Many homeowners have heard of a sump pump, but there is a lot of confusion about how these devices operate and when they are needed at the same time you must be having this question do all homes have sump pumps?
A sump pump is a device that can eliminate moisture from a home and prevent it from flooding. It is normally built into a special pit situated below the main surface of the basement and works to collect excess water from the drain and pump it out away from the home.
When you purchased your home, you may have overlooked the sump pump because of its location below the surface level of the basement. However, it is important to determine if your home has or needs a sump pump so you will be prepared in the event of a flooding emergency.
How Do I Know If I Need A Sump Pump?
Your home’s need for a sump pump will depend largely on its location. If you live in an area that is prone to heavy rains, particularly during the springtime, sump pumps are generally a good idea to help prevent water in your basement. This is especially useful if your home is located in a low elevation area, such as at the bottom of a hill.
Here are some of the signs that your home could use a sump pump:
- You have a crawl space.
- You have a basement (finished or unfinished).
- Your yard has poor soil drainage.
- Your area has a high flood risk.
- Your area is known for periods of heavy precipitation.
Most homes will need a sump pump to address moisture. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, more than 60% of homeowners experience some degree of moisture in their crawl space or basement, underscoring the need for a sump pump.
Moreover, some homes are equipped with a second sump pump that can serve as a backup in the event that their main pump becomes overwhelmed or ceases to function. It is also possible to install a water alarm that can alert you to malfunctions if installing a second sump pump is not practical.
Why Do Homes With Basements Or Crawl Spaces Need Sump Pumps?
When water enters a home, it can damage the foundation, forming cracks and causing issues throughout the home. As water accumulates outside the foundation, pressure will build up and the water can eventually make its way through the concrete. If this moisture is not addressed quickly, mold can form, which can lead to health concerns for the home’s inhabitants as well as structural damage.
Crawl spaces can also accumulate water in the same way that basements do. Excess water will pool in the lowest part of the crawl space and can cause significant damage.
Sump pumps can move excess water away from the home to a location where it doesn’t put the home at risk. In some cases, that might be a municipal drain. In areas where this is not permitted, the water could be pumped to a pond or even a grassy area where it won’t cause damage to the home. Ideally, the outflow will be placed as far away from the home’s foundation as possible as this will prevent the system from needing to continuously pump the same water.
What If My Sump Pump Is Failing?
If your home has a sump pump but you are still noticing water moisture accumulating in your basement, your pump could be failing. Although these devices can last as long as a decade, there are several reasons that they could stop performing, which can lead to flooding and water damage.
When there is a power outage, sump pumps are not able to operate. Unfortunately, power outages often accompany the types of storms that can lead to flooding. For this reason, many homeowners install a secondary backup sump pump that runs on battery power to ensure the home is protected when electricity is not available.
Another potential issue arises when the horsepower of a sump pump is either too high or too low for the capacity of the sump pit. This type of mismatch may cause the pump to run for too long or too hot, which will reduce its life span.
Other problems that can cause a sump pump to fail prematurely include float switch malfunctioning, leaky check valves, and blocked or frozen discharge lines.
Reach Out To The Sump Pump Experts At O’Connor Plumbing
Ensure your home is protected from flooding and moisture with sump pump services from the professionals at O’Connor Plumbing. They offer sump pump inspections, repairs, and installations, along with other services that can address moisture in your home. Call today at (833) 744-4644 to set up an appointment or request a consultation online.