Sump Pump Alarms: Basics All Homeowners Should Know

Posted by: Chris
Date: November 17, 2019

Sump Pump Alarms: Basics All Homeowners Should Know

Today, property owners in North Carolina enjoy a range of options for preventing basement flooding. The installation of a sump pump remains a proven way to help stop water from pooling in the lowest levels of a building (or a home).

This technology has existed for a number of years, and it has grown more widespread during recent decades. Many builders now routinely install a sump pump as well as a sump pump alarm in new constructions, for example.

Just like other mechanical devices, sump pumps sometimes malfunction. Many reasons underlie this problem. A large volume of invasive flood water may simply overwhelm the pump. Possibly the power source for the sump pump (e.g. a battery) stopped working. Or perhaps grit and debris occlude the sump pump drain. Irregardless of the reason for a failure, the consequences distress property owners.

Sump Pump Alarm Systems

One particularly helpful tool enables customers to learn about indoor flooding whenever a sump pump ceases to perform properly. A sump pump alarm may enable someone on the premises to reactivate the sump pump or switch on a backup system. This useful device sometimes plays a critical role in preventing costly water damage in basements and low-lying utility rooms.

Currently, sump pump alarms typically occur in the marketplace in one of three forms. First, an automated home control system may include this feature. Second, some sump pumps also incorporate sophisticated alarm systems within their designs. Third, a property owner may obtain a general flood water detection alarm system selected apart from the sump pump itself.

Each of these options offers advantages and disadvantages.

Automated Home Control Systems Offering Sump Pump Alarm Features

One significant trend in upscale custom home building involves the installation of a computer-compatible control system on the property. While still comparatively uncommon, this form of automation promises to appeal to more homeowners. Because an increasing number of kitchen appliances and electronic gadgets communicate through the Internet of Things.

Already, many manufacturers of central air conditioning and central heating systems offer their customers options for utilizing thermostats connected to the Internet. It should probably surprise no one that some manufacturers now build sump pump alarm features into their home control system products, too.

For example, Control Products offers a HomeSitter HS-700 unit which alerts residents to a number of potential emergencies, including electrical power failures, significantly high or low indoor temperatures, and flooding. Available online and through brick-and-mortar retailers, the product costs less than $100.

It dials three telephone numbers repeatedly if it detects a problem, and also emits an audible alarm. Owners can program the system to contact both a personal cell phone and a repair company if the unit detects rising water levels in a home, for example.

Sump Pumps With Built-in Alarm Systems

Many high-end sump pumps presently include alarm systems within their mechanisms. In many cases, this equipment constitutes a component within a sump pump backup system designed to spring into action when the alarm activates. For example, the Aquanot® Fit 508 supports either a pedestal or a submersible sump pump system. It will initiate its own testing of its alarm.

The unit includes WiFi capabilities, allowing it to notify the owner whenever it detects either rising water or a sump pump power failure. It costs less than $700.

Although typically more expensive than alarms alone, a sump pump backup system with an alarm may begin correcting a flooding situation in a property owner’s absence. This approach offers the advantage of saving valuable time during a water intrusion emergency. Some experts recommend installing alarm-equipped backup sump pumps in areas subject to sporadic seasonal flooding.

Standalone Water Detection Alarm Systems

Probably the most widespread type of sump pump alarm system available in the commercial marketplace today involves the use of completely separate water detection alarm systems. These devices span a broad price range, depending upon the complexity of the unit and the coverage area.

Frequently (but not always), a standalone water detection alarm system constitutes an accessory for a sump pump sold separately by the manufacturer.

Consumers place battery-powered water detection units near sump pumps. If the unit detects a specified quantity of pooling water (often 1/32nd of an inch), it will sound an audible alarm. Many of these portable devices also possess the capability to contact property owners remotely via the Internet.

Schedule a Waterproofing Appointment

To obtain knowledgeable residential or business waterproofing services in Southern Pines, Fayetteville, Raleigh, or outlying communities, simply contact Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions. Our services include promoting basement moisture control and waterproofing. We also seal crawl spaces. We frequently install and maintain sump pumps and backup systems. Contact us at (919)508-7503 or (919)235-5219 to request service.