Properly installed and maintained sump pumps can spare homeowners costly expenses.
Wet basements happen, especially during seasonal thaws or storms. Some may have only a trickle of water, while others may turn your basement into an ocean. If you’re tired of having to keep everything stored high and dealing with gross, expensive clean-up after heavy rains, installing and maintaining a sump pump may be your best option.
Why You Need to Stop Flooding
It’s also an option that can save you serious money in the long run. Flooded basements can lead to significant problems.
If you are having regular flooding in your basement, you likely already have a foundation problem letting the water in. But as the water floods into the rest of your basement, it can worsen cracks elsewhere, leading to further erosion of the foundation.
Flooded basements pose risks of electrical shocks as well, depending on how your electricity is set up. If water gets into appliances, wall outlets, extension cords, or other electric items, you experience a shortage. Damage to your electric circuit and even dangerous exposure to electricity conducted in standing water are two unpleasant outcomes.
Finally, perhaps most insidious is the potential for mold. If your basement is even partially finished with floor and wallboard, a flood is sure to leave lasting dampness that will foster mold growth in the dark. Due to the health risks associated with mold and the financial burden of eliminating it, stopping flooding before it starts is a necessary goal.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a water pump installed in a hole in the floor of your basement or crawl space. It is a basic pump, hooked up to a water-sensing switch and piped out to a disposal area like a sewage system.
When water touches the sump pump, it switches on and begins to pump out water before it can fill your basement.
Installing and Maintained Sump Pumps
Installing a sump pump during construction before a basement is poured is the ideal scenario. However, if you already have a concrete basement floor you can still install a sump pump too.
In the lowest point of the basement, a professional will dig a hole. This hole will be designed for water to flow into it easily with just gravity.
The pump goes into the hole with an exposed float that will trigger it to turn on with rising water levels. When connected to a pipe headed out through the foundation wall, the pump will keep up with flooding water, sending it away from the home and preventing damage.
It’s a good idea to have your pump tested each year before winter and summer storms hit. A professional can run water through the pump and check to make sure all mechanisms are still in great shape. You’ll feel confident heading into the next season knowing your pump will protect your basement from flooding.
Think a sump pump is the answer to your basement and crawl space problems? Call Ace Plumbing today to have a sump pump installed or maintained to prevent further flooding damage. Reach out today at (410) 256-7900.
Leave a Reply