Well and Sump Pump Considerations

• Quality - Invest in a sump pump or well pump made from quality materials. Unlike some other household items, higher-priced pumps generally tend to be more reliable.
  
  
• Installation and service - Professional installation and service of sump pumps is recommended. However, you can periodically check that your pump is operational by pouring water directly into the pump to see if it activates. Many well pumps offer do-it-yourself installation, but professional installation may be required in special cases, or might simply be easier and more cost-effective.
  
  
• Backup pumps - A backup sump pump, powered by batteries or water pressure, can be installed for extra precaution, especially in flood-prone areas.
  
  
• Water delivery - A well pump should have the capacity to pump a gallon of water per minute for every plumbing fixture in your home. Be sure to get a pump with the right capacity for your needs.
  
  
• Power - Avoid buying a well pump that’s overly powerful – it will cycle on and off more often, leading to stress on mechanical elements.
  
  

Whether it’s coming in our going out, you want to keep your home’s water moving. When gravity alone is insufficient for creating water flow, a pump can be introduced into the equation.

A sump pump will keep your basement or crawl space free of standing water that can lead to health risks for your family and structural damage to your home. Just a few inches of floodwater can lead to thousands of dollars in repair and replacement. Think of a sump pump as an extra layer of flood insurance – it may be one of the most important investments you can make in your home.

Well pumps bring potable ground water directly to your home. The right type of pump for your well will depend primarily on how deep into the ground you must go to reach your water. For high water tables with shallow wells, a jet pump should sufficiently deliver the water to your faucets and fixtures. Submersible pumps are a reliable alternative for deeper wells.