Do you have a sump pump? Depending where you live, you may or may not. This is usually determined if you are in an area where flooding occurs. It could also be if you have issues with quick melting snow or heavy rainstorms. It does not take much water to cause thousands of dollars of damage, and if you have a damp basement, mold can be a serious problem. A good sump pump can be worth it.
What it is
Sump pumps are pumps that are located in your basement or crawlspace. They are designed to prevent excess rain or ground water from entering the house. There are portable units, but most residential ones are installed in pits, called sump pits. By doing so, they help keep your basement dry by pumping the water out of the pit, away from your house.
Location
A sump pump is typically installed in the lower part of a basement, or crawlspace of a home. A hole is installed in the floor, and the pump is then placed in the sump pit. A pipe is attached, which then runs up, and out of the house, and releases the water several feet away from the foundation. The pipe usually has a check valve which prevents water from flowing back into the pit. When there is a flood, excess rainfall, or water from rapidly melting snow, this can result in damage. Instead of leaking into your house through any tiny cracks, it flows into the sump pit. Sump pumps are activated by a float. This looks like the one in your toilet tank. When the water in the pit assists in making the float to rise to a designated level, the pump is then activated.
How they work
Most pumps have a fan-like device, or impeller, which spins once the pump is activated. This uses centrifugal force, which pushes the water out through the pipe. If you are not sure if you need a sump pump, make sure to contact us. We can inspect your home and advise you on if one may be needed. When there is an issue, it is best to fix it immediately. By doing so, you can help save time, money, and stress in the long run.
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