Because of the numerous causes and complications it adds to a home, a flooded basement is a huge headache for any property owner. Basement flooding might be the consequence of a huge storm or other extreme occurrences, leaving you with a wet, musty, and uncomfortable space. If your basement is wet from too much moisture, mold and mildew infestations are a real possibility. Small but accumulating foundation damage in your basement or crawlspace is caused by plumbing leaks and other issues inside your home. If the flooding is not addressed, the consequences will be severe and might even be long-lasting. Below we’ll be going over how sump pumps can save your basement from flooding.
What is a Sump Pump?
Before getting into how sump pumps can save your basement from flooding, let’s define what they are first. A sump pump in the basement drains water from the sump tank under your property. It channels any excess water into a drain pipe and off your property.
Although sump pumps were originally designed to prevent flooding from occurring in the basement, they may be put to other uses as well, such as fixing burst pipes or a faulty washing machine. In the event of a flood, a sump pump might prevent extensive damage to your basement.
Why Do You Need a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a device used to pump water out of a home’s lowest point (such as a basement or crawlspace) and into a drainage area, protecting the home from flooding, water damage, mold growth, and other hazards. Here is how sump pumps can save your basement from flooding. These pumps include a float that starts the motor when the water level increases. That allows them to start pushing water out in advance of any issue. When it comes to preventative maintenance for water damage, sump pumps continue to be among the best options.
Basements are a common entry point for water into a home, and when this happens, it may cause thousands of dollars in damage. But there’s a way to keep water out of the basement and prevent costly floods and repairs. If your basement is flooded, it’s advised to load a storage unit which will help you free up space. The ability of a sump pump to drain water from a basement before it does any damage and to redirect that water elsewhere are just two of the many benefits they provide.
Try it Out
Checking the condition of your sump pump on a regular basis is essential. Submerge a large amount of water in the sump pit to ensure it is working properly. If the sump pump is doing its job properly, it will turn on, pump the water out of the pit to a safe location away from the house, and then turn it off. It shouldn’t take more than a few seconds, and the pump should begin and end operation automatically. Make sure the float and check valves can be moved freely and are functioning correctly.
Maintaining a clean sump pit by removing accumulated sand, mud, gravel, and debris will help your pump run more efficiently. And let’s not forget that it will last longer. To ensure water is efficiently pushed through the line and away from your property, clear any obstructions from the discharge line’s entry point. However, don’t forget that your pump will eventually fail and you will need the sump pump replaced, just like any other mechanical component. Be sure to keep up with the sump pump’s status by inspecting it frequently.
Have a Backup Battery
In the event of a power outage or the primary sump pump failing, having a backup battery is essential. Due to the wide variety of available backup battery options, it is recommended that you speak with a qualified plumber. There are two types of backup batteries. Those that use the water pressure in your home’s plumbing to push water out of the sump pit and those that use a marine-grade battery to power the sump pump for up to 12 hours.
Experts from Spyder Moving advise you to weigh the pros and cons before investing in a battery backup system—just as you would when deciding on a move. When there is no access to running water, battery backups may still be easily installed and used. Yet they need to be cleaned twice a year, replaced every five years, and have their water levels checked every few months.
But what if you don’t own a Sump Pump?
It is simple to foresee the quick spread of water if a sump pump is not operating. Also, you should consider the impact of a blackout on your sump pump. During a thunderstorm or blizzard, the electric sump pump won’t do its job when the power could go out. That can be horrible because those two times when the sump pump is most needed. Clever homeowners will set up a sump pump that batteries or a generator can power in case the main power source fails.
What Should you do if your Sump Pump Starts Overflowing?
Urgent action is required if your sump pump stops working. It is imperative that you check that the pump is working properly. After that, you may turn on the pump motor again. Look for dirt and wear on the float to determine the state of the check valve. The weep hole, impeller, and basin of the pump should all be cleaned carefully once those parts have been inspected. Make sure the sink is disconnected before you put your hand in it. Finally, check for blockages in the discharge line.
In Conclusion
In spite of how frequently basements flood, it is typically possible to avoid disaster by taking the proper precautions. It is possible to significantly lessen the chance of basement flooding by properly safeguarding the exterior of your home’s foundation and maintaining your sump pump. After learning how sump pumps can save your basement from flooding, the frequency and severity of floods should decrease. However, if water or flooding still enters the basement despite your best attempts to prevent it, it’s advisable to bring in flood control professionals.