Sump Pumps and You: A Plumber’s Guide
Flooding is one of the worst nightmares a homeowner can experience. As a plumber, you’re in a position to help keep their home and possessions safe from this catastrophic experience. While plenty of safeguards can be put in place to protect against flooding, one of the easiest to install and maintain is the sump pump.
What is a Sump Pump?
Water naturally flows to the lowest point in a home -- usually the basement or crawl space. Sump pumps are mechanical pumps designed to eject water from the home. They’re placed in specially dug sump pits -- gravel-filled holes placed at the home’s lowest point.
The pump is placed in a plastic sleeve allowing water to enter. When the float valve or pressure sensor indicate high water levels, the pump automatically activates, forcing water through a drainage pipe out of the home and to an outdoor spot where it can drain away from the foundation. The water is kept from re-entering the pump via a one-way check valve.
Do My Clients Need a Sump Pump?
The American Society of Home Inspectors estimates some 60 percent of homes suffer from below-ground wetness. Even more homes than that will experience flooding at some point. Homes in low-lying regions, valleys or hills; or those that experience heavy snow melt runoff, all benefit from the installation of a sump pump.
Even still, certain legislation requires sump pumps even in homes that aren’t prone to flooding. Your client may benefit from a sump pump if their basement or crawl space has a musty odor or noticeable dampness. Even if a pump isn’t required by code, installing one can help make a client’s basement a more healthy environment and prolong the lifespan of any appliances or furniture they may have there.
Check with local regulations to see if your area requires sump pumps in homes. Most new-construction homes come equipped, but older homes may need someone to bring them up to standard.
Installing a Sump Pump
If your client doesn’t already have a sump pit, you may need to enlist the help of a local contractor to dig one. The best place for it is the lowest point of the basement or crawl space, at least eight inches from the nearest outside wall and near a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet to run the pump. If the nearest outlet doesn’t have a GFCI, you may need to bring an electrician on board to ensure safety.
The liner on the model of pump chosen determines the size of the pit. The pit needs to be at least three inches wider and six inches deeper than the liner for the pump. Fill the pit with six inches of coarse gravel and level it. Place the liner in and fill around it with more gravel. From there, it’s a matter of installing the pump according to manufacturer directions.
Maintaining a Sump Pump
Consider offering yearly sump pump maintenance calls to your clients for a small fee. This will give you a chance to make sure the plumbing is secure and that the pump is still in good working order. Remind your clients that the cost of a service fee is far less than they’d pay for repairs and replacement of their stuff should the pump fail.
Knowing how to troubleshoot and repair problematic sump pumps can open an entirely new market for your business and keep you busy during the late winter and early spring months.
Sump Pumps and You
There are countless numbers of sump pumps on the market today. Becoming familiar with the basics of how they work, how they’re installed and how they’re repaired can keep you working even during slower months while providing a valuable service to your clients. Familiarizing yourself with sump pumps gives you a competitive edge, as many plumbers fail to learn about these vital yet common home plumbing fixtures.
Attachment 104449
Comments
Post a Comment