SUMP PUMPS
Submersible Sump Pump
These electrical pumps are installed in a pit, usually in a basement, and are designed to work underwater. They have a float-activated switch or check valve that turns the pump when the pump's water causes the check valve to rise. Universal Plumbing & Sewer, Inc. recommends a cast-iron sump pump. Our trucks are fully stocked with Zoeller sump pumps in 1/3 HP & 1/2 HP. The newer M63 is also a truck stocked option that offers a 5 year manufactures warranty and green LED plug showing that the sump pump has power. The M63 offers a longer switch life, which is the number one reason sump pumps fail. The submersible sump pumps are quieter than other styles and tend to have a longer life because their sealed, oil-cooled motors are protected from moisture and dust.
No matter what type you have, each sump pump should have a check valve on the water outlet pipe, so water does not flow back into the sump when the pump shuts off. Water flowing back and forth can cause the pump to turn on and off more than necessary and shorten the pump's life.
Pedestal
An electric pump that stands upright, with a motor a few feet above it, is not meant to get wet. It has a float-activated switch that turns the pump on when the water reaches a certain level. This type of sump pump is ideal for basements needing frequent water drainage. They usually are the least expensive but are noisier than the submersibles.
Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump
Water-Powered backup pumps are highly recommended in our area. They are very reliable during power outages or primary pump failure. This type of pump runs off the water pressure from your home's plumbing system and has the same float-activated switch as a primary pump. These pumps handle water at a comparable rate (2 gallons of water removed for every 1 gallon of water) to the electric types but require no electricity to operate. It can be installed alongside an electric sump and is generally used as a backup system during a power failure. If you have a finished basement or use the space for storage, a backup sump pump is a very cost-effective way to gain peace of mind. Please contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Battery-Powered Backup Sump Pump
Battery-Powered Backup Sump Pumps are a great solution for homes on a well. The battery backup system takes over during a power outage or if the primary sump pump fails. The FIT Aquanot 508 is a warehouse stock item and comes with an alarm system. This self-testing, alert sending pump is a great solution for those on a well or who prefer a battery option.
Sump Pump Alarms
There are multiple types of sump pump alarms. Some make a loud beeping noise or siren in the house to alert the homeowners that the water level is reaching an unsafe level, while others can send an alert via text message or email. Not only do they range in types, but they also range in price everywhere from approximately $65 to approximately $350 installed depending on your specific needs. It is amazing how many options are out there with today’s technology. You can measure the temperature in the home, carbon monoxide levels, among other things. Schedule an appointment to have a tech go over your personal preferences and help find the best solution for you.
Sump Pump Discharge
Where does your sump pump take all the water that it pumps out of your basement? Ideally, that water should be carried up and out of your house to a place where it won’t seep back into your foundation; that is the main goal of a sump discharge line. If the line is too short or leads to a place where the ground slopes toward your house, the water will just end up right back in the sump pit where it started, overworking your sump pump and increasing your risk for a basement flood.
The best sump discharge line placement is different for every home; many factors, such as landscaping, yard slope, and more must be taken into account. Additionally, the line must be correctly sized and designed in such a way that prevents clogs and freezing. Luckily, our expert technicians at Universal Plumbing & Sewer have years of experience and know what to look for, and we can help you determine the perfect solution for your home that will keep the water out for good. We’ll streamline the process so you don’t have to worry!
Your sump discharge line doesn’t have to be an unsightly pipe pouring water all over your yard either. We can install the line underground without disturbing your existing landscaping features. And if you have a drainage ditch or storm drain nearby, we can route the line directly to it. There are plenty of options for you to choose from that will work with your landscaping.
It is illegal in most areas to have your sump pump discharge to the municipal sewer system, since addition of groundwater into the sanitary sewer can easily overwhelm the water treatment facilities during a storm and cause the sewers to back up (read more about that here). If your sump pump is hooked up to the sewer, don’t be afraid to call us! We’ll fix it and help you come up with a landscape-friendly solution that is 100% safe and legal.