Many people don't really think they need a sump pump in their basement. But for some people, not installing one in time can cause major property damage and insurance bills. Sump pumps evacuate flood or rainwater from the basement floor and dump it into the local storm drain or dry well.
Installing a sump pump is very important for homes where basement drainage systems are not adequate and flooding is frequent, but how exactly do you install one? What equipment do you need? Do you need any documentation or license? What are the specific rules for residents of Chicago, Illinois?
Difference Between Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps:
A big point to note here is that an ejector pump drains utility wastewater from the bathroom to the city line, while a sump pump drains water from the ground floor. If your toilet or sink accumulates a lot of sewage, an ejector pump can take care of it. But if the entire basement room is flooded, a sump pump will need to be installed to drain the water.
Why should I install a sump pump?
Failure to install a sump pump in time can result in:
- Excessive flooding of the basement.
- Accumulation of wastewater, which can cause strong odors, lack of hygiene and pests.
- The basement floor erodes gradually over time or immediately due to lack of proper construction.
- Damage to the foundation, due to the expansion of the soil around the foundation.
- Insurance bills to reverse any flood damage.
Install a sump pump using professional services.
What do I need to install a sump pump?
To properly install a sump pump in your basement, the system requirements are:
- Sump Pump:
This is the main component of a decent drainage setup. A decent bilge pump will cost around $200 to $1,000. The sump pump should be gradually lowered into the sump and should be given adequate protection against water damage and rats.
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI):
Since the sump pump is an electronic accessory, it requires an electrical outlet for connection. A GFCI outlet offers better protection against short circuits and electrocution. Connecting the pump to any normal outlet is not very smart as the flooded water may run the risk of power outage and short circuit.
- Deposit basin:
The reservoir basin usually looks like a regular bucket. The basin may accumulate water inside before activating the pump. The pump is usually placed inside the basin and the basin itself is surrounded by concrete or gravel to aid in elevation.
- Retention valve:
The purpose of a check valve is to prevent water from returning to the basin, ensuring unidirectional flow. This is an optional choice, but we suggest purchasing one if you can afford it as it will help a lot.
- Escape pipe:
The discharge pipe removes water from the basin and sends it gushing upward into the sewer line or storm drain. We recommend using 1 and a half inch PVC pipe for this. It is best to ask your plumber about the type that suits your plumbing.
Obtain a plumbing license:
Whether you live in Chicago or any other state, most large plumbing projects require city council approval. A permit is basically written permission to perform difficult and dangerous tasks that would otherwise damage the entire drainage system. The easiest way to obtain a permit is to contact the home builder and ask, or visit City Hall yourself. The official website of the Chicago Department of Plumbing has some online permit applications, but sometimes these online applications can be overlooked.
To obtain a permit, you usually need to provide your full contact details, your contractor's contact details (assuming you are not taking on the project yourself), and the specifications of the equipment you wish to install.
5 Causes of Sump Pump Failure and What to Do:
In cases where the sump pump is not working, use the following to fully evaluate and correct the problem:
- Lack of energy:
Having an electric sump pump is completely useless since most storms and floods are accompanied by power surges. In the event of a power outage, connect the pump to a backup generator or UPS and get it running again. Consider installing a generator or UPS in advance, or purchasing a backup sump pump if you can afford it.
- Wrong configuration:
There are many things that can go wrong during configuration and installation. This is why we recommend hiring a contractor. If the setup was done by a contractor, call them and request a repair.
- Switch or float disconnected:
Sometimes, due to improper configuration or physical trauma, the switch or float may become disconnected from each other. In these cases, it will be necessary to manually reposition all elements. It is best to do this when the pump is off and when the flood water is not dangerous.
- Manufacturing failure:
Sometimes the product is just defective. There's no way to fix a defective product, but you can call the manufacturer and ask for a replacement or refund. At most, the warranty will last 30 days, so you'll have little to no luck with that. Get a refund or buy a new pump and test it before checking out.
- Burst tubes:
The problem may not be with the pump itself, but with the discharge pipes. A common problem is that pipes become clogged or burst. If they are clogged, call a plumber to thoroughly clean the pipes. If they burst, fill the cracks with sealant or replace the tubes.
Conclusion:
If your basement is constantly flooded by rain or burst pipes, we recommend installing one if it isn't already there. Sump pumps can be done by yourself, but it would be better to hire a professional Chicago contractor as there are fewer chances of making mistakes. But if you're on a budget, doing it yourself might be better.
