What is a Sump Pump, and Do I Need One?
What is a Sump Pump, and Do I Need One?
A sump pump is a submersible device installed in a sump pit dug at the lowest point of your house, such as the basement or crawl space. This small but important addition to your home helps prevent your basement from flooding.
Most of the time the pump is on standby, simply waiting until it’s needed. When it begins to rain heavily, the soil around your home becomes over-saturated. Excess groundwater funnels toward the sump pit, and it begins to fill with water. This activates the sump pump float switch and turns on the pump.
By removing water from the pit and draining it into a nearby storm drain, dry well, or detention pond, the sump pump prevents the groundwater from rising to the level of your basement floor, which can cause a flood. In this way, you can think of a sump pump as an extra piece of flood insurance.
Benefits of a Sump Pump
A sump pump is a small investment with bid advantages. Here’s how you can benefit from adding a sump pump to your home:
Defend your basement against flooding
Protect the paint and other wall coverings from peeling
Safeguard basement appliances such as the washer, dryer, and spare freezer, from corrosion
Reduce mold, mildew, and fungus growth
Discourage termites and other insect invasions
Improve indoor air quality
Keep your foundation intact
Make the basement drier and more comfortable year-round
Enjoy peace of mind, no matter what the weather is like
Meet a requirement for homeowner’s insurance coverage of basement flood damage
Do I Need a Sump Pump?
While the benefits of a sump pump are clear, some properties need these devices more than others. We recommend installing a sump pump if any of the following are true:
You live in a climate that has heavy snow or rain.
Your home is built on a flood-prone plot. Poorly draining soil, low-ling properties, and homes surrounded by hills are more likely to experience rising groundwater levels during heavy rains, snowstorms, and spring runoff.
You’ve had water problems in the past. If your basement has flooded before, or you regularly struggle with high basement moisture levels, it would be wise to install a sump pump.
You have a finished basement. Even if your home isn’t categorized as a high-risk property, consider protecting your underground living space with an affordable sump pump.
Schedule You Sump Pump Installation
If you have decided a sump pump is right for your home, it’s vital to have the device installed and serviced by a plumbing expert. We offer free upfront, written estimates for those in the Reno/Sparks area. Rest assured that our fully trained, licensed, and certified professionals will guide you through the sump pump installation process, so you know exactly what to expect.