Sump Pumps in Charlotte, NC
Sometimes collecting water inside your crawlspace or basement is unavoidable. If you’ve found that this has become a frequent issue in your home, there is a solution that can help you avoid damage to your home’s foundation and help you maintain proper moisture control – a sump pump. Sump pumps are designed to eliminate excess water from the home by diverting the water into a sump pit and then pushing the water out through a pipe.
What Are Sump Pumps?
A sump pump is a device that drains water from a specific source. The pump is installed at the lowest point of your home, such as the basement or crawlspace, or wherever water will collect first during heavy rains and flooding. The pump is nestled in a sump pit and sends water to a nearby storm drain or retention pond.
The goal of a sump pump is to prevent flooding. It activates when water enters the system, and it shuts off once all the water is gone.
Types of Sump Pumps
There are three primary types of sump pumps you can use in your home: primary, battery backup, and combination pumps. Let’s break each one down:
Primary Sump Pump
Most homes use this type of machine, which can remove thousands of gallons of water per hour. A primary sump pump is hardwired into your basement, so it runs on your home’s power grid. You can use a submersible pump, which sits in the water, or a pedestal pump, which sits outside the pit.
Battery Backup Pump
Typically, if your home gets flooded, you’ll also lose power. Since most sump pumps are connected to the grid, a power outage means that it won’t turn on. So, a battery backup pump ensures that your sump pump will continue removing water even if you don’t have power. These pumps are generally smaller and used along with a primary pump.
Combination Sump Pump
This machine combines both other types of sump pumps so that you don’t have to buy and install two separate models.
Benefits of Sump Pumps
Even if you have flood insurance on your home, dealing with the aftermath of a flood is a huge pain. Filing claims, recovering damaged items — the whole process is grueling. Fortunately, a sump pump can alleviate this problem by stopping a flood before it gets out of control. Even minor water damage can lead to bigger problems, such as:
- Mold growth
- Pest infestations
- Broken appliances
- Peeling and cracked paint
- Broken or sinking foundation
Overall, if your home is prone to flooding, or you live in a flood plain, it makes sense to install a sump pump. The cost of installation is far less than the price of flood damage.
Cost of Installing Sump Pumps
Putting a sump pump in your home depends on a few factors, so the total cost can vary greatly. These factors include:
Sump Pit
If you don’t have a pit already dug in your basement or crawlspace, you’ll have to install one, which can cost between $750 and $1,000.
Installation
Professional installers can charge between $100 to $200 or more, depending on where you live and the extent of the job.
Sump Pump
The pump itself can cost between $150 to $400 based on the model you pick. Combo pumps are the most expensive but you don’t have to worry about buying a battery backup model to go alongside the primary pump.
Overall, you can pay anywhere from $250 for a new pump in an existing pit to $1,600 for a high-end pump in a brand-new pit.
Free Moisture Inspection
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How to Identify a Water Problem
Flooding in your home and basement can lead to unwanted dampness and cause moisture related issues. In addition to damaging any furniture or belongings that are in the affected area, flooding can lead to numerous moisture control problems including: mold, a damaged foundation, termites, other pests and more.
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Our Moisture Inspection Process
If you face any issues with flooding in your home or crawlspace, make sure to call one of our specialists so we can evaluate how one of our many moisture control solutions can help you. We can determine if the water is entering from an outside leak or through the ground and we tailor our recommendation around your specific situation. Our specialists have serviced the greater Charlotte Carolina area for more than 80 years and know exactly what to look for. When we come to your house we analyze your property and make an appropriate recommendation to protect your family, home and belongings.
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Moisture Control Treatment: Sump Pumps
If a sump pump is right for you, the device can drastically reduce your risk of flooding and moisture control issues. Once installed, the sump pump helps you remove water from inside your home. The pump is located in a pit at the lowest point in your home or crawlspace to collect the water. From there, the sump pump will pump the water out and away from your home to help with any moisture issues.
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Sump Pump Maintenance
Sump pumps are relatively easy to maintain. Most sump pumps are built with a system in place to notify the owner or alarm company if it is not operating properly. Some issues to occasionally check for are:
• Is the pump situated upright?
• Do you have a functioning ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)?
• Do you need to remove any debris from the pipe or pit?
• Pour a bucket of water in the hole – does it drain?
Frequently Asked Questions: Sump Pumps
What type of sump pumps can be installed?
Sump pumps are typically the first line of defense for homeowners who have wet basements. Two types of models available are a pedestal pump and a submersible pump. Pedestal pumps will have the motor at the top and a pump at the bottom with a design intended to prevent the motor from getting wet. Submersible pumps can be submerged completely in water.
How to choose between a pedestal pump and submersible pump?
Both pumps have their pros and cons. With a pedestal pump, it will likely last longer since it is not submerged in water. Also, pump repairs are less involved since the basement flooring will not need to be torn up to access the motor. Submersible pumps are typically more powerful than pedestal pumps and will remove water more quickly. They are also typically quieter when operating and won’t get in the way of any furnishings or fixtures in the basement.
How do you choose a correct size sump pump?
Many factors must be taken into consideration to choose the best pump size, including the basement’s depth and current drainage conditions. Many homes find 1/3 horsepower pumps adequate to remove excess moisture.
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Read More »Charlotte Sump Pumps Technicians
As part of Carolina Pest Management’s professional moisture control services, we offer sump pump installation. A sump pump is a valuable tool to reduce flooding—especially in homes susceptible to water in the basement that cannot be entirely prevented. When you hire a sump pump technician from Carolina Pest Management, we will come to your property and make recommendations on how to best reduce your flood risk. If a sump pump is right for you, we will provide professional installation services that ensure your sump pump is properly placed and working effectively. Once your sump pump is functioning, you’ll drastically reduce your chances of pest infestations and mold growth due to flooding. Professional sump pumps are easy to maintain and will last for years to come.
