How to Select the Best Basement Sump Pump

A basement sump pump will help prevent the common problem of basement flooding. Choosing the right system for your home will save you money in potentially costly repairs later on. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Power Ability

The amount of power you need for your sump pump will be determined by the flood threat, not necessarily the size of the home or basement. The best pump will discharge approximately one gallon per second while maintaining adequate pumping capacity based on the height of the basement. In plain English, measure the size of your basement from floor to ceiling. The sump pump will need to be able to discharge enough water to fill the basement. While the odds of a basement flooding to the ceiling are minuscule, you want to be sure the sump pump can handle a large capacity. 

Case Housing

Sump pumps are available in a variety of housings. Many people will opt for a thin sheet metal type housing. While this will help out over a short period of time, the thin housings are not meant to be permanent solutions. A cast iron housing will be more expensive, but will last a lifetime. Plastic housings should only be used in areas with very low flood risks, or as a temporary solution.

A sump pump can protect your home from flooding. Even if you live in a relatively dry area, it can be an investment worth considering.