How Do Sump Pumps Protect the Home?
Floods are a serious threat to the integrity and safety of certain homes. When homes have basements or crawl spaces and the surrounding property is poorly graded, or when homes are located in low-lying areas, rain runoff can flood into or under the home. If rainwater is allowed to sit inside or under the home, it can cause problems like structural damage or mold infestation. The best option to protect the home is to install a sump pump to remove the water and allow the area to dry quickly.
Sump pumps are submersible pumps that are part of a larger drainage system on properties vulnerable to flooding. Together with drains and basins, the sump pump helps quickly move water away from low-lying areas. If a home has a basement or crawl space or sits in a swampy area, the system is likely already in place. In that case, maintaining the existing system is key. If a sump pump system isn’t in place, one should be installed quickly to prevent property damage.
Benefits of Sump Pumps
For homes that need extra protection against flooding, sump pumps are indispensable. Some of the reasons they are so beneficial to vulnerable homes are:
- Protects the Foundation: Water can weaken a home’s foundation over time by causing cracks, shifting, and soil erosion. A sump pump helps to protect the foundation by removing excess water before it causes damage, preventing these long-term effects and helping maintain the home's structural soundness.
- Protects Basements and Crawl Spaces: Modern homes have finished basements and encapsulated crawl spaces for easy repairs. When groundwater is allowed to back up into these areas, it can ruin floors, walls, and finishes, requiring thousands of dollars for rehabilitation and the headache of a major construction or remediation project.
- Prevents Mold Growth: When moisture seeps into a basement or crawl space, it creates an environment conducive to mold and mildew growth. Mold spores can spread throughout the house, posing health risks like respiratory problems and allergic reactions. Sump pumps keep the area dry, reducing the chances of mold and mildew forming, thus maintaining a healthier indoor air quality.
Common Sump Pump Options
There are two primary options for sump pumps: submersible and pedestal sump pumps. Submersible sump pumps are sealed units containing a motor and a pump in the drainage basin. They operate quietly and reliably, but they can be a hassle to remove for maintenance and inspection.
Pedestal sump pumps have a pump driven by a long shaft. The motor sits above the water, making its operation louder. However, pedestal sump pumps are easier to inspect and repair. Additionally, they are a little cheaper to install or replace.
Secondary and Backup Sump Pumps
Sump pumps require a power source, so when storms hit and knock out power, homes can be left unprotected in a rainstorm. For this scenario, backup or secondary sump pumps are available. These pumps work alongside the regular sump pump or in the place of the sump pump.
Powerful batteries stay charged for hours after power is lost so the pump can continue to run and protect the home from flooding. If a home is equipped with a secondary sump pump, it probably means the home is vulnerable. Inspecting and maintaining this sump pump is essential.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is known for its various offerings to keep every home safe, including water heater service and pipe repair. They offer straightforward pricing and a 2-year guarantee of services from skilled professionals. Call today for sump pump services in Northfield, MN.
