A sump pump is the first step and sometimes the solution to basement waterproofing. It prevents flooding, puddles and water damage in basements and crawl spaces.
It also keeps your home and belongings safe in the event of a power outage by providing backup. It’s important to have your sump pump checked and maintained regularly.
Power
A sump pump keeps water away from your foundation, preventing damage to your house and belongings. It also prevents the formation of mold and mildew that can wreak havoc on your home’s structure and aggravate health issues for people with respiratory or allergy problems.
Designed to be placed in a pit at the lowest point of your space, the pump drains water into the wastewater system. Whether your basement is finished or used as storage, this essential preventative measure can save you from expensive repairs in the future.
A sump pump can be powered by electricity or a battery back-up unit that will continue to operate when the main power is out. If your sump pump is not working properly, a plumber can check if it has adequate municipal water pressure and can repair any clogs or loss of power. Ensure your sump pump is ready for the next storm by having it checked and repaired on a regular basis by a plumbing professional.
Installation
Sump pumps are motor units with water-level or pressure sensors that keep your basement or crawl space from flooding and leaking. They work by draining groundwater into a specially constructed pit beneath your floor and then pumping it away from the building.
Depending on the type of pump you choose, it can also be equipped with battery backup to ensure that your home is protected in case of a power outage. It’s a far better option than trying to clean up water damage that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
To get the most out of your sump pump system, you should regularly test it to make sure that it’s working properly. A simple test can be performed by pouring a bucket of water into your pit. If your system is functioning properly, the float and pump should be triggered and start ejecting the wastewater. If the float and pump are not triggered or not working correctly, you may want to contact us to inspect and repair your sump pump system.
Maintenance
A sump pump protects your basement and other below-ground level floors from flooding and water damage. It consists of a motor unit in a specially constructed pit below your floor that is triggered by a float switch to remove ground water and pump it away from your home.
When the weather is rainy, you may want to have your plumber check it to make sure your sump is working properly. Failing pumps can result in flooded homes, toxic mold growth and warping of the building structure.
It’s also important to make sure your sump pump is drained in an area that won’t affect the integrity of your foundation or nearby sidewalks, roads or buildings.
If your sump pump is powered by a municipal water pressure line, it will continue to operate even in the event of a power outage. If your pump is battery-powered, you’ll need to change the batteries during hot weather or after an extended period of time.
Repairs
As with any appliance or plumbing system, a sump pump can suffer from problems. Power outages, a broken float, and more can keep it from functioning as needed, leaving you at risk of basement flooding. To prevent this, your sump pump should be checked at least once a year by a skilled plumber to ensure that it’s ready for the stormy weather ahead.
You should also make sure that your sump pump isn’t discharging into a sanitary sewer. It’s illegal, and you could be fined if this happens.
Adding a sump pump to your home is an excellent way to protect your basement from flooding. However, even with a sump pump, you still need to keep your basement dry through proper maintenance and inspections. To do this, you may want to consider a home warranty plan. Home warranties provide quick service in the event of a breakdown and offer affordable plans with high coverage caps.
