Get matched with top sump pump installation pros in Shiloh, IL

One common reason a sump pump stops working is improper sizing. Different locations need different sizes and power ratings of sump pumps depending on the typical amount of water the pump needs to manage. If your sump pump is too small for the quantity of water, it can overwork and either burn out or reduce the life of the unit. If the pump is too big, it can overwork and burn out early. 

Installing a battery backup for your sump pump is recommended, particularly if you live in an area with frequent power outages or severe rainstorms. A sump pump requires electricity to function, and a battery backup ensures it can continue to move water out of your home if the power goes out, providing crucial protection against flooding. Additionally, frequent power outages can create electrical surges that might damage the sump pump's motor. A battery backup system offers an additional layer of protection, ensuring your basement stays dry.

To test for toilet leaks, use water coloring in the water tank and see if the water slips into the bowl from the tank. This test will indicate if there’s a problem with the flapper or refill tube. You can also put water coloring in the bowl of the toilet to see if there is a leak there. If there is, you should see the colored water on the outside of the toilet bowl or on the floor. 

A small sump pump running infrequently uses an average of 10 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month. The average cost for electricity is $0.171 per kWh. The size and use frequency affect how much electricity it uses. Sump pumps average one-third to one horsepower (hp) motors. One hp is equal to 745.7 watts. Watts multiplied by the time your pump is running divided by 1,000 equals your average kWh. Multiply kWh by your average cost of electricity. In areas with high rain or a marsh basin, the average cost can be as high as $15-$25 a month.