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Pump It Up! 7 Things Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Sump Pumps

Things Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Sump Pumps

$26,000 worth of damage can occur from one inch of water flooding your home. That is a lot of money for such a small amount of flooding. You may want to invest in ways to prevent flooding from happening in the first place.

Sump pumps are one way you can help prevent flooding. In this article, we’ll review sump pumps and the role they play in your home.

What Is a Sump Pump and How Does It Work?

A sump pump will collect water that gathers in your basement or crawlspace. It will then pump it outside of your house. Once the water is removed, it’s sent to a communal storm drain or well, or a naturally draining location close by.

This device was specifically created to help prevent your basement/crawlspace from flooding.

There are two types of pumps you can get, a submersible or pedestal pump. Submersible pumps are placed in a hole in the floor, while a pedestal pump remains above the floor.

Be aware that sump pump lines can freeze if not buried at the correct depth. Moreover, depending on how much water your area gets can determine how big your sump pit should be.

Make sure if you’re installing a new sump pump that it’s put in at the lowest level of your basement. Water accumulation will start at this point. It’ll make it easier for your pump to gather the water before it can even entertain the notion of entering your home.

The Benefits of Having a Sump Pump

Getting water away from your home is important, but why is it so necessary? Below, we’ll review the biggest benefits of getting a sump pump.

1. Protects Your Basement/Crawlspace from Water Damage

The great thing about a sump pump is that it keeps your basement/crawlspace dry. It’s the number one reason why people have sump pumps in their homes.

If you have a flooded basement it can cause damage to your walls, floors, appliances, carpets, etc.

2. Standing Water Prevention

Mold and mildew forms when there is standing water in your home. It’s important to check if your sump pump is working properly to prevent mold and mildew growth. Mold, especially black mold, can cause serious health problems such as respiratory issues.

On top of that, standing water can affect the air quality in your home. It increases the level of humidity in your home.

Finally, standing water can cause electrical fires to break out. This is due to water getting into the cracks in your walls and coming in contact with your wiring. Fires can also break out when water enters your outlets.

Does Your Home Need a Sump Pump?

Not all homes need a sump pump. If you answer yes to any of the following questions listed below, then you may need a sump pump.

3. Has Your Basement/Crawlspace Flooded in the Past?

When it has rained or snowed in the past, has your basement/crawlspace filled with water? If you live in more arid climates, I doubt this is much of a problem for you. For those who live in high precipitation areas, a sump pump is a must.

Even if your pump isn’t working it’ll still alert you if your basement/crawlspace is close to flooding. If you get one of the newer technology-savvy models, it will call your cell phone to alert you.

4. Does Your Soil Trap Water?

Not all soil is created equal. Some soil absorbs water at a very slow rate. This means you’ll have water building up. A clear sign of this is when water will start to surface on top of your lawn, making it look like a swamp.

This water will also enter your crawlspace/basement. Depending on the soil type and how much precipitation you get both play a role. They will determine how quickly and how much water will enter your home.

5. Do You Get a Lot of Precipitation?

Do you get hit with a lot of snow and rain where you live? Sump pumps can quickly pump out water, no matter how much rain or snow is pouring down around you.

Find out how deep your sump pump is in the ground to figure out how much water it can handle at any given time.

6. Do You Keep Anything of Value in Your Basement?

If you keep items you value in your basement, or even appliances, you may want to invest in a sump pump. Even if you’re somewhere that doesn’t get as much rain, check to see if flooding can happen in your area.

Not only do you need to deal with water damage, but mold growth as well. For example, if you keep clothes in boxes in your basement, they can become easily ruined and moldy.

The damage to your valuables is priceless. The damage to your appliances (e.g. washer, dryer, water heater) can be costly.

If your appliances have been damaged, make sure they’re not receiving power. Damaged appliances can cause further damage to your home.

7. Do You Have an Outdated Sump Pump?

The longest you should wait to change your sump pump is 10 years. Check the manufacturer’s recommendation to see when your pump should be switched out.

Repairs due to water damage can cost an arm and leg. How much you pay will vary based on where you live and how much damage has been done. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your sump pump is in working order and not out of date.

Some damage may be covered by your insurance. Check to make sure you’re covered for this kind of damage. Find out what exactly you’re protected against.

If you need a new sump pump you can replace it yourself or hire someone to do it for you.

The 411 on Sump Pumps

We hope this guide has helped inform you about the importance of sump pumps. If you don’t have a sump pump, now may be the time to start shopping.

It’s better to be safe than sorry. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late.

Review our blog if you want to learn common plumbing issues your home can face.

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