What Is A Sump Pump and Do I Need One in My House?

Some people become uneasy when they see a sump pump in a home they’re interested in buying because they assume the sump pump’s presence means the home previously flooded. This however, is not always the case. There are many reasons homes have sump pumps, and many reasons you should consider installing one if you live in a home without one. See below for some common
reasons that homes have sump pumps.

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a small electric pump that is placed into a tub basin at the lowest part of the basement or crawlspace where water from the foundation flows to. Excess water from rain, melting snow, and ground water drain to the sump pit. As the sump pit fills with water, the pump is activated by a float switch and the water is expelled through piping outside and away from the foundation.

Which Homes Have Sump Pumps?

My Home is Located in Flat or Low Areas With Soil That Collects Water
Groundwater, or surface water, can make its way into a home’s foundation through even the tiniest of cracks. If a home is situated at the bottom of a large hill or hills, the sloping land may lead excess ground water towards the home.

My Home Experiences Heavy Rain or Snow
While flooding can occur in any home at any time of the year, there are some homes more prone to flooding – especially in the spring when snow and ice are melting and heavy seasonal rains are beginning.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) creates flood maps identifying the flood zones in your community. You can look  at the flood maps to see if a property you’re interested in, or the one you currently live on is in a flood zone.

I Have a Finished Basement
When most people invite guests over to check out their recently finished basement, they’re usually showing off a finished living space
with big screen TVs and comfortable couches. What they’re not showing off is their sump pump, which has been installed to help them avoid stained walls, soggy carpets, and ruined furniture. The sump pump adds a layer of protection for the investment of a finished basement.

Avoid Mold and Other Health Risks
Sump pumps not only protect finished basements from flooding, but also from much smaller amounts of moisture that can cause  mold growth.

Mold grows in places with lots of moisture, meaning it can grow especially well near leaks and areas where flooding has occurred. Mold can also grow on just about any of the common items found in basements, including cardboard boxes, ceiling tiles, insulation, drywall, carpet and upholstery.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that mold affects people differently causing symptoms ranging from nasal stuffiness, throat irritation and coughing to eye irritation and skin irritation. The CDC has also identified links between mold and more severe health problems.

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

As you have read, sump pumps eliminate moisture and help to prevent flooding in your basement. More than 60% of U.S. homes have moisture in their basements or crawlspaces, so it’d be wise to have yours inspected. Prior to the inspection, one of our professionals can walk you through your options for moisture prevention, which may include basement waterproofing or sump pump installation.

Do I Need a Backup Sump Pump?

Because sump pumps are dependent on your home’s electric system, if the power goes out during a heavy storm, your sump pump won’t work. Therefore, we highly recommend that anyone with a sump pump also install a battery backup as an added layer of protection.

Request a Free Home Mold Inspection and Basement Waterproofing Evaluation

If you suspect that your home may have a mold problem, or if you have noticed any of the mold warning signs above, it is essential to get help right away. Left unchecked, even a small mold infestation can spread and pose serious threats to your home and health.

Contact Zander Solutions to schedule a free basement waterproofing evaluation today. Our waterproofing pros are seasoned vets certified in the industry’s leading techniques for residential and commercial mold removal, restoration, and foundation repair. If you have a problem, they’ll find the source and prescribe the most effective remedy at a price that can’t be beat.