A sump pump is the best first step to basement waterproofing. It prevents colossal water damage by channeling ground and rainwater away from your house.
This helps to keep your home dry and safe from the damaging effects of mold and mildew that can form from standing water. It can also prevent flooding and protect your valuables.
1. Water Drainage
Drainage issues are one of the biggest causes of basement flooding and water damage. A sump pump helps to prevent this by collecting and pumping excess ground or surface water away from your home. This keeps water from accumulating inside of your basement and crawl space and reduces the risk of warping, toxic mold growth, and structural instability.
Most sump pumps are installed in a pit that is lined with concrete or another durable material. As water begins to collect in the basin, a sensor or float on the pump activates it and centrifugal force forces the water up through a venting pipe and out of your home. The pumped water is then channeled to the storm sewer or other drainage system, preventing it from causing unnecessary and costly damage.
2. Power Backup
A sump pump collects water in the basement or crawl space – the lowest point in the home – during heavy rain floods and redirects it away from your property. This prevents moisture from damaging your belongings and causing structural damage to your house.
The pump has a float switch that triggers it when the water level rises to a predetermined height. Once triggered, the pump automatically pumps the water out of your house and away from your home.
Since regular sump pumps rely on electricity, they can fail due to power failure. Thankfully, Scaldino Basement Solutions offers battery backup systems that take over when the main pump fails. These systems work without electric power and use your municipal water supply for power, so you can continue to protect your basement from flooding even during a power outage.
3. Water Removal
If you have a sump pump that fails during a heavy rain or storm, it can cause flooding in your home. Our plumbers install a check valve to keep water from backflowing into your basement if the discharge line becomes blocked.
A sump pump is usually installed in a pit dug in your home’s lowest area, such as the basement or crawlspace. When water leaks or floods into your home, it fills the pit. A sensor on the floater activates the pump and centrifugal force pumps the water up through a venting pipe.
This prevents flooding and keeps water from damaging your home’s foundation. If your Montclair home has problems with water in the basement in one specific location, a sump pump is often preferred over French drains as a first step to basement waterproofing.
4. Cleanliness
Sump pumps can be very helpful in preventing basements from flooding during heavy storms. They work by directing water from the basement to an outdoor area or drain via a discharge line. This is important as it reduces the risk of flooding, mold, and other problems that can arise from excess water in your home.
A sump pump can also help prevent insect and rodent infestations as standing water is a breeding ground for pests. Additionally, a properly functioning sump pump can keep electrical wires safe by preventing them from becoming wet and potentially causing an electrical fire.
If you notice your sump pump is running continuously, it may need to be inspected. It could be over-cycling or have insufficient horsepower, which can cause your basement to flood during storms.
5. Energy Efficiency
The problem with regular sump pumps is that they only work when there’s power. Adding a battery backup system will ensure your basement stays dry even when the power goes out.
A properly functioning sump pump is a crucial investment for any Montclair homeowner. Our team of plumbing experts can help you keep your pump running like new with a sump pump repair, inspection, or replacement as needed.
The Township is currently in Round 3 of its Community Energy Aggregation Program. The supplier selected in this round, Direct Energy Services, is able to offer West Orange residents a power supply that includes 100% renewable energy – more than 4x the State-mandated green power content of PSE&G’s standard power service. This is made possible because WOCEA retained Gabel Associates, a State-registered Energy Consultant, to assist with the procurement process and implement the program.
