Basement flooding
02.04.2014
Basement flooding
Spring is here and as much as we all want to get rid of the snow, melting snow often brings flooded basement.
Your finished basement is your pride; you've already spent thousands of dollars and countless hours converting your concrete cavern in a comfortable living space.
It is time to make sure the pumps are working properly in your home so that water does not end up in your basement. Because nobody wants to stand in their staircase and watch their belongings floating around ... it's not very funny.
Prepare your home for seasonal warming
Even if your system was working last spring, it does not mean that it will work this spring. The long cold winter months can be hard on pumps and can actually cause deterioration.
Check the status of your sump pump
Make sure your pump evacuates water by performing a test, simply raise the float from the pump, and then go check the pipe exit to see if the water is coming out or if the hose is obstructed.
Install a backup sump pump
The sump pump is your first line of defense against basement flooding. However, the most reliable sump pumps in the industry are still the ones with mechanical devices but which can fail. A backup system is a battery operated sump pump, configured with a switching device so as to start working should the main pump be out of service, which significantly reduces the risk of flooding.
In addition, if a power failure occurs, the backup sump pump will operate and keep your basement dry when you're not at home. Fueled by a marine deep cycle battery, this type of pump can operate continuously for about 8 hours straight. Since these pumps run about half an hour each time, you are sure to be protected for more than 15 hours. Some systems even allow you to add more batteries to double the time.
Another power source
Emergency generators are also useful. Due to the fact that they do not start by themselves; they cannot be used as a backup system. However, if a power outage is prolonged, the generator will be of great help. It can take over and operate the primary sump pump. At the same time, the generator can charge the battery of the backup pump in case the power failure continues.
In conclusion
After your tests, it would be important to purchase a backup sump pump; this investment of about 800$ could save you thousands of dollars in renovation and replacement of assets.