If your sump pump seems to be failing or not working correctly, you want to make sure you have a qualified and experienced plumber who can work on it. Sump pumps can fail at any time and these devices are what keep your St Louis area homes free of water and dry. The worst thing that can happen is your sump pump system failing when you need it most. Our St Louis plumbers can test the sump pumps for proper functionality or perform maintenance to ensure that when you need your sump pump, that it is going to work and work correctly. To schedule a sump pump service call 314-664-3011 or request service through our online form.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a specific kind of pump and pumping system used to remove water that has collected in a basement, low-level area of a property, or anywhere that flooding or accumulation of water happens. The electrical pumps can be used below the waterline (submersible sump pump) to collect and pump the undesired water out of the damp or flooded location.
Sump Pump Repair St Louis
Sump pumps can fail at any point and when they fail it can happen for many reasons. A failure can be caused by a float switch break or if the float switch sticks, if the water exceeds the sump pumps ability to remove the water, the intake screen in the sump can become clogged, or the sump pump develops airlocks. These types of failures can be prevented through our Home Protection Plan To learn more about the inspection included in our membership or to schedule a pump sump routine service, call us at 314-664-3011.
Sump Pump Installation St Louis
When it comes to installing a sump pump or replacing an old sump pump, you want to make sure that the plumber who installs it is licensed and certified to work on sump pumps. If a sump pump is wired incorrectly, it will never work right when you need it. It is important to have your plumbing systems in proper working order, especially in the St Louis Springs when the rain is prevalent. Call Hoffmann Brothers at 314-664-3011 for all your plumbing system and sump pump needs.
What To Know About Sump Pumps
- When to make a sump pump replacement: Sump pumps have an operating lifespan of 10 years. If your sump pump fails to work during rising water levels, it can incur serious and expensive damage. Avoid this by calling a plumber to inspect your sump pump to see if a replacement is necessary.
Types of Sump Pumps
- Submersible pumps – A submersible pump lives in a hole and has a waterproof encasement to protect the motor. However, because these are submersed, these types of pumps may call for regular replacement.
- Pedestal pumps – A pedestal pump’s motor is several feet above the water pit. These pumps supposedly have a longer shelf like than submersible pumps because they stay drier.
- Water-powered pumps – These pumps operate without battery power. However, they don’t have the same water removal power as submersible or pedestal pumps do. Water-powered pumps can only remove 1,500 gallons or less an hour, which makes them costlier than a pedestal or submersible pumps.
What to do during a power outage
During a power outage, a rechargeable battery will maintain your sump pump’s performance. Most manufacturers make sump pumps with a pre-packaged, built-in battery backup system. Another good Plan B for blackouts is to have a back up sump pump.
How to Recover From a Flood in Your Home
- After a flood turn off the electricity, and be sure to steer clear of the air conditioning system, television and other electronics that are plugged in. Wet fixtures still have the electrical capacity to shock even if they are powered off and unplugged.
- If the water heater, furnace, air conditioner or other heating appliances were immersed during the flood, contact a local HVAC contractor to disassemble all the parts for proper cleaning and sanitation.
- Remember that floodwaters are comprised of wastewater, chemicals, sewage and debris from industrial, commercial and residential buildings. Discard any items that were affected by mud, mold or mildew during the flood.
- While there’s no foolproof method for avoiding a flood, a properly working sump pump reduces the chances of floodwater damage. A pool of standing water near the curb or outside faucet line is often an indication of a sump pump complication.
Make sure your sump pump gets the care it needs to manage a downpour. Contact Hoffmann Brothers to have them check out your sump pump this Spring to ensure proper performance. Call us at (314) 664-3011 or request service here.
Sump Pump Power Gauges
Sump pump water removal is measured in horsepower and gallons. A typical ½ horsepower sump pump removes 3,000 gallons/hour. A standard household sump pump removes water at a rate of 1,800 to 2,200 gallons/hour. Residential properties in or near extreme flood zones fare best with high horsepower sump pumps. Look for sump pumps that can remove 3,000 or 5,000 gallons/hour.
Schedule our experts for sump pumps, back flow device testing and other plumbing house calls online or call us at 314-664-3011.