If you experience colossal water damage from rain or groundwater in your basement, a French drain and sump pump installation may be the solution. The first step is to ensure that the discharge line channels rainwater away from your house.
Homeownership in West Orange has its perks, but it also comes with the responsibility of caring for your home systems and appliances. This is where a home warranty can come in handy.
Installing a Sump Pump
A sump pump can prevent water damage from basement flooding and other problems by diverting floodwater away from your home. It can also keep mold and mildew from forming in your home, which can cause long term damage and be unhealthy for you and your family.
A basement drainage system, such as French drains, can also help with flooding and moisture problems. These systems collect ground water and direct it away from your home, minimizing saturation on the soil’s surface. However, these are expensive to install and require a basement excavation.
A sump pump installation is a cost effective alternative and can be installed in your existing basement. Unlike French drains, a sump pump only collects water that is directly under your house. This makes it a great choice for single spot remediation and prevention. A sump pump installation can be added to any home, new or old, that has a wet basement. The installation process involves digging a pit, installing the pump, and making sure it is properly sized for your home.
Choosing a Pump
A sump pump can be a great way to prevent basement flooding. It is more reliable than other waterproofing treatments, like moisture barriers, because it actively moves water away from the foundation.
You can buy a sump pump at your local hardware store or home improvement center. It consists of a basin, a motor and a discharge line that runs to the outside. When the basin fills with water it triggers the motor to pump the water out through the discharge line.
Choose a pump with the right horsepower for your home’s location and flood risk. Choosing one with too much power can cause cycling, turning the pump on and off repeatedly, which shortens its lifespan.
Also consider adding a battery backup or alarm notification to your pump. This is important in case there is a power outage during a storm when you need your sump pump the most. Then, figure out where water, sewer and utility lines enter your house. It is important to situate the pit at least 8 inches (20 centimeters) from these lines.
Adding a Power Backup
Many sump pump installations can be upgraded to include a battery backup system. These systems use a sensor that connects to the primary sump pump and a battery backup that is kept charged in case of power outages. They can keep the basement dry for up to a day.
They can also prevent water damage by helping to reduce the amount of water that collects around the foundation of the house or crawl space. This can prevent cracks and other problems that lead to costly repairs and waterlogged keepsakes and family heirlooms.
A backup sump pump can also help to prevent insect or rodent infestations by keeping standing water away from electrical appliances and other items in the basement. It can also help to keep electrical wiring safe by preventing the arcing of wet wires, which can cause fires.
Choosing an Installer
Sump pumps are a great way to protect your basement from flooding. They can save you from costly water damage, prevent sewage backups, keep basement humidity levels low, and even help reduce mold growth in your home. Whether you need an emergency pump repair or a routine inspection, a qualified plumber can diagnose and address any problems with your sump pump.
You can also avoid expensive sump pump service by preventing damage in the first place. This includes proper grading around your home and downspout extensions to control rainwater flow away from the foundation. This can significantly reduce the amount of work your sump pump has to do, and it can help prevent mildew, mold, and structural damage.
A professional plumbing service can help you choose the right size for your sump pit and identify the best location for it. They can install a battery backup to ensure your pump runs even when the power is out, and they can add alarms to warn you of potential malfunctions or high water levels.
