A sump pump can save you a lot of money on water damage costs. It’s a motor unit that is placed in a pit (basin) under your home’s lowest floor.
A professional installation will cost more than a DIY project. But the long-term savings will be worth it. Consider purchasing battery backups, water level alarms and pump filters to cut down on maintenance costs.
Waterproofing your basement
A basement sump pump is essential for homes with a history of flooding, poor drainage systems or landscaping that forces water toward the foundation. It works by creating a pit under the house where it collects water and then pumps it out through PVC pipes away from the foundation.
You should test the sump pump regularly to make sure it’s working properly. To do so, open the cover of the pit or basin and clear out any debris or mud. Then, pour water into the pit and check that it starts pumping right away.
You should also make sure that the water discharge pipe is properly directing the flow of water outside—not back into your home. A plumbing professional can help with this. In addition, if you use a battery backup system, you’ll want to ensure the rechargeable batteries are in good condition and ready for heavy floods or power failures. You could also choose a water-powered backup, which is able to keep pumping without the need for electricity.
Preventing mold and mildew
Mold and mildew thrive in dark, warm, moist areas where air circulation is poor. Addressing risk factors for this problem before the spores spread throughout your home can prevent extensive damage and cost.
Mildew-causing molds grow on fabrics that provide sufficient food for them, particularly cotton, linen, rayon, silk and wool. They develop in cellars, closets and storage rooms, on draperies and rugs stored in basement recreation areas and on clothes hung for ironing. They also grow in damp cellars and crawl spaces.
Keep clothes, draperies, rugs and other fabrics clean. Soil on dirty articles provides food for the mildew-causing molds. Store fabrics in boxes, trunks or garment bags that have been treated with a chemical that gives off vapors that inhibit mold growth. Several chemicals, including paradichlorobenzene and paraldehyde, are available for this purpose. They can be purchased in department stores or drug and grocery stores under various trade names. If you must store fabric in a dark, humid area, it is a good idea to use an electric light continuously and to keep the room as airy as possible.
Protecting your home from water damage
The main function of a sump pump is to protect the home from flood damage. It pumps water away from the basement to prevent flooding during rain storms or spring thaw.
It also helps reduce the risk of mold and mildew in the house, which are often caused by dampness. Damp conditions in the basement are ideal breeding grounds for these fungi, which can damage wood and other building materials, and pose health risks to the family.
A sump pump works by channeling groundwater from the basement and crawlspaces to a wastewater system, preventing it from reaching the basement below the water table. It’s especially useful in places where there is a high water table or heavy winter-spring flooding.
It’s important to check the discharge pipe regularly to make sure it’s free of blockages, and is draining properly. If the pump becomes clogged, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mildew, and mold. When this happens, it can create a foul smell in the basement.
Keeping your basement dry
Many homeowners experience a flooded basement at least once in their lifetimes. This type of damage is expensive to repair and can also lead to mold growth and other health issues. Fortunately, sump pump installation can keep your basement dry and protect your belongings from water damage. Basement Systems offers a variety of high-quality sump pumps, including Zoeller pumps.
The main reason why you get a flooded basement is that rainwater isn’t channeled away from your house. Gutters and downspouts help, but they can’t do it alone. A proper drainage system is required, which can be in the form of an interior French drain or a simple ground soil system.
An interior French drain channels rainwater into a pit, which the pump then ejects. It also protects the walls from water damage by minimizing saturation levels. An exterior French drain works the same way but is designed to be hidden from view. You can opt for submersible pumps that sit below the water line or pedestal pumps, which are less expensive but have shorter lifespans. Backup pumps that run on batteries or water pressure are available to take over when the main sump pump fails.
