Types and Tips for Choosing Sump Pumps Chicago

by | May 14, 2013 | Plumbers

One of the most important things a homeowner should have is a sump pump. It is the main method of defense against excess moisture and water leaking, particularly in basements and crawl spaces. Choosing between the different Sump Pumps Chicago can be confusing. They should not be selected based solely on the size of the area they will be used. It is important to choose the one that is adequate for the water volume it will have to handle.

Generally, sump pumps are available in three types: electric, water powered, or both. You will need to choose one that is powered as you need, but it must also fit other factors. It should have the right horsepower and alarms too.

If you need a pump to handle frequent draining, a pedestal style may be what you need. It is electric and turns on when the float is raised to a certain level. Submersible pumps are installed in the ground and operate in the water by a float switch. Water powered pumps are not commonly used for this application because they are connected to the building’s plumbing and use water pressure to function. A floor sucker can be used to quickly get rid of water down to about 1/8 inch from the ground.

Common horsepower sizes are 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4. The amount of horsepower a pump has determines how quickly it can remove water. A pump with 1/2 horsepower is capable of pumping out a minimum of 3,000 gallons an hour and is often chosen for heavier water leakage, such as sudden flooding. 1/3 horsepower pumps are the most common and are often found already installed in many homes in Chicago with basements that sit below the water table. If you have a small amount of water to remove, a 1/4 horsepower pump can be used. It is weaker than the other two, but more cost efficient for occasional light use.

When you are shopping for Sump Pumps Chicago, it is important to learn about what you need. You should not only understand each type of pump, but also the leakage conditions of your home. Two big factors to consider are the depth of your basement and how far below the ground the water sits.

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