What Is A Sump Pump And Why Do I Need One?
Have you ever had a friend or neighbor mention their sump pump after a big downpour? They might tell you about how if it weren’t for this device, they might be ankle-deep in water right now. If you are unsure about having a sump pump installed or if it might be a good choice for your home read on to learn all about this valuable plumbing tool.
What Is A Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a submersible device installed in a sump pit dug at the lowest point of your house, which could be the basement or crawl space. This small but important addition to your home prevents your basement from flooding.
Here’s how it works: Most of the time, the pump is only on standby, waiting until it is needed. When it begins to rain heavily, the soil around your house becomes oversaturated. Excess groundwater funnels toward the sump pit, and it will begin to fill with water. This activates the float switch and turns on the pump.
By removing water from the pit and draining it into a nearby storm drain, dry well, or detention pond, it also prevents the groundwater from rising to the level of your basement floor, which could cause flooding. In this way, you can think of it as an extra piece of flood insurance or piece of mind.
What Are The Benefits?
A sump pump is a small investment that has a lot of advantages. Here’s how you can benefit from adding one to your home:
- Defend your basement or crawl space from flooding
- Protect the paint and other wall coverings from peeling
- Safeguard basement appliances – such as the washer, dryer, and spare freezer – from corrosion
- Reduce possible mold, mildew, and fungus growth
- Discourage termites and other insect infestations
- Improve the indoor air quality
- Keep your foundation intact
- Make the basement drier and more comfortable year-round
- Enjoy peace of mind, no matter what the weather is doing
- Meet a requirement for homeowner’s insurance coverage of basement flood damage
What Are The Benefits of a Sump Pump?
While the benefits to a sump pump are pretty clear, some properties may need these devices more than others. We recommend having one installed if any of the following points is true:
- You live in a climate that receives heavy snow or rain. In the northeast area we get more than a fair share of moisture year-round. Unlike desert climates out west, basements here are very susceptible to flooding.
- Your home is built on a flood-prone spot. Poorly draining soil, low-lying properties, and homes surrounded by hills are more likely to experience rising groundwater levels during heavy rains, snowstorms, and spring runoff.
- You’ve had water problems in the past. If your basement has flooded before, or you regularly struggle with high basement moisture levels, it would be very smart to install a sump pump here
- You have a finished basement. Even if your home isn’t categorized as a high-risk property, consider protecting your underground living space with an affordable sump pump.
Schedule Your Sump Pump Installation in Harford County
If you feel you are ready for a sump pump to be installed or are ready to update an older one feel free to reach out to Five Star Plumbing today. When you reach out to us you are getting responsiveness, honesty, and integrity. So call us today to get started, we’re available 7 days a week, with no overtime charges.
