Before you invest in a new sump pump, you might want to know why so many homes in the Schaumburg area have two of them. It can seem like a bit much at first. But once you learn how water truly behaves around your home’s foundation and what can go wrong during a heavy storm, the logic will click.
Below, this sump pump replacement company in Schaumburg, Illinois is going to explain how sump pump systems actually protect a home, and why a backup pump is sometimes necessary.
What does your primary sump pump do?
When rain soaks into the soil around your house, that water slowly moves toward the lowest point it can find. That is why sump pits are installed where they are.
As that water collects inside the pit and rises to a set level, the main sump pump in your basement automatically turns on. It pushes that water out through a discharge line and sends it a safe distance away from your foundation. Doing that relieves pressure on the basement walls and floor, so water is not forced inside.
A properly sized primary pump can move a large volume of water in a short time, sometimes hundreds or even thousands of gallons per hour. On a normal rainy day, that is usually more than enough to keep the basement dry.
The catch is that the primary pump runs on electricity. On a calm day, that is no big deal, but storms are rarely calm. The same storms that bring heavy rain can also bring power outages.
When the power goes out, the primary pump stops immediately. And if water is still flowing toward the pit, it has nowhere to go once that pump goes silent.
Why install a backup sump pump?
To keep water moving during power outages, many homeowners work with a sump pump replacement company in Schaumburg, Illinois to install a backup system. These backup pumps usually run on a battery, so they can keep working even when the power is out and the primary pump is down.
Backup sump pumps are not supposed to replace your main pump on a normal day. Your primary pump still handles everyday water issues like it always has. And if the power cuts out or the main pump can’t keep up, the backup turns on.
So, does your home need two sump pumps?
Some houses get by just fine with a single pump. If the yard drains well and storms in your area are usually mild, a single pump could be all you need. In some neighborhoods, power outages are also rare enough that backup plans are never really something homeowners consider.
But in other situations, heavy rain can quickly push a large volume of water toward the foundation. If the power drops even briefly, that single pump stops working. A finished basement makes the risk feel even bigger because basement flood cleanup can get very expensive.
It’s always best to consult with a professional sump pump replacement company in Schaumburg, Illinois. They can inspect your current setup and your risks and give you an honest answer.
Looking for a sump pump replacement company in Schaumburg, Illinois?
Are you planning a sump replacement? Wondering whether a backup pump would be suitable for your home? If so, and if you’re ready to consult with a professional sump pump replacement company in Schaumburg, Illinois, ULB-DRY Waterproofing is just a call away. Our team can help you choose a setup that best protects your basement. Contact us today to get started.