical system, sump pumps should also be connected to a backup battery system in case of power outages. Another option includes the sump pump being powered by a home's pressurized water, though the use of potable water can cause this to be more expensive than other applications.
The main purpose of a sump pump is to draw water away from the foundation to somewhere in which it will avoid causing damage, such as a drain or well. This makes the sump pump most needed when there is a lot of rain, as with our yearly thunderstorms in Cincinnati, Ohio.
If the storm knocks out your power and you do not have a battery to operate your sump pump, your sump pump will not kick on in order to move water from around your house to the sewer or proper drainage. If your power is out for even a couple of hours you can wind up with a flooded basement, something we see all the time.
With battery backup sump pumps, the battery is kept charged. In the event you lose power, the sensor then switches to draw power from the battery, keeping your sump pump running, avoiding troublesome basement flooding and home damage.
Every winter and spring brings a surge of failed sump pumps around Cincinnati. You can imagine with melting snow and continued rain showers, your sump pump is going to be put to the test. It's one of those things that are easy to not think about. After all, if you haven't experienced a problem yet, what would raise an alarm? That's why it's important to have a backup plan and have a sump pump battery installed, inspected, and maintained.
Call Gil at Cincinnati Basement Waterproofing and receive a free consultation about your home's water drainage needs. (513) 898-9723