A sump pump is a crucial piece of equipment in your home. Without it, you run the risk of a flooded basement that can cause severe water damage, mold damage, and even foundational damage.
The sump pump sits in a sump pit, a hole dug in the lowest part of your basement. When water accumulates in the pit, the sump pump activates and pumps the water away from your foundation, protecting your basement from flooding.
Why is a Sump Pump Important?
Basements are prone to water accumulation due to factors like:
- Groundwater: Water naturally seeps into the ground, and in some areas, it can seep into your basement.
- Surface Runoff: Heavy rain or melting snow can overwhelm the ground’s ability to absorb water, causing it to flow toward your foundation.
- Plumbing Leaks: Even a minor leak in your basement plumbing can lead to significant water buildup.
Is Your Sump Pump Ready for Action?
You want to ensure that your sump pump is ready for action, especially during the rainy season. Here are three tips you can use to determine whether your sump pump is ready for action:
Test It Out
Use a 5-gallon bucket to dump water in the pit of your sump pump. Make sure that the pump activates and is in working condition to pump actual flood water out of your home and basement.
Check Outside
Once the sump pump starts to pump water, go outside and check where the water is being dumped. You want to make sure that the water is flowing away from your house. If it is pooling in your yard, it can damage the landscape.
Worse still, if it is pooling next to your house, it can damage your home’s foundation. Water seeping into your home’s foundation can also cause extensive water damage and mold damage in your basement.
Independent Circuit
Lastly, you want to ensure that your sump pump is plugged into an independent circuit and not shared with any other electrical appliance or equipment to help prevent your sump pump from tripping the circuit breaker and stopping pumping. Consider installing a battery backup pump and even a water-powered (vs. electric) pump for an even greater degree of protection.
Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Attention:
- The pump isn’t running when water accumulates in the pit.
- The pump is making unusual noises.
- There’s water around the pump or the pit.
- Your basement has flooded in the past.
Conclusion
A functioning sump pump can save you hundreds and even tens of thousands of dollars in expensive repairs from water, mold, or foundational damage. We also recommend keeping an extra sump pump in case your primary pump fails.
Make sure that both your sump pumps are ready for action. If your sump pump fails, we recommend calling professionals like Major Restoration Services for quick and effective remediation and restoration.
To learn more about sump pumps, flood prevention, or the best professionals for water mitigation, fire and smoke restoration, mold remediation, or repair and restore services, please visit our website today.
