Dehumidifier Working Overtime? – Sobieski Services | DE, NJ, PA, MD

Dehumidifier Working Overtime?

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If your basement is damp, you may be trying to find ways to control the excess moisture. While running a dehumidifier may seem like a solution, it’s only a temporary fix.

With all remaining traces of snow swiftly melting and the rainy weather starting, it’s no surprise that your basement feels uncomfortable. The surest way to prevent the buildup of moisture and avoid the potential for flooding is with a sump pump.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

A sump pump is a device that’s installed in a pit at the lowest point of your home’s basement. It pumps all excess groundwater out through a pipe or hose and away from your home.

Protect your home from the extensive damage that flooding can cause by having a sump pump installed. It will provide you with peace of mind during the rainy season.

Choosing the Right Sump Pump

Just like with everything, there are seemingly endless options when it comes to sump pumps. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as buying and installing the first one you see. So how do you know which one to choose for your home?

Keep these five considerations in mind when selecting a sump pump for your home:

1. Horsepower

If your basement is prone to flooding, you should select a sump pump with higher horsepower. However, if your basement has only ever seen a slight amount of standing water, too much horsepower can waste energy, so it’s best to choose something slightly less powerful.

2. Head Pressure

Head pressure is how high your sump pump can push water up the pipe before it stops flowing. Since it needs to be able to push water out of your basement and away from your home, where it can drain safely, the head pressure needs to be strong. Consider the height of your basement and be sure to get a sump pump with enough head pressure to get water out effectively.

3. Manual vs. Automatic

An automatic sump pump senses when there’s a build-up of water and starts pumping when it reaches a certain level. While a manual sump pump must be turned on by hand. Although having an automatic sump pump costs slightly more, it offers reassurance that your basement won’t ever flood when you’re not home.

4. Power Cord

Since sump pumps should never be plugged into an extension cord, you’ll need to select one that has a power cord long enough to reach the nearest ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet in your basement.

5. Backup or Alarm System

In case something goes wrong with the sump pump, it’s always a good idea to have an alarm or a backup sump pump.

Maintaining Your Sump Pump

Having a sump pump installed is not enough. It must also be maintained regularly to ensure that your DE, MD, PA or NJ home is protected from excess water and flooding. You can test your sump pump to ensure effective operation, but make sure you also call in a professional seasonally.

Maintenance and inspection of your sump pump will include these measures:

  • Ensuring the sump pump is receiving power and that all electrical connections are safe
  • Clearing any debris or dirt from the pit and area around the sump pump
  • Filling the pit to the level needed to activate the pump and testing performance
  • If the pump has a float switch, testing it by lifting the switch and assessing efficiency
  • Cycling clean water through the sump pump to clean away any internal debris

Stay Dry & Protect Your Home with Help from Sobieski

Keep your basement free of excess moisture, standing water and flooding with a sump pump. The team at Sobieski can help protect your home, your family and your possessions by installing a sump pump and a backup, so you’re always covered.

Don’t rely on a humidifier to try and keep your basement dry. Contact us to schedule a sump pump consultation for your home today.

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