Are you having doubts about your sump pump? Worried about the threat of water entering your basement? In these situations, homeowners often assume that upgrading to a higher-capacity pump will solve the problem. Below, this sump pump replacement company in Naperville, Illinois is going to explain whether that’s truly the case.
At what point does the pump need more power?
A sump pump has a very simple job. It turns on when water rises inside the pit in your basement. It then pushes the water up and out of your home through the discharge pipe. The effectiveness with which a pump removes water depends on factors like the pump’s size and the speed at which water enters the pit. It also depends on the distance the pump must move that water before it reaches the outside of your house.
Upgrading to a more powerful pump can be a good option for many homes. For example, if your basement practically “floods” during storms or snowmelt, your pump should have enough power to keep up with the flow. A higher-capacity pump can move more water per minute. So, it can empty the pit faster and control the water level from rising too high.
An upgraded pump is also practical if your discharge line is long or if the pump must lift the water many feet before it can exit your home. Because the pump must push the water upward first, a higher-capacity pump can more reliably keep your basement dry.
If you want a clear answer about whether you need a higher-capacity pump, it’s best to talk to your local sump pump replacement company in Naperville, Illinois.
When does more power not fix the problem?
More power is not always the solution. In fact, it can even be problematic in some cases. For example, an oversized pump could empty the pit so quickly that it turns on and off rapidly. This constant cycling can increase wear on the motor and even shorten the pump’s service life.
There can also be limitations within the discharge system itself that a higher-capacity pump can’t do anything about. For example, if the discharge pipe is too narrow or partly clogged, the water can only move as fast as the pipe allows it to. Repairing the discharge line can be a better solution than increasing the pump’s horsepower in these situations.
So, should you upgrade?
You should consider a higher-capacity pump if your pump runs continuously or falls behind during heavy rain. You may also need an upgraded pump if your basement is unusually deep below ground level because the pump requires more power to push the water up and out. But if your pump runs only occasionally and still empties the pit easily, you probably don’t need an upgraded pump.
Many homeowners assume that the pump itself is the problem. But there are many other factors that are just as important, like the size of the pit, the layout of the discharge line, the type of soil around your home, the depth of your basement and even the slope of your property. A professional sump pump replacement company in Naperville, Illinois can inspect all these factors and help you understand what your home needs.
Looking for a sump pump replacement company in Naperville, Illinois?
Do you want to upgrade to a higher-capacity sump pump? If so, and if you are ready to work with the most trusted sump pump replacement company in Naperville, Illinois, ULB-DRY Waterproofing is just a call away. We can inspect your current setup and explain which pump will be best for your home. Contact us today to get started.