| Many homeowners depend on sump pumps to | | | | available, starting at $250. The battery is hooked |
| take water out of their basements. However, a | | | | up to your home’s electrical system - always |
| frozen sump pump can cause significant worry. | | | | charged and ready to go. The pump takes over |
| During cold weather months, a concern for many | | | | during times of power failures. Systems in a |
| is the possible freezing of water in the sump | | | | higher price range are said to be more effective |
| pump discharge line or around the foundation, | | | | as they determine the length of time the pump |
| resulting in potential damage not only to the sump | | | | will remain active after power loss. |
| pump, but also to the house. | | | | Tips on Avoiding a Frozen Sump Pump |
| GradingAn important step in preventing any kind | | | | - The exit point for water removal should be |
| of water damage to your home is to create a | | | | lower than the pump. Gravity will help the water |
| ground slope around your house so that water will | | | | to run out and keep it flowing during freezing |
| be directed away from the foundation – this is | | | | temperatures. |
| called ‘grading’. Because water runs down | | | | - Direct the expelled water ten to twenty feet |
| hill, landscaping your property so that water flows | | | | from the foundation. You can connect a flexible, |
| away from the house will prevent seepage into | | | | freeze-resistant hose to the end of the discharge |
| your basement during a downpour, and will keep | | | | pipe for extra length. |
| the water expelled by your sump pump from | | | | - Use a larger diameter discharge hose to avoid a |
| leaking back into the house. Walk around your | | | | frozen sump pump problem. It may be an |
| house after a heavy rainfall and check for pooling | | | | eyesore (especially if it is above ground) but it will |
| near the foundation; puddles of water will indicate | | | | definitely help keep the water running freely. The |
| the sections of your property that need additional | | | | installation is very simple - bend a wire hanger |
| grading. | | | | around the nozzle and pipe and secure it with a |
| Sump Pump ModelsSump pumps come in two | | | | pipe clamp. |
| basic models: the upright (or pedestal) model and | | | | - Bury the discharge pipe in the ground and |
| the submersible model. Both versions are reliable | | | | insulate any above-ground pipe sections with |
| and efficient in eliminating water from your | | | | heating tape and straw. Make sure to dig deep |
| basement. To see more sump pump modelswe | | | | enough so that the sump pump pipe is well below |
| recommend going to | | | | the frost line. |
| The upright model has the motor on top and the | | | | The sump pump has to work harder when water |
| pump at the base; it is installed in the bottom of | | | | in the discharge hose freezes, often causing the |
| the sump hole. The motor is turned on and off by | | | | motor to overheat. Listen to the pump in order |
| a ball float that has a visible sentry light, | | | | to determine if it is running more frequently or |
| reassuring you that the sump pump is operating | | | | for longer periods of time. In such a case, it is a |
| (much like a freezer). | | | | good idea to periodically shut the motor off in |
| The submersible pump is completely immersed in | | | | order to let it cool down. |
| water. The switch is attached to the pump and | | | | Regardless of the model of sump pump you |
| comes either with a ball float connected to a | | | | choose, following the above guidelines will help you |
| pressure switch or with an adjustable | | | | avoid frozen sump pump problems and thereby |
| mercury-activated float switch. | | | | alleviate your worries. |
| A back-up battery-powered sump pump is | | | | |