The snow is beginning to melt as spring arrives throughout Northeast Wisconsin. With this, you’ll see more standing water around your home.
Your sump pump will begin to run more regularly, helping to remove water from your home’s foundation. As your sump pump works, it will help to prevent your basement from flooding.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or trying to troubleshoot some sump pump issues this time of year, questions are bound to come up. Our team put together a few of the most common sump pump questions that our customers and Wisconsin homeowners ask to help you out.
What is a Sump Pump?
This seems basic, but it’s important to understand — especially for new homeowners. You may not think much about your sump pump system until the spring season.
A sump pump removes water from your basement to the outside of your home. A pit is typically carved below the surface of your basement floor and holds the pump. The pit is usually 30 inches deep and 18 to 20 inches across.
The pump has valves to determine the water level and pressure beneath your home. Once the water level gets too high, to the point of flooding your home’s basement, it pumps water from your basement to the outside using a discharge line.
From there, you determine a designated drainage area where the water goes.
Where Does Sump Pump Water Go?
The water from your pump goes to a designated drainage area, usually 10 to 20 feet away from your home.
Aim your discharge line toward a pond, creek, drain, or ditch to prevent the water from seeping back into the ground near your basement. Some cities around the Fox Cities have building codes that determine where your pump can drain. Check your city’s code or talk to our team to ensure you meet your city’s code.
Wisconsin has a collection of regulations to help you properly install your sump pump.
How Do I Know if My Sump Pump Needs to Be Replaced?
It’s important to check your sump pump regularly for any signs of potential issues. Here are a few key things to watch and listen for that may indicate it’s time for a sump pump replacement:
- Loud noises
- The pump is running for an extended period
- Cycling irregularly,
- Your pump is 10 years old or older
If you don’t take the necessary steps to contact a professional plumbing team to repair or replace it, your basement has a high chance of flooding.
As the snow melts during the spring and you see more standing water near your home, regularly check your sump pump to ensure it works properly.
Do I Need A Battery Backup Sump Pump?
It’s better to be safe than sorry. The last thing you want is for your sump pump to fail during a storm or power outage. A secondary battery backup system can protect your home and belongings in case of pump failure or power outage. We recommend them for most homes here in the Fox Cities.
Contact the Plumbing Service Team at Watters Plumbing Today!
If your sump pump checks any of the above boxes for replacement, contact the professionals at Watters Plumbing today! We can service your Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, Kaukauna, Kimberly, Little Chute, or Combined Locks home with an appointment or emergency service if needed.
Our team can also help you in the case of new home construction to determine the best option for your home – following Wisconsin’s rules and regulations. Contact us today!
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