How Does a Sump Pump Waterproof Your Basement?
Waterproofing your basement is essential, and a sump pump plays a pivotal role in this process. Acting as the centerpiece of your basement’s waterproofing system, the sump pump collects and diverts any water that accumulates, safeguarding your home from potential flooding. While you might have a basic understanding of sump pump operation, it’s important to familiarize yourself with its components and how they protect your home from water damage. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions to keep your home free of flooding. We’ll also cover how a sump pump works, how to select the right one for your home, the cost, and why it’s a necessary addition to any home.
What is a sump pump comprised of?
To know what a sump pump is and how it works, it is important to know and understand the main components of the sump pump system:
- The Sump Pump: Any water that is collected in the sump pit is pumped away from your home via a sump pump.
- The Sump Pit: This is a pit that is recessed into your concrete slab which is located at the lowest point of your basement. It helps to collect and contain water that reaches your basement or crawlspace.
- The Discharge Line: A discharge line, as the name suggests, is a pipe that discharges water, propelled by your sump pump, out of your basement and away from your home.
What makes a sump pump function?
A sump pump consists of multiple parts that work together to initiate the expulsion of the collected water. The float switch activates the sump pump when the water level rises high enough that the switch is floating on top of the water.
When the sump pump activates, it moves an impeller via an electric motor, which looks like a fan and spins quickly. At this point a low-pressure area is created which then pulls water through the pump and pushes it out via a discharge line. This line goes through your foundation or siding to the outside of your home to expel the water away from the foundation.
When the water level goes back down to a certain point, the float switch is no longer triggered, and the sump pump will shut off. To avoid pumped water from flowing back into the sump pump, there is a check valve at the base of the discharge pipe.
What sump pump do I need?
The type of sump pump you need for your basement or crawl space is going to vary based on the specific needs of your home. If you are installing your own sump pump, then it is important to do the following:
- Determine your needs: You will need to look at the size of your basement or crawl space, the volume of water you may have, as well as any other challenges or features of your property that may contribute to water accumulation.
- Figure out the pump capacity: You will need to figure out the pumping capacity you will need based on the volume of water you expect to affect your home. The volume is measured by gallons per hour (GPH). You should choose the capacity that will handle the highest water you expect to encounter.
- Consider the power source: You can choose between electric powered, and water powered sump pumps. Electric sump pumps are more popular, but they will stop working in a power outage unless you have a back generator.
- Figure out the sump pit size: Make sure to measure your sump pit so you can choose the proper pump for your space. Also, take into consideration any installation limitations you may encounter.
- Choose between submersible or pedestal pumps: For a quieter sump pump option, consider a submersible pump, which operates underwater and offers greater power. However, it tends to be more expensive. If you choose a pedestal pump, note that its motor is positioned above the pit, resulting in more noise but a lower cost compared to a submersible pump.
- Look into your backup options: If you have frequent power outages, you will need to get a battery backup or a combination sump pump system to make sure it works through a power outage.
- Consider durability and quality: Always select sump pumps from reputable companies to ensure reliability and durability. Review customer feedback and ratings to assess the sump pump’s dependability. Additionally, examine the warranty details for any specific conditions.
- Look at additional features: Check out additional features including built-in alarms, automatic switch mechanisms, silencing check valves, and adjustable float switches. These features will give you extra convenience and protection against flooding.
How much does a sump pump cost?
Sump pumps can cost anywhere from $100 to $4,000 dollars. The price will vary based on its quality, the components, additional features, and whether you are installing it yourself or if you are having a professional install it. A sump pump may require a decent initial investment, but they can save you tens of thousands of dollars in the long run by preventing flooding and serious water damage within your home.
Are sump pumps needed?
The need for a sump pump in your home depends on your water issues. If your basement frequently floods or water accumulates on the floor, installing a sump pump is advisable to swiftly remove excess water. For new homes, consider the frequency of heavy rainfall to determine the necessity of a sump pump.
Even if you’ve never experienced a basement flood and don’t anticipate water intrusion, installing a sump pump is a wise precaution. Over time, factors like landscaping changes and natural shifts can alter the water table and affect water flow to your property. A sump pump can also be invaluable in the event of a natural disaster or issues like burst pipes or water tank leaks. If you plan to finish your basement and obtain insurance, installing a sump pump will likely be a requirement.
The sump pump serves as an excellent defense against flooding by channeling water away from your property, playing a crucial role in your basement waterproofing system. It is essential to select the right sump pump and ensure proper maintenance to guarantee that it will protect your home from flooding and water damage for years to come.
Professional Water Damage Cleanup
Installing a sump pump is one of the best ways to protect against basement flooding. However, there is still a chance that flooding or water damage can become a problem in your home or basement, even with a sump pump installed.
When this happens, it is important to call a water damage restoration professional immediately to address the damage. Trained restoration professionals use the proper equipment and methods to remove flood water from your home and ensure that the affected areas are dried, cleaned, and restored. The damage from water and flooding will only get worse as the water spreads so make sure you call a water damage restoration professional right away.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.
