To many homeowners, a sump pump can be one of the most important pieces of equipment in their home but how do you know if you need one or not? There are a couple things to look out for that will determine if a sump pump is required in your home. Let’s first talk about what exactly a sump pump is and what it does.
Sump pumps are designed to reduce the risk of water damage in your home, particularly in the basement. A sump pit and pump are installed in the lowest lying point and is connected to an interior drainage system. Water that makes its way inside the foundation walls will be collected in the sump basin to help ensure that your basement stays nice and dry. When the water inside the sump basin reaches a certain level, a floatation device will engage the pump. The sump pump will then push all the collected water up and out through the discharge pipe directed away from the home’s foundation.
So, do you need one?
Here are some common signs that you should strongly consider installing a sump pump.
- Your basement has flooded before.
If you have dealt with a flooded basement previously, you certainly do not want to have to deal with it again. Water damage is horrendous and costly. Even if you have not experienced a full-on flood, but you have noticed some moisture and dampness, water is finding its way inside and will cause problems such as mold growth. These types of issues will almost always get worse over time, so if you haven’t had a flood yet, you could in the future.
- Your home is built on low-lying land
Water flows in the direction that gravity pulls it, so if your home is located on low-lying land, water will collect in the lowest point. This puts your home at risk. The more water building up against your foundation walls, the greater the chance of it wearing away at the foundation and finding its way inside.
- You live on flat ground with poor draining soil
If your home is built on flat ground with soil that holds water and does not drain well, you may need a sump pump. If the water has nowhere to run and is trapped in the poorly draining soil, it is held against the foundation of the home.
- You are in an area that receives lots of rain and/or snow
The more rainfall and snowmelt that your area receives, the higher the chance of water intrusion and flooding.
We have sump pumps and backwater valves in stock. If you are in need of one installed, contact us today for a free estimate.
