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Homeownership is not as easy as it looks. Homeowners essentially become a jack of all trades, as they need to know a lot about their home. They need to know what the different parts are, what they do and what signs to look out for regarding repairs.

Most homeowners spend a lot of time thinking about their drains or their faucets, but they rarely think about their sump pump. A sump pump is essentially a device to protect your home from heavy rains and rising waters. It prevents your home from flooding or sustaining any type of water damage that could completely wreck the structure of your home.

In general, most sump pumps will last for the entire life of your home. You really don’t have to worry much about it. The only time that you will ever hear about it is when your plumber mentions it in passing. In most situations, your plumber will replace the sump pump before any major damages occur.

However, it is in your best interest to learn more about sump pumps, how they work and the different signs that they need to be repaired. This article will serve as a guide for these purposes. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact a professional in Arlington, TX.

Types of Sump Pumps

This is not common knowledge, but there are different types of sump pumps. Your plumber will likely look at the type of sump pump that you have installed in your home before recommending a new one for you. They will usually try to give you the same type of sump pump; however, depending on the type that you use, they may also recommend that you switch to another one for more benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the different types below.

Battery-Operated Sump Pump

A battery-operated sump pump is quite popular because it offers extra security from water damage. This type of sump pump will still work even if your home is experiencing a power outage during a storm. That’s when you’ll likely need the sump pump the most. Instead, the sump pump will rely on its own internal battery. Your plumber will take a look at the model that you have to let you know when the battery needs to be replaced.

Pedestal Sump Pump

A pedestal sump pump has two parts: a motor and a pump. The motor will sit above the basin and the pump will be within the basin. The benefit of choosing this type of sump pump is that the motor will usually have a longer lifespan. As it is easily accessible, most professionals will also be able to get to the sump pump with no issue at all for maintenance work. With that said, there is a downside to a pedestal sump pump. Since the motor is aboveground, the sump pump can be a bit noisy when it’s in operation.

Submersible Sump Pump

A submersible sump pump is a bit different from a pedestal sump pump. With a pedestal sump pump, the motor and the pump are two separate units that sit separately from one another. With a submersible sump pump, on the other hand, the motor and pump are both one unit. They will sit together within the basin. Because the motor sits in the basin, unlike with a pedestal sump pump, a submersible sump pump will usually be a bit quieter in comparison. It’s also a good choice for those who don’t have a lot of space. The only downside is that the motor is not as accessible, which means that the plumber may have difficulties accessing it.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

Sump pumps have a fairly important job. So, how does it work?

Usually, sump pumps are located in the basement of your home. They are located in a naturally constructed pit, also known as a basin, that is below the main surface of the floor.

The sump pump will have a sensor that will be able to measure water levels in your home. If the water level gets too high, the sump pump will automatically pump the excess water out of your basement and into a discharge line, also called an effluent line. The sump pump is, in essence, responsible for all of the drainage that happens in your home.

It’s basically the first part that a plumber will look at if there is a drainage issue with your home.

5 Signs That Your Sump Pump Needs to Be Replaced

Now that you know how important your sump pump is, you should take the time to learn about the signs that it needs to be replaced. You definitely want to get the sump pumps replaced as soon as possible. If you wait, your home is susceptible to water damage. In the event of a flood, the sump pump will not be able to drain your home. This means that your basement will likely flood. It also means that y