Many homes that have a basement or crawl space have a sump pump to help address moisture issues. If your home does not have a sump pump, you may be wondering if it is necessary to obtain one. Here is a look at what sump pumps do and why you might consider installing one in your home.
What Does A Sump Pump Do?
Sump pumps are a type of plumbing appliance that works to pump out water that collects in the basement or crawl space in which they are installed. They will typically be placed in the lowest point of the basement or crawl space within a basin. This basin, or sump pit, collects water, and the pump moves it away from the house. The pipes used to drain the water contain one-way valves that ensure the water flow does not reenter the home.
Although they are widely used in areas that are prone to flooding, they are also appropriate for any home or business that has excess moisture around its foundation as it can offer protection from water buildup and flooding.
Why Do I Need A Sump Pump?
It is not uncommon for water and moisture problems to occur in basements and crawl spaces. Water can leak into these spaces due to pressure from the water found in the soil surrounding the home’s foundation. This overly wet soil can push water through the home’s walls and floor. In addition, as soil expands and pushes up against the foundation, it can create cracks that allow water to leak through.
Many factors can contribute to these problems, although improper drainage surrounding the foundation is one of the biggest culprits. Rain gutters that are damaged or not placed correctly can also create moisture problems, as can incorrectly graded walkways and ground around the foundation of your home. Groundwater issues and plumbing leaks can also cause water and moisture to build up in basements.
The age of the home is another major factor. For example, the basements in older homes in Virginia and Maryland were not constructed with the idea of using the area as an extension of the home’s living space, which means that little attention was paid to moisture control and adequate drainage. Homes that have undergone basement conversions are especially prone to water and moisture buildup if a sump pump is not installed.
Finally, the weather will also dictate whether a sump pump is necessary. Homes that are situated in areas that experience frequent rainfall, even if this only occurs during the rainy season, also need sump pumps to keep the home dry.
What Are The Benefits Of Installing A Sump Pump?
The main benefit of installing a sump pump is keeping the home dry, but it is important to consider how this will affect your home overall. First, it keeps your home’s foundation and building materials from being damaged by pooling water. If your basement is finished and used as living space or you store personal belongings there, it can prevent them from incurring water damage.
Second, another important benefit of installing a sump pump is its ability to protect the air quality in your home and the health of your family. This is because sump pumps remove water from the basement and reduce the chances of mildew and mold growth, particularly following floods. It also reduces humidity in the basement. All of this helps to support good indoor air quality, which is particularly important for people with asthma and other respiratory issues.
Do I Need A Backup Sump Pump?
When researching sump pumps, you may encounter primary sump pumps as well as backups. It is important to remember that sump pumps are operated with electricity. This means that when your home loses power, your sump pump will not be able to operate. This can be particularly concerning because many power outages are caused by storms that have the type of rainfall that could lead to major flooding if a sump pump is not functioning.
For this reason, many homeowners install a battery backup sump pump that will operate when power outages and other performance issues prevent their primary pump from functioning properly. These backups are easy to install and are always ready to kick in when they are needed. They can also be useful for providing extra power in the event of a flash flood or another occurrence where the primary pump is overwhelmed and needs assistance keeping the basement dry.
Reach Out To O’Connor Plumbing
Moisture and water in your basement are serious concerns, and you need an experienced plumber by your side to ensure that your home is protected and your sump pump is running smoothly. Reach out to O’Connor Plumbing today to learn more about sump pump inspection, installation, and repair services.