Water should never come near your foundation – keeping drywall, flooring and other items dry helps protect your home against mold, mildew and structural damage.
An exterior sump pump is an efficient way to divert rainwater away from your house. Not only is it essential for waterproofing your basement or crawl space, but it could also add value to your property.
Protects Your Foundation
Floods can wreak havoc on your home and foundation, as well as lead to health issues like mold and mildew growth.
Plumbing experts recommend installing a sump pump in homes with basements or crawl spaces below water level. The pump is installed in an underground pit and activated automatically when the water level rises to a certain threshold.
Water is then pumped out and directed away from the home, usually through a sump pump discharge line that can be connected to either a dry well, creek or pond.
To prevent backflow, connect the discharge line to a check valve located between your pump and home’s exterior. Ideally, this should be about 10-20 feet from your house’s foundation.
Saves You Money
Water damage can be costly, making a sump pump an absolute must-have for homes in flood-prone areas. Not only will it keep your basement dry and free from toxic mold, but it also protects the structural integrity of your house from rotting or weakening.
Installation costs vary based on the type, size, horsepower and other features of a pump. Additionally, where you plan to install it will influence costs as well.
If your area experiences frequent flooding or heavy rainfall, installing a sump pump may prove more expensive than anticipated. In such cases, additional expenses could arise to dry your basement and crawl space prior to installation.
Installing an exterior sump pump may require the removal of the floor in your basement or crawl space. This requires demolition and specialized tools such as jackhammers.
Saves You Time
Water ingress is a common issue that can result in costly repair and restoration expenses. But installing a sump pump in your basement or crawl space not only saves you money now but also time in the long run.
Sump pump installation also shields your possessions from mold and structural damage caused by flooding. When selecting a professional for installation of your sump pump, ensure they possess the experience and tools needed to do the job safely and successfully.
A reliable contractor should be able to provide references from past clients. These can be invaluable when comparing prices.
No matter where you live, it’s best to find someone with extensive experience and a proven record for quality work. Doing so will give you peace of mind that they won’t cause any unnecessary damage to your home. Furthermore, inquire about their pricing and any guarantees they provide; doing so ensures you get an excellent job at an affordable cost.
Keeps Your Yard Clean
Sump pumps work to divert rainwater away from your yard and away from your foundation, keeping it tidy and helping keep the house dry. This not only keeps your yard tidy, but it also helps keep things inside the house clean as well.
Sump pumps are commonly used to drain unwanted water from your backyard into a storm sewer or low spot in your yard. However, you have the option of letting the water seep into an accessible area in your garden as well.
Discharge lines should be run at least six to ten feet away from your home and into a different underground pipe that drains into a storm sewer. Doing this prevents the line from recycling water back into your basement and clogging the pump.
