Sump Pump
Who Needs a Sump Pump Alarm?
A price tag can never be put on one’s peace of mind or the safety of your household. Investing in a sump pump alarm for your home can alleviate many concerns, and should not cost you an arm and a leg.
A heavy rainstorm can not only raise water levels quickly, but can also cause a power failure. When a circuit breaker jumps or a general loss of power occurs, the basement is at risk of flooding, which can cause many potential problems including mold, mildew and damage to your furniture and belongings. A sump pump alarm is a wise investment.
What is a Sump Pump
Alarm?
A
sump pump alarm is a device that is triggered when the sump pump stops
working, or when water reaches a certain level in your basement. It functions
much like a smoke alarm – loud and startling. Its purpose is to
warn you of an impending flood. You have the option of having the sump
pump alarm monitored by a security company that will contact you when
the alarm is activated, or a reference person if you are not at home.
The Advantages of a
Sump Pump Alarm
Aside from the possibility of a power failure, a sump pump can
malfunction for various other reasons. At times, debris or mud can clog
the nozzles or get caught in the motor. And, normal wear and tear can
cause the sump pump to break down.
The advantage of a sump pump alarm is that you will be warned before flooding of your basement occurs. Another advantage is that many insurance companies are willing to pay for the installation of sump pump alarms in order to avoid having to mete out significant sums of money for property damage.
A sump pump alarm is especially beneficial to buildings located near rivers, or low-land areas where water often accumulates, making houses more susceptible to flooding.
Tips on Sump Pump Maintenance
Maintenance of the sump pump and alarm is important in keeping
it functioning properly. Here are a few tips:
- Check the sump pump on a regular basis and clean out any debris that can at times cause the equipment to malfunction
- Check the batteries on the sump pump alarm regularly and change them when they appear low in order to ensure their usefulness
For additional security, many homeowners install a backup battery system, which also requires a routine check up. See here for more important information about sump pump maintenance.
Proper Installation
of a Sump Pump Alarm
A sump pump alarm typically comes with complete instructions - it is important
to read them attentively, follow the directions, and test the alarm once
it is installed. Many alarms are designed to be attached to the sump pump
basin while others are to be placed in close proximity to the sump pump.
Set the alarm float sensor just above the sump pump sensor level so that you will be alerted when a problem arises, such as the motor failing to activate or the pump being unable to keep up with the heavy influx of water. In general, the alarm runs on a battery backup so that if there is a power outage, it will continue to function properly.
The obvious purpose of a sump pump alarm is to prevent the occurrence of a water disaster in your basement. Damage to your valued furnishings, and health issues caused by mold growth and mildew resulting from an excess of humidity after flooding, can be potentially avoided with the installation of a sump pump alarm in your home. You can purchase one at the local hardware store or online. Protect your property and keep your family safe.
This article was written
by Herb Mansfield:
Herb Mansfield is a master plumber in the province of Quebec, Canada.
He has over 35 years experience in the plumbing field. He is now lending
his expertise to the Sump
Pump Info website.
