During a heavy rainstorm or spring thaw, water can permeate into a basement and flood it. Lots of homes have a sump pump, which draws water up and sends it out of the house to prevent this. However is it the right solution for your house?
Whether you have actually a completed basement or unfinished crawl space, a professional can set up a sump pump to protect from flooding. Sump pumps can be hardwired into your house’s electrical system or plugged into a neighboring outlet. Battery backup systems ensure your basement is protected from excessive stormwater even during a blackout.
Depending upon where you live and the age of your home, you might not have a sump pump in your basement. If you do, then normally:
A sump pump sits in a tank, called a sump pit, that is installed at the most affordable point of the basement flooring.
The walls of the sump pit are usually made from concrete, clay, tile or fiberglass.
Water that collects around your home’s structure is funneled through weeping tile and drainage rock channels it into the sump pit.
When water fills the cavity to a certain level, the pump is activated. It draws water and moisture out of the basin and releases it through a drain with a check valve to prevent backflow.
Sump pits are sold at lumber backyards, home improvement centers, and big big-box merchants.
Because you never know when the next storm will hit, it’s important to check your sump pump for correct operation regularly. The best technique is to add water to the sump pit till the float activates the pump. If this isn’t practical, lift the float by hand to turn it on it. Do not let the pump run for more than a couple of seconds without water.
If the sump pump does not work and you suspect mechanical failure, it’s important to schedule a repair from an expert as soon as possible! Your quick reaction is important to make sure protection against flooding in the next unpredictable storm.
Is it actually worth the financial investment? Consider the expense of drying your flooded basement, mold remediation, brand-new floor covering, new furniture, permanent damage to things you enjoy. Add sump pump repair or brand-new set up. Think about all the turmoil and your precious time that will enter into this rather urgent clean-up and remodelling procedure (due to the fact that you can not let your basement be flooded for weeks). So the answer is YES!