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 Sump pumps are most often the final mechanism to remove water from your basement. If the pump stops, the water you collect to get out of your basement doesn't go anywhere - and you have a flood on your hands. This is why you should choose the most reliable sump pump.
There are plenty of horror stories out there about people getting flooded because their sump pump wasn't working when they needed it, but in fact today's sump equipment is better and more reliable than ever. That is, of course, assuming you pick the right equipment. The wrong equipment will have you being the one telling stories of disaster about your basement flooding.
Pumps are only part of a sump system
There are other factors in how well your sump pump can protect you.
The Sump Liner
A hole in the floor with no liner will quickly have your sump clogged with dirt, so you'll want a sump liner. You don't want your pump in a bucket that doesn't hold much besides the pump or it will short cycle, or go on and off quickly. A sturdy liner that is of good enough size is the answer.
 Lifetime Warranty?
Sump pump manufacturers do not give lifetime warranties on their pumps. A lifetime warranty won't make your pump any better than it already is. Sump pumps work hard and don't last forever - which is why we recommend annual service - but think to yourself, when are you going to know that you need to call on the warranty? That's right, after your basement is already flooded.
Air-Tight Sump Lid with a Floor Drain
If your sump is open to the air, the water that sits below the pump will evaporate and introduce moisture into your basement, not to mention the possibility of debris falling in and damaging your pump. An air tight sump lid holds in the moisture, makes the system quieter and, depending on the cover, can make the installation look good too.
If you have a plumbing leak, however, you need to be able to use your sump hole to drain the water. Obviously a sump lid with a one-way, air-tight drain is the answer.
 A Stand for the Pump and a Check Valve
Your pump shouldn't just sit in the bottom of the liner, otherwise any dirt or gravel that does get washed in will definitely be sucked through. A CleanPump stand lifts the pump off the floor of the sump liner to help avoid clogs and extra wear and tear on your equipment. The stand also keeps the check valve and discharge pipe clear.
 Pump Alarms
What happens if your pump fails in the middle of the night when you need it? Unless you have an alarm, the answer is that you wake up to a flooded basement. A battery-powered alarm to warn you if water reaches a level above the point where the pump should turn on is vital.
What if my pump fails? What if the power goes out?
You should plan on:
•Losing power when you need your sump pump - something that often happens when there's a big rainstorm
•An accidentally unplugged pump
•A tripped breaker
•A broken pump
•So much water that your primary pump can't keep up
Don't add another story of woe to the long list of unprepared sump pump owners - all it takes is the right equipment properly installed.
Contact us today for your !
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