Have you had excess water in your basement when it rains or have any of your friends and family had their basements flood in a heavy downpour? This could be the result of a faulty or lack of a sump pump!

What Is a Sump Pump? Do I Need One?

A sump pump is a submersible device installed in a sump pit dug at the lowest point of your house, such as the basement or crawl space. This small but important addition to your home helps prevent your basement from flooding.

Most of the time, the pump is on standby waiting until it’s needed. When it begins to rain heavily, the soil around your house becomes oversaturated. Excess groundwater funnels toward the sump pit, and it begins to fill with water. This activates the sump pump float switch and turns on the pump.

By removing water from the pit and draining it into a nearby storm drain, dry well, or detention pond, the sump pump prevents the groundwater from rising to the level of your basement floor, which could cause a flood. In this way, you can think of a sump pump as an extra piece of flood insurance!

Benefits of a Sump Pump

A sump pump is a small investment with big advantages. Here’s how you can benefit from adding a sump pump to your home:

• Defend your basement against flooding
• Protect the paint and other wall coverings from peeling
• Safeguard basement appliances—such as the washer, dryer, and spare freezer—from corrosion
• Reduce mold, mildew, and fungus growth
• Discourage termites and other insect invasions
• Improve indoor air quality
• Keep your foundation intact
• Make the basement drier and more comfortable year-round
• Enjoy peace of mind, no matter what the weather is doing
• Meet a requirement for homeowner’s insurance coverage of basement flood damage

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

While the benefits of sump pumps are clear, some properties need these devices more than others. We recommend installing a sump pump if any of the following is true:

• You live in a climate that receives heavy rain or snow. Here in Chicagoland we get more than our fair share of moisture. Unlike desert climates out west, basements here are very susceptible to flooding.
• Your home is built on a flood-prone plot. Poorly draining soil, low-lying properties, and homes surrounded by hills are more likely to experience rising groundwater levels during heavy rains, snowstorms, and spring runoff.
• You’ve had water problems in the past. If your basement has flooded before, or you regularly struggle with high basement moisture levels, it would be wise to install a sump pump.
• You have a finished basement. Even if your home isn’t categorized as a high-risk property, consider protecting your underground living space with an affordable sump pump.

If you currently have a sump pump and notice water is creeping in, it may be time to replace it before it stops working completely and causes damage to your basement and valuables stored in those areas. Call us today to get your sump pump assessed.