If your home has a basement or you live near water, a sump pump is an essential addition to your home in the Macon, GA, area. When it comes to choosing the right type of pump, homeowners should understand the differences between a submersible sump pump vs. a pedestal pump. The experts at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling provide sump pump repair and installation in Macon, GA, and offer insights into two sump pump styles to help you determine which is right for you.
What’s the Difference Between Submersible and Pedestal Sump Pumps?
The top differences between a pedestal or submersible sump pump are placement and operation. A submersible pump, or vertical submerged pump, is specifically designed to be placed completely underwater inside the sump pit. Conversely, a pedestal sump pump has the motor placed on a pedestal above the water. Both options should protect your home from flooding, especially during a major storm or whenever water levels rise.
Submersible sump pumps are generally quieter because the water muffles sound, while pedestal sump pumps are ideal for those with a lower risk of flooding. A submersible pump comes into direct contact with the water, and a pedestal pump does not, so it doesn’t need a protective casing like a submersible sump pump. In terms of cost, submersible sump pumps are typically more expensive, while pedestal pumps are usually more affordable.
How Each Sump Pump Type Works
Before you decide which sump pump is best for your home, it’s important to understand how each one works. Both of these pumps are designed to remove water from your home, usually through the basement, to prevent flooding or major sewer backups. Knowing the difference between the two and how they operate can help you determine the right pump style based on where it goes and how it works.
Submersible (vertical submerged pump)
Submersible or vertical submerged pumps sit in a sump pit and automatically operate whenever water reaches a certain level. A float switch detects the water and turns the pump’s powerful internal motor and impeller on. These components push the water up through a discharge pipe that leads out and away from your home. Once the water level in the pit recedes, the float switch signals the pump’s motor to turn off automatically.
Pedestal sump pump
Instead of being inside the sump pit, a pedestal sump pump motor rests at the top of a pole attached to the pedestal base. The motor protrudes from the pump, and the pedestal at the bottom houses the impeller. The pump’s impeller spins rapidly to suck in water whenever it collects inside the sump pit. As water is pulled into the pedestal, it gets redirected out of the pit through a pipe directly that leads to the outside.
Which Sump Pump Is Right for Your Home?
Now that you know more about these two common sump pump styles, how do you decide which one is right for your home? Consider these factors to help you determine whether a submersible or a pedestal sump pump is the best choice.
Choose a submersible sump pump if:
- You live in a low-lying area, a flood-prone area, or in a climate with heavy rainfall.
- Quiet operation is more important to you.
- You’re looking for a more powerful sump pump that can move water higher than a few feet from your basement to the outside.
- You want a sump pump that can handle large volumes of water and small debris to prevent odors and keep your basement clean and dry.
- The sump pit in your home is large and requires a pump that can handle heavy volumes of water at any given time.
Choose a pedestal if:
- Your home isn’t prone to flooding, or it’s not located in a high flood risk area.
- Gaining quick access to your sump pump is important.
- You prefer a sump pump that is easy and affordable to maintain.
- You’re not concerned about whether the pump can remove debris from the sump pit.
- You want to purchase a sump pump with a long lifespan.
How Long Do Sump Pumps Last?
Most sump pumps last between seven and 15 years. Submersible sump pumps tend to have a shorter lifespan since they’re constantly in contact with water, while pedestal sump pumps usually last longer. It’s important to look for the warning signs if you suspect that your sump pump is about to fail, so you can have it repaired or replaced.
Several factors determine how long your sump pump will last.
- Usage: If your sump pump runs constantly due to a high water table or frequent storms, it will have a much shorter lifespan than if it runs less frequently.
- Pump style: Most submersible sump pumps have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years, while pedestal sump pumps typically last 10 to 15 years.
- Maintenance: Routine maintenance, including scheduling professional inspections and monitoring usage, should help to extend the lifespan of your sump pump.
- Quality: High-quality, durable sump pumps from reputable brands typically last longer than lower-quality models.
- Materials: Heavy-duty sump pumps made of rugged materials like cast iron usually last longer than those made of lower-grade materials.
Can You Replace a Pedestal Pump with a Submersible One?
You can replace a pedestal sump pump with a submersible one, as long as your sump pit is large enough. The pit should be wide and deep, so check the dimensions to make sure that the submersible pump will fit.
Contact Ricky Heath Today!
If you need sump pump repair, maintenance, or a new sump pump installation, the team at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling is here to help. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, everything we do is with care, speed, and quality to protect your home and maintain your comfort. If you live in Macon, GA, or the surrounding areas and would like to schedule service, contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a sump pump be tested?
You should test your sump pump at least once a year to ensure it’s in good working order, or twice a year (once in the spring and again in the fall) for best results. However, if you have an older sump pump or live in a flood-prone area, you should test it more frequently.
What size sump pump do I need for my home?
Most homes do fine with a 1/3 horsepower (HP) sump pump, but you may need a 1/2 HP or larger, depending on a few factors. If you have a high water table, live in a flood-prone area, or have a large basement, you should choose a more powerful sump pump with 1/2 HP or higher.
Are submersible sump pumps safe?
As long as your submersible sump pump is installed and maintained correctly, it should be safe to operate. These pumps are submerged and feature safety features such as a sealed motor and thermal protection, but proper installation and the right-sized submersible pump for your sump pit are key.
Does Ricky Heath serve areas outside Macon, GA?
Yes, Ricky Heath serves many areas of Georgia outside of the city of Macon, including Perry, Gray, Warner Robbins, Forsyth, and most of Macon-Bibb County. We also serve Jackson, Byron, Jeffersonville, Bonaire, and the surrounding areas.
