No one wants to come home one day and find their basement full of water. However, thousands of homeowners go through this ordeal every year. Installing a sump pump can help avoid this disaster in a person’s home.
Homeowners who have neglected sump pumps should consider sump pump repair to protect their homes. A sump pump is an invaluable tool for keeping a person’s home safe and in good repair. Below is an explanation of what a sump pump is and why homeowners with a basement should have one.
What is a Sump Pump?
Sump pumps are submersible devices installed in sump pits. Sump pits are dug at the lowest part of a person’s house, typically in basements or crawl spaces under the house. These devices are small, but they are an essential defense against basement flooding.
Sump pumps turn on only when they are needed, spending most of the time on standby. When heavy rain sets in, the soil around the home’s foundation gets saturated and the excess water is directed towards the sump pit. Once the sump pit fills with water, it activates the sump pump.
Once the sump pump is on, it pumps water from the pit into a storm drain, retention pond, or dry well near the home. Doing this prevents water from rising above the ground level of the house.
The Benefits of Having a Sump Pump
Ensuring proper drainage during heavy rain is only one of the several significant benefits offered by sump pumps. Some of the other advantages include:
Prevent Flooding and Water Damage
As mentioned earlier, sump pumps prevent water from rising into the bottom floor of a person’s home. Rain isn’t the only circumstance where rising water levels could be an issue. Improperly installed downspouts, gutter debris, and sewage backups could all lead to flooding, but a sump pump can reduce the risk of this happening.
Prevent Mold and Mildew Growth
Flooding means standing water in the basement. Standing water is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Sump pumps keep the bottom floor of a person’s home dry, so mold and mildew do not grow.
Prevent Pest Infestations
There are several species of insects whose ideal environment is a damp, moldy basement. These insects include cockroaches, earwigs, silverfish, and more. Keeping the basement dry with a sump pump reduces the risk of these pests making a home there.
Prevent Electrical Fires
Believe it or not, flooding is one of the leading causes of electrical fires. The reason is, as a basement floods, water seeps into the walls and comes in contact with the home’s wiring. When there is a working sump pump in the house, the likelihood of this happening is significantly reduced.
Protect Electrical Appliances
Wiring in the walls is not the only casualty of a flooded basement. Often, standing water from flooding ruins major appliances that cost a lot of money to replace. Installing a sump pump means protecting devices from water damage and saving a lot of money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Many homeowners overlook the importance of installing a sump pump until it is too late. A home is a significant investment and must be taken care of to retain its value. Install a sump pump right away to keep flooding and water damage at bay.
