Sump Pump: This term is often used by homeowners, DIY’ers and professionals, but do you know what a sump pump is, and better yet, do you need one?
Typically found in homes with basements, a sump pump is, in short, a smart idea. An automatic pump installed below your home’s basement floor, a sump pump is used to remove water from a water-collecting sump basin installed in the floor of one’s basement, helping to prevent basement flooding from occurring. While it won’t stop water from coming in, it will help to force it out quickly, which prevents it from collecting and pooling under your home’s basement floor.
Installed at the lowest point of the house, a sump pump pumps out any water that accumulates in the event of flooding. Some are triggered by a floatation device while others are activated by a pressure sensor. The pump will switch on automatically, immediately pumping the water out.
We all know that water takes the path of least resistance. Water will often find its way to your home’s basement through a variety of methods. Perhaps your home is built too close to the water table, is circumventing your home’s waterproofing system, or perhaps a lot of rain has caused water to pool there.
Water in your home’s basement is never a good thing. Aside from causing structural damage, damp basements lead to mould and odour that costs tens of thousands of dollars to remedy. A sump pump will make your life a lot easier should you experience a flood in your basement due to malfunctioning equipment or a bad storm.
A sump pump will redirect that water away from the house, ideally into a storm drain. Due to their importance, many homeowners will have their sump pump hardwired into their home’s electrical system. For additional peace of mind, sump pumps often have battery backups, ensuring they continue to work, even if a storm has knocked out the power. Sump pumps are especially valuable in the case of a sewer backup. They will also help to reduce the humidity levels in your home, thwarting mould, odours, and dampness.
Does My Home Need a Sump Pump?
Not every home requires a sump pump. However, any home that is vulnerable to basement flooding for any reason should certainly have one. Installing a sump pump can protect your home from future flooding and help to remedy any problematic situations. When determining whether your home needs a sump pump, figure out if it is prone to flooding. Flooding can occur in a variety of forms, from excessive melting snow to sewer backups. A sump pump will also help to reduce the humidity levels in your home, thwarting mould and that dank smell of dampness that is unfortunately common in many basements.
You may also need a sump pump if:
- You have a nicely finished basement you want to protect from water damage
- You live in an area that has a lot of rain or snow
- Your home is built on flat ground with soil that traps water easily
- Your basement has flooded in the past
- Your existing sump pump is nearing 10 years old
Sump Pump Installation
A bigger job than most DIY’ers can handle easily, sump pump installation may require a building permit. Enlisting the services of a licensed plumber will help you to achieve the best results as they can help to identify the ideal strategic placement, advise you of the best type for your needs, and ensure it is installed correctly.
When you have a sump pump installed, you can anticipate it lasting about 10 years before needing to be replaced. Replacement is relatively inexpensive since the hard work has already been done.
Depending on where your home is located, a sump pump may be one of the most important pieces of equipment in it! If you live in a flat or low area where flooding may be a problem, an area with plenty of snow that melts each spring, near a river or lake or at the base of a large hill, a sump pump can help to prevent a costly disaster in your home’s basement. Hopefully you’ll never need it, and likely won’t notice when it does run on occasion. It does however help you maintain peace of mind that your home and belongings won’t be impacted by excess water.
Some people even install a second sump pump in their home as a backup, typically battery powered. Should the primary sump pump fail to operate, this serves as a contingency plan to keep your basement flood-free. Another great idea is to install an alarm on your sump pump, which will alert you in case of failure, giving you time to react before water levels rise much higher.
Speak to a professional licensed plumber today to have a sump pump installed to help protect your basement from the catastrophic effects of water damage.
