Close up of home water draining from residential sump pump after flooding

“What size sump pump do I need for my house?”

This is a question we often get when clients are wondering how to choose a home sump pump. And it’s not surprising question – choosing the right sump pump is challenging!

So how do you choose a sump pump size, and do you even need one? Our team answers these questions below.

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a pump designed to remove standing water from a pit, or the lowest part of your house. It’s typically used in basements to prevent water damage and flooding.

Sump pumps work by detecting when there’s too much water in the pit or bucket. At this point, the pump drains excess water away from the home.

Who Needs a Sump Pump?

Consider a sump pump if you’ve had flooding or storm damage before. And if you live in a flat area, or an area prone to heavy rain, you might consider a sump pump.

The simple answer is this: flooding becomes more common in Elgin, more homes may benefit from sump pumps!

How Big of a Sump Pump Do I Need?

There are a few points to consider when deciding between sump pump sizes. Here are the main factors to bear in mind.

Consider How Much Water You Need to Pump

Your sump pump must be able to move water faster than it accumulates. So, it must be powerful enough to handle the water flow. This means you need to know your system capacity.

You can figure out your sump pump system capacity in gallons per minute (GPM). This is how many gallons of water your pump can discharge every minute.

Think About Where the Water Should Travel

Your pump must be strong enough to “lift” water from the pit. And it must be able to discharge it far enough away from your home to prevent backflow and water damage.

Factors which influence how strong your pump should be include:

  • The depth of your basement or crawlspace
  • Amount of water you are likely to collect
  • Distance between the sump pump and the final exit point

Calculating the exact size of pump you need is complicated, but don’t worry. We can help you select the pump with the right dimensions for your needs.

Know Standard Sump Pump Sizes

Every home is different. However, for residential properties, the standard sump pump size is 1/3 “HP”, or horsepower. 1/2 pumps are stronger, and the strongest is a 3/4.

Use these figures as a guide – you might need a larger or smaller pump for your home. For example, homes prone to flooding may need a 3/4 pump.

If In Doubt, Call a Plumber

Choosing the right sump pump is critical to keep your home safe and flood-free. The wrong size of sump pump could lead to costly water damage and expensive repairs! This is a problem you can avoid if you ask an experienced plumber for help.

And all sump pumps must comply with village, city, and state-level building codes. Poor installations can lead to fines and other civil penalties. A knowledgeable plumber can ensure this won’t happen.

If you’re unsure what size sump pump you need for your home, or whether it’s fitted properly, contact us. We’d love to help.

Sump Pump Fitting and Repairs in Elgin, IL

Do you need a sump pump in Elgin, IL? Contact Fox Valley Plumbing. Here 24/7 for emergencies, we’re only a call or email away if you need residential sump pump services. No matter what type of sump pump you need, we can assist.

Ensure that the pump you use is the right fit for your home. Trust Fox Valley to install, service, or repair any home sump pump. Call now or leave us a message online to request a quote.

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