Why Sump Pumps Are Essential in Helping to Keep Basements from Flooding

Why Sump Pumps Are Essential in Helping to Keep Basements from Flooding

You will never realize how important sump pumps are until one day you go to your basement and unexpectedly step into ankle-deep water. This is probably one of the most devastating things, particularly if your basement is full of items that can get damaged when exposed to water. If such a thing has happened to you before, worry not because we have a solution for your problems. By installing a sump pump, you give your residence first-line protection against flooding and interior water damage disasters.

What is a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are tiny pumps used to drain water from sump basins. There are two varieties of sump pumps:

  • Submersible sump pumps – combine the pump and the engine into a single unit. These are immersed and enclosed within a basin in the basement, hence not easily noticeable. They are usually quieter, less susceptible to blockage, and take up less space. One downside of these units is they are not as durable as other types. Nevertheless, if you are concerned about flooding, submersibles are still the best alternative.
  • Pedestal sump pumps –  are positioned above the floor on sections that project from the sump hollow. Pedestal sump pumps comprise a separate motor and a pump. The motor is mounted on a pedestal above the basin, and a pipe connects it to the basin’s pump. This pump forces the water into the pipe and down the drain. Since the motor is not immersed, it has a higher survival rate and is easier to maintain. The disadvantages are that it can be noisy and takes up a lot of space in the basement.

Sump pumps, devised in 1946 by U.S. Navy electrical engineer Karl Niedermeyer, have been a standard feature in homes for years. The U.S. Federal Clean Water Act made it mandatory for new houses to be built with sump pumps, regardless of the region. Before this, it was only compulsory for houses built in floodplains to have sump pumps, a major way to to help prevent water damage from impacting your structure. 

What Does a Sump Pump Do?

You most certainly have a sump pump in your basement, most probably in a corner or next to an exterior wall. When you open the basin, you’ll notice a few holes in the wall of the sump basin, each of which is hooked up to a drainage pipe. Some drainage pipes originate from weeping flooring pipes outside the foundation of your residence, while others hook up to inner drainage facilities beneath the basement floor.

When groundwater collects around your residence or beneath your basement floor, it channels into your sump basin via a drain pipe. Your sump pump activates whenever the water level gets to a specific point. Sump pumps are primarily activated using two methods:

  • Pressure sensor – This conveys a signal to the sump pump once the water pressure exceeds the set level.
  • Float activator arm – This uses a buoyant ball that stays afloat on the water surface. If the water level exceeds a certain point, the pump activates automatically.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

The majority of sump pumps are permanently connected to a home’s electrical system, although some use the municipal water supply. Water-guided sump pumps operate even during power outages, making them an excellent option if your house is in an area that experiences frequent power outages. However,  if your city’s local water costs are high, they might be quite expensive to operate. Some AC-powered sump pumps include handy rechargeable batteries backups.

Should a Sump Pump Run All the Time?

Since sump pumps activate automatically, you have no control over the time they run. If your residence is in a flood zone or below the water table, your sump pump will probably run regularly as water collects beneath your foundation.

  • FAQ on Water Damage

    How Can You Cleanup Water Damage on Your Own?

    Cleaning up water damage can be a difficult and time-consuming task. However, there are some things that you can do to clean up the damage and prevent further damage from occurring. The first thing that you need to do is to remove any wet items from the area. This includes carpeting, furniture, draperies, and anything else that is wet. Once you have removed these items, you need to dry the area as much as possible. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water from the area. You can also use fans to help dry the area. Once the area is dry, you need to disinfect it. This can be done by using a bleach solution or a disinfectant. Once the area is dry and disinfected, you need to repair any damage that has been done. This includes any holes in the walls or ceilings. You also need to repair any damaged flooring. If you have any questions about how to cleanup water damage, you should contact a professional. They will be able to give you more information and help you repair the damage.

    How fast does mold grow after a water leak?

    Under the right conditions, mold can grow within 24-48 hours. Factors that contribue to mold growth include the temperature of the area impacted by water damage and the types of materials that are saturated.

    What happens if you leave water damage?

    Leaving water damage untreated will cause it to spread, potentially damaging other areas of your home. Additionally, long-term exposure to water can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause serious health problems.

    What is the best way to dry out water damage?

    The first step is to remove the water source. If the water is coming from a leaky pipe, then you will need to fix the pipe. If the water is coming from a flood, then you will need to wait for the water to recede. Once the water source has been removed, you will need to dry out the area. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or by using fans and dehumidifiers. You will also need to remove any wet items from the area, such as carpeting, furniture, or clothing.

    How can you tell if a wall or ceiling has water damage

    You can tell if a wall or ceiling has water damage if it is sagging, discolored, or has water stains. A professional restoration contractor can use a moisture meter or infrared camera to detect wet spots and hidden water damage.