Hidden deep in the recesses of a basement smart homeowner’s house a piece of equipment known as a sump pump. Sump pumps are a key ingredient in maintaining a well-functioning and comfortable home and are designed to safeguard basements from potential water damage.
When the outside conditions are rainy or the snow on the ground quickly melts the ground can become saturated and unable to absorb the excess water. Unfortunately, many times this run-off collects under your foundation and finds its way inside leaving behind wet carpets at best or major flooding at its worst.
To avoid these disastrous results a sump pump can be installed to protect your home from water damage.
How A Sump Pump Works
Sump pumps are installed at the lowest point in your home. They consist of a sump basin equipped with a sensor, a pump, and an outlet pipe that exits to the outdoors. The pump basin fills with water that finds its way into the basement. When enough water fills the basin a float switch activates the pump and the water is ejected to the yard far from the home’s foundation. As the water level drops the float switch will turn the pump off. This cyclical process will be repeated until the threat of invading water recedes.
When Is A Sump Pump Needed?
Sump pumps are used to remove unwanted water that infiltrates your home from the saturated ground that can no longer absorb water. These soggy conditions can force water inside your home which can cause extensive damage. Sometimes, however, the unwanted water can come from inside your home. A burst pipe or a hot water heater tank explosion can cause flooding and a sump pump is a great method to remove that water. Even relatively young heaters can be negatively affected by too high water pressure or hard water minerals.
Another reason a sump pump is worth having is to protect the infrastructure of your home. Wall studs and sub-flooring that remain wet for too long can rot and even minor moisture can twist wood causing buckling and cracking of drywall.
A dark wet basement is an ideal environment to grow mold and mildew. Exposure to these spores can cause allergic reactions leading to watery eyes, sneezing, and skin rashes. Preventing moist conditions is the job of a sump pump.
Many people refinish their basements into craft rooms or other types of living space. Installing a sump pump gives them peace of mind their family will be safe and comfortable while using the basement.
Older homes are often built on foundations that are slowly deteriorating developing cracks and weak spots. Eliminating excess moisture from water invasion can help keep the foundation in its best possible condition.
There are many reasons to install a sump pump and since they are so effective at keeping damaging water at bay it is a recommended purchase for all homeowners.
Keep Your Basement Dry & Install A Sump Pump
A Sump pump is an essential piece of equipment for homeowners who take the care of their homes seriously. For those living in areas where the water table is high or who are prone to excessive rainy weather, a sump pump can be a lifesaver. Sump pumps can protect you and your family from the costly repairs of recovering from a flood.
They can also help eliminate detrimental health-related issues caused by a basement that is too damp. Plumbing emergencies can also be minimized by the power of a sump pump where water damage from burst pipes and water heaters is reduced. We recommend installing a sump pump in every basement to keep you dry and to avoid the disasters unwanted water can create.