Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

sump pumps

 Sump Pump

Asking if you need a sump pump is sort of like asking if you need airbags in your car. You’ve got seatbelts, after all, and it’s not like the car isn’t going to run if you don’t have airbags in place. Does that mean that you don’t need them, though? Of course not, because the airbags in your car are still integral to ensuring your safety should you wind up in an accident.

So, let’s rephrase the question. Is the sump pump integral to the operation of your home or the overall performance of your plumbing in Windsor, CO? No, not exactly. Is the sump pump an essential piece of the puzzle that is going to help you to protect your home and property in certain situations that would otherwise leave you very vulnerable? You better believe it. If you ask us, this is one case where it is definitely advisable to play it safe. 

What Can a Sump Pump Do for Me?

Keep water from flooding the lowest level of your home. It really is that simple. Whether due to heavy rains, rapid snowmelt, a plumbing pipe rupturing, or any other situation in which flooding can occur, your sump pump is going to be your first line of defense against damage. You can’t just keep a stack of towels around or hope that you can get the wet vac out in time in the event of flooding. With a sump pump, you are protected 24/7. And you don’t even have to do anything!

How It Works

A sump pump needs a sump pit. They go hand in hand. If you don’t have one in your home already, you’ll need one excavated. The pit should be situated where water is naturally going to flow in the event of flooding.

The sump pump will either be submerged in the water within that pit (it shouldn’t be dry) or it can sit on top of a pedestal. There are pros and cons to both types of sump pumps. Submersible pumps are preferred, because they can be cooled by the water itself and the water also helps to dampen operational noise. However, they take up more space. If you need a narrower pit, then a pedestal pump may be used. These are noisier, but they are easier to access for maintenance.

When Water Levels Rise, The Pump Starts Pumping

The sump pump is an important device, but its one job is not complicated. Neither is its operation. When the water level rises above a certain point in the sump pit, your pump activates. It works with a simple float switch. The pump continues to run until the water level falls back below that point, diverting water out of the house and away from your property. That’s all there really is to it. To test your sump pump, dump a few buckets of water into the pit. If it’s working properly, it will kick on as the water level rises.

Schedule your sump pump services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

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