Sump Pump FAQs in MD

The perfect sump pump for your basement would be one that is able to handle any volume of water it gets, at any time of the year, while also being reliable and durable. The experts at Maryland Mold and Waterproofing will visit your basement and point out a pump that adequately fits your needs.

Sump pumps come in different power and volume capacities. Some pumps are also more reliable and durable than others, with better activation mechanisms and measures against overheating. If you are unsure about which pump to purchase, let the experts at Maryland Mold and Waterproofing help you make a good choice.

Sump pumps need electrical power to run. On the occasion of a power cut, having a battery backup would provide a much-needed alternative source of power. During a storm, this could save your basement from flooding, preventing damage and repair costs.

If you have a whole house generator for power cut emergencies, then a battery backup sump pump would be redundant. Otherwise, it is a very good idea to have one. This would mean one less thing to worry about during a storm-caused power outage.

Maryland Mold and Waterproofing provides single and dual battery backup systems to cover your basement protection during power cuts. Our batteries kick in automatically and self-recharge once power gets restored.

Some reasons why your current sump pump may not be handling its job may include:

• The sump pump is not powerful enough to handle the volume of water it’s getting.
• The sump liner or basin is too small to contain all the water, so the basin overflows.
• The drainage system is clogged or collapsed.
• The sump pump was not installed in the lowest point of the basement
• The drainage systems were not installed with the correct pitch to divert all the water to the sump pump liner.

Sump pumps have a switch that activates when a floating piece is lifted by a level of water. If this switch is broken or misplaced, the pump might be kept running unnecessarily.

If nothing is out of order, then your pump is just getting a larger volume of water than usual. This may happen due to an increase in rainfall, but could also be caused by nearby construction sites or changes in the surrounding city sewers.

Sump pumps heat up when they run for extended periods of time, and that is normal and expected. However, old or subpar pumps may overheat and break, even while being submerged in cool water.

Modern pumps, as the ones provided by Maryland Mold and Waterproofing, have a much higher resistance to overheating, due to being more energy-efficient and made of higher-grade materials.

Check if the pump was not accidentally unplugged or if the circuit breaker was not tripped. Check if the float switch is unobstructed to move as water levels rise and lower in the basin.

If none of this solves the problem, call Maryland Mold and Waterproofing.

If there is no water but the pump is still running, chances are the float switch is stuck on the “ON” position. Call Maryland Mold and Waterproofing for assistance.

Sometimes, debris and even small animals find their way into sump pump liners without lids. Standing water in the liner could be ridden with foul-smelling bacteria. The groundwater entering your basement could be getting mixed with sewer waste from surrounding areas.

The smell coming from your pump and liner isn’t necessarily harmful. Still, it is unpleasant enough to warrant a visit by Maryland Mold and Waterproofing. We will come over and make sure the air coming from your basement is fresh and clean.