Who Needs a Sump Pump Alarm?

A price tag can never be put on one's peace of mind or the safety of your household. Investing in a sump pump alarm for your home can alleviate many concerns, and should not cost you an arm and a leg.

A heavy rainstorm can not only raise water levels quickly, but can also cause a power failure. When a circuit breaker jumps or a general loss of power occurs, the basement is at risk of flooding, which can cause many potential problems including mold, mildew and damage to your furniture and belongings.

The alarm is triggered when the sump pump stops working, or when water reaches a certain level in your basement. It functions much like a smoke alarm - loud and startling. Its purpose is to warn you of an impending flood. You have the option of having the alarm monitored by a security company that will contact you when the alarm is activated, or a reference person if you are not at home.

Advantages

Aside from the possibility of a power failure, a sump pump can malfunction for various other reasons. At times, debris or mud can clog the nozzles or get caught in the motor. And, normal wear and tear can cause the pump to break down.

The advantage of a sump pump alarm is that you will be warned before flooding of your basement occurs. Another advantage is that many insurance companies are willing to pay for the installation of alarms in order to avoid having to mete out significant sums of money for property damage.

A sump pump alarm is especially beneficial to buildings located near rivers, or low-land areas where water often accumulates, making houses more susceptible to flooding.

Tips on Sump Pump Maintenance

Maintenance of the sump pump and alarm is important in keeping it functioning properly. Here are a few tips:

Check the pump on a regular basis and clean out any debris that can at times cause the equipment to malfunction
Check the batteries on the alarm regularly and change them when they appear low in order to ensure their usefulness
For additional security, many homeowners install a backup battery system, which also requires a routine check up.

Installation

it is important to read them attentively, follow the directions, and test the alarm once it is installed. Many alarms are designed to be attached to the basin while others are to be placed in close proximity to the sump pump.

Set the alarm float sensor just above the sensor level so that you will be alerted when a problem arises, such as the motor failing to activate or the pump being unable to keep up with the heavy influx of water. In general, the alarm runs on a battery backup so that if there is a power outage, it will continue to function properly.

The obvious purpose of the alarm is to prevent the occurrence of a water disaster in your basement. Damage to your valued furnishings, and health issues caused by mold growth and mildew resulting from an excess of humidity after flooding, can be potentially avoided with the installation of a sump pump alarm in your home. You can purchase one at the local hardware store or online. Protect your property and keep your family safe.

Herb Mansfield is a master plumber in the province of Quebec, Canada. He has over 35 years experience in the plumbing field. He is now lending his expertise to the Sump Pump Info.

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