When you hear the words basement and sump pump, Long Beach Island might be one of the last places you would expect to hear those words. Surprisingly, there are homes on the island that have basements. While they may be few and far between, with the constant flooding and heavy storms, basement moisture is an issue LBI homeowners are always going to face.
For these unique properties, it may be time to consider installing a sump pump. A sump pump is installed in the basement, either beneath the floor, known as a submersible pump, or above the floor. It’s function is to pump out water that collects in the sump basin to the outdoors.
So, you may ask, how exactly do I go about choosing a sump pump that is right for my coastal home? Well, here are a few tips, and things to consider, when finding a pump:
- With different pump types on the market, you have to assess the amount of space available in your basement. You also have to consider how the type of pump you choose will affect your home and living situation; some are louder than others, easier to maintain and clean, and some can help reduce the amount of moisture in your home.
- There are pumps that have cast iron cores and there are pumps that have plastic cores; these varieties dictate how effective the pump is in removing the water and the length of time the pump will function at peak performance.
- To minimize the chance of clogs, you should look for a pump that has a no-screen intake design coupled with an impeller that can handle solids up to ½-inch in diameter.
- When choosing between a mechanical and pressure switch, it may be best to choose mechanical. It is also important that the float be solid so it can’t become waterlogged, fail to switch off, and burn out.
- Finally, based on the severity of your water issue, it could be good to invest in a sump pump that has an alarm to alert you when the water reaches a certain level.
While there can be a lot of stress, and things to consider when it comes to finding the right sump pump for your home, our professionals can help advise what unit will work best for your home. Give us a call at Air Technical for all your LBI basement needs!
