Are Your Sump Pumps Strong Enough to Handle the Next Rainstorm in NJ?

Are Your Sump Pumps Strong Enough to Handle the Next Rainstorm in NJ?

When the weather forecast says a heavy rain is on its way, many homeowners start worrying about their sump pumps. Your sump pump is like the kids' story, 'The Little Engine That Could.' But instead of a cutesy little train engine going over a hill, you're hoping and praying that your sump pump can get the water out of your basement before it turns into a stinky, mildew-filled cesspool.

There's something better you can do than just hoping. You can check your sump pump, which is your first line of defense against a slimy ocean forming in your basement, and make sure it's strong enough to handle the storm.

How a Sump Pump Works

When water starts filling your basement, your pump should kick in. Located at the lowest point in the basement, water will naturally pool into the pump. It will then draw the water out of the basement and pump it to a drainage system that leads it away from the house. If your sump pump is strong enough, it will pump faster than the water fills your basement.

Sump Pump Horsepower

Like the motor in your car, a sump pump's power is measured in horsepower. Higher horsepower means it can move water out more quickly. High horsepower means you can pump water faster, but it also costs you more in electricity. It's important to choose the right amount of horsepower and not necessarily the highest.

If you live in the land of heavy rainfall we call New Jersey, you may want to invest in a higher quality pump.

Sump Pump Capacity

The cheap plastic ones don't work as well as the cast iron ones. Again, if you live in the land of heavy rainfall we call New Jersey, you may want to invest in a higher quality pump.

How Old Is Your Sump Pump?

A sump pump motor can last anywhere from five to ten years. This means that after five years, you could potentially have problems with it. If it's more than ten years old, you should hire a waterproofing contractor to look at it and give it a careful inspection. If it's old, you might consider getting an upgrade.

No one wants to have to swim through their basement. In New Jersey, having an adequate sump pump is essential. Make sure yours has the right capacity and power to pump that dirty water out of your house.