Top Reasons Why You Should Cover Your Outdoor Pump in Vancouver, WA

When you live in the Pacific Northwest, you are likely in a wet region because none of us can escape the high level of precipitation. In Washington state, residents deal with an annual precipitation of 42 inches on average. That is enough to put Washington in the top ten list of the rainiest states in America. Besides being a nuisance, rain (and the excess of it!) can be very troublesome for exterior structures at your home. Keeping a healthy drainage system, starting with your gutters, downspouts, and French drains, is highly important in protecting your home’s foundation and landscape. Luckily, there is a lot more that you can do to control drainage on your property, and that is with an outdoor pump.

You may have seen property owners with outdoor pump units to prevent pooling rainwater incidents on their properties. An outdoor pump has the same functions as a traditional indoor sump pump, except that it has a larger capacity and is ideal for emergency situations. But these outdoor units can be sensitive to the elements, especially when they don’t have a housing structure above them.

Our experienced local pros at Mr. Handyman of Vancouver, Camas, and Ridgefield bring the necessary knowledge and skills to help you build the right type of outdoor pump cover to protect the unit from the elements. Our expert Vancouver handyman pros are here to help and advise you in terms of outdoor pump maintenance and protection.

What Is An Outdoor Pump?

You may be familiar with an interior sump pump unit which many homeowners have in their home’s basement or lower level. It’s a protective plumbing system that keeps your home dry and, additionally, backs your perimeter drain pipes by pumping away excess stormwater from your property.

Similarly, the outdoor pump mechanism is designed to serve the same purpose. Also referred to as a good pump or outdoor sump pump, it is larger than an interior unit and has a diameter of at least six inches. On average, it can store 1.5 gallons of water per foot and can transport up to 20 gallons of water per minute. It’s important to know that there are various types and sizes. Picking the right one for your home requires professional advice and inspection, followed by an expert installation service.

How Does An Outdoor Pump Work?

We have mentioned your perimeter drains before which are designed to protect your home’s foundation from excess water and basement floods. As long as they are intact, they will serve you well as a yard drainage solution. To back it up, a sump pit is dug, followed by the installation of a submersible outdoor pump which will connect to your perimeter drain pipes. Your outdoor pump must connect to an electrical source in order to function. Some units have a battery backup for emergency situations. It works just like a regular sump pump and has a responsive sensor that activates once water has reached a certain level. That sensor is either a pressure switch or a float switch and once activated, the unit begins to pump excess water through a discharge pipe (also known as effluent). Water will be disposed of in a designated area, such as the storm sewer or a safe area in your backyard.

Why You Need An Outdoor Pump Cover

It’s fair to say that most exterior structures on your property are designed to withstand severe weather conditions, whether it is heavy rainfall or strong UV rays. But even then, they will require maintenance or small repairs over time to stay in shape and working order.

But there are good reasons why you should cover your outdoor pump. Covers are used on HVAC units, decks, and other types of furniture, but in this case, we are referring to building proper housing structures. It could be a small wood shed, a hollow faux rock, or an extra large fiberglass well cover. There are many cost-effective options that will bring you long-term benefits.

Protects From the Elements

A high-quality and effective outdoor pump cover will protect the unit and its components from severe weather conditions. It’s made up of electric motors, control boxes, and other sensitive components that can easily deteriorate and even lead to various technical problems if there is no cover protection.

Protects From Theft

Outdoor pumps are highly desired units, depending on the type you have. They cost between $1000 and $2500. So the more expensive your unit, the more likely it will get stolen. If your property’s exterior is not secure with gates and fencing systems, we highly recommend that you protect your outdoor unit from theft and vandalism with a protective, lockable well cover.

Promotes Longevity of Unit

The lifespan of an outdoor pump (or even an interior unit) isn’t measured in years but rather in cycles. Though, it is safe to assume that a replacement pump is required every few years to ensure your outdoor pump is always consistent and efficient. But not protecting it from elements or vandalism could greatly reduce its performance and lead to frequent repairs. By sheltering it with a protective outdoor pump cover, you can rest assured that there will be fewer problems and concerns. Still, we recommend that you schedule routine maintenance services to measure your system’s efficiency, including a float switch checkup.

Protect Your Unit With A High-Quality Outdoor Pump Cover! Mr. Handyman Will Build One From The Ground Up!

It may seem like you would have another small shed in your backyard; however, it will serve a great purpose and also look neat. Luckily, there is a wide range of possibilities, so you can rest easy knowing that there are different ways of organizing and decorating your backyard despite having an outdoor pump.