All About Your Sump Pump
A sump pump is a device installed in a sump pit to remove water that accumulates in a water-collecting sump basin. This device sits in a sump pit, which is a water collection hole dug at the lowest point of your basement or crawl space. A sump pump channels water away from a sump pit to reduce the risk of water damage to your basement.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
A sump pump is placed in the lowest point of a basement or crawl space. When the water accumulates in a sump basin and reaches a certain level, the sump pump is activated using a float activator arm or pressure sensor to pump water from the basement.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a Sump Pump?
- Prevents Flooding in Your Basement—A sump pump is designed to pump water that collects in the sump basin and channel it away from your house through a pipe that leads outdoors. This helps to prevent water accumulation, from small quantities that seep through the foundation into your basement to large-scale flooding caused by a burst pipe. Having a sump pump at the lowest point of your home helps to prevent the risk of water damage to your property.
- Keeps Mold and Mildew at Bay—Basements and crawlspaces are prone to flooding, more so in areas with a higher water table. Flooding and high humidity provide a thriving environment for mold and mildew to grow. A sump pump keeps these spaces dry, thereby helping to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
- Lowers The Risk of Fire—Flooding is one of the main causes of electrical fires. Letting water accumulate in your basement can cause short circuits in any appliances in the basement. A sump pump prevents flooding, thereby keeping your appliances safe and reducing fire risk.
- Protects Your Home’s Foundation—The effects of water damage on a home’s foundation can be disastrous, especially if your foundation is exposed to water for a prolonged period of time. Apart from causing cracks and gaps on your foundation, water damage can weaken basement walls, leading to costly repairs down the road. Installing a sump pump in your property prevents water buildup, thereby helping to protect your home’s foundation.
- Adds value to your home—A sump pump protects your home from flooding, thereby helping to maintain its structural integrity. Besides, having a sump pump in your home alerts potential buyers that the property is protected against flooding.
Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Sump Pump
- The sump pump is older than 10 years
- It’s making loud or excessive noises
- It’s running all the time
- The motor isn’t working properly
- Rusty components
- Unusual vibrations
- You have issues turning it on and off
If you notice any of these signs, call an experienced plumber to inspect your sump pump and make repairs.
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