Plumbing
Sump pump services in Jacksonville, FL

Basement flooding is common in Jacksonville, FL, which receives around 52 inches of rain annually. The rainy season from June to November is when the most floods occur, thanks to the heavy rains and flooding from creeks and tributaries. A burst pipe could also send water flooding into your basement, leading to structural damage and sky-high repair costs. A sump pump from Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help protect your basement from high waters from flooding and burst pipes.

Let’s take a look at how a sump pump works and how to choose the best one for your home.

What Does a Sump Pump Do?

A sump pump removes standing water from the inside of your basement to the outside of your home. The sump is a pit created below the floor’s surface in your basement. You might hear this pit referred to as a basin, but it’s the same as the sump. The pit then has a pump inserted that can tell if the water level in the basement is rising. When the water reaches a certain level, the pump uses a discharge line to drain water from the basement. The discharge line is what connects the sump pump to the drainage area somewhere outside of your home.

Sump Pump Discharge Area

The sump pump needs a designated area to discharge the water. In Florida, the water discharge should go to your lawn, a storm drain, or a garden area. It’s against Florida city codes to direct discharge water to a neighboring property or public property, such as a sidewalk, roadway, or park.

Avoid choosing an area that’s too close to your home’s foundation. If the area is too near the foundation, you risk the water re-entering your home. For the best results, aim for a drainage area at least 10 feet from the foundation. You might have to lengthen the drainage pipe or get more power to help the sump pump drain in the proper location.

Do You Need a Sump Pump?

If your home is in a location that often floods, then Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing recommends having a sump pump. Flooding in Jacksonville is always a possibility, so having a pump is possibly a good idea. You also might consider a pump if your basement sits below the water table. The water table is like a pool of water underground that comes from rainwater that soaks into the ground.

The water table is so high in Florida because there’s a lot of flat land and rain. If you dig in your yard, it probably wouldn’t take long for you to find water. Any basement in Florida is likely below the water table, as the water table in Florida is usually just below the surface.

Water from burst pipes can also do damage in your basement. Moisture from any source of water puts your basement at risk of developing mold, which is a health risk. Mold can cause issues such as allergic reactions, asthma problems, and more. A sump pump makes it possible to move that water outside before it accumulates in your basement.

Lifespan of a Sump Pump

A typical sump pump will provide around 7 to 10 years of performance. But a sump pump that gets excessive use without routine maintenance might not last as long. For the best performance, a licensed plumber should handle the installation process. If your sump pump is not installed properly or if necessary steps are overlooked, the pump could fail to work correctly when you need it, which could result in flooding and water damage.

Sump Pump Options for Your Home

Your sump pump needs enough power to adequately drain your basement and keep your property safe and dry. A pump that’s not powerful enough won’t drain well, and your basement could still flood. A pump that’s too powerful can short cycle, which means it will turn on and off more than necessary. Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help determine how much power is sufficient for your situation.

You should also consider the material of your sump pump. A plastic sump pump is durable, resistant to rust, and one of the less expensive options. A sump pump made of metals like cast iron or stainless steel is durable as well and might last longer than one made of plastic. A pump with a cast iron core handles heat better and helps dissipate heat that comes from the pump’s motor. You can also choose a pump that has an alarm that warns you of pump failure or excessive water volume.

Choosing Your Sump Pump Type

The most common types of sump pumps found in homes are submersible and pedestal. Let’s take a look at these options.

Pedestal

A pedestal sump pump has a separate motor and pump. The motor is on a pedestal above the sump pit, but a hose connects everything. The pump uses the hose to empty the water from your basement. A pedestal pump generally has a long lifespan because the motor sits above the pit and is never submerged in the water. The elevated motor is also easier to clean when it’s time for maintenance. The potential downside is that a pedestal sump pump is often loud and requires more space than some other models.

Submersible

A submersible sump pump has a motor and pump together in one unit. Both parts are submerged inside the basement pit. Since both parts are down inside the pit, they are exposed to water. This exposure can affect how long the sump pump lasts. But a submersible pump is a popular choice because it’s quiet, requires less space, and is less likely to clog. Because it has a reputation for being durable and efficient, the submersible pump is the most common type of sump pump in Florida.

Power Outage Concerns

Your sump pump needs electricity to work, but your power can go out during a storm. You can get a sump pump with a battery-operated backup or a water-powered backup for when there’s a power outage.

A battery backup works with a float switch when the power goes out. When the water reaches a certain level, the float switch activates the battery backup function. Jacksonville residents can also choose a water-powered backup. This type of pump uses increased water pressure to empty the pit. No batteries are required.

Professional Installation

There are several steps involved in installing a sump pump. The time it takes depends on if you’re getting a new installation or a replacement. A replacement can usually take up to 2 hours, but a new installation can take up to 8 hours. For the best service, you can contact the Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing team.

Contact Us Today

Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing is ready to help with your sump pump needs in Jacksonville. Our family-owned business is dedicated to providing excellent plumbing services for our customers. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive professional plumbing services, including drain services, pipe repair, and more.

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