3 Things to Know About Sump Pumps
If you live in a rainy area, at the bottom of a hill, or in an area with a high water table—such as parts of Weld County in Colorado including Windsor and Greeley—there’s a good chance your house has a sump pump.
A sump pump is a small pump installed below the lowest part of a basement or crawlspace, often in a small specially constructed pit. The sump pump collects groundwater and pumps it away from your home’s foundation to keep the lowest areas of your house dry.
While it may seem like relatively few houses would need to worry about ground dampness, it’s estimated that more than 60 percent of all homes in the U.S. experience below-ground wetness and are susceptible to some level of flooding or unwanted moisture. And since 1987 sump pumps are actually a requirement in new construction homes, even in areas that aren’t at high risk for flooding.
So, what exactly should you know about your sump pump? It’s important to remember that sump pumps can fail, just like any other mechanical system in your home. For this reason, it’s key not to overlook this important little pump. Here are 3 things to keep in mind.
- Leave the installation to the professionals. A licensed plumber will know the correct size of the sump pump that should be installed in your home and make sure it gets installed correctly. A sump pump that’s too small won’t be able to clear water away quickly enough to prevent flooding and a sump pump that’s too big for your space will work harder than it needs to for getting rid of unwanted moisture, which will reduce the lifespan of the pump.
- Make sure you have a backup source of power. Sump pumps are powered by your home’s electrical system. This means that if a storm causes the electricity to go out, the pump’s main source of power is gone too. You can invest in a backup battery for your sump pump or a generator to keep the power going and the sump pump working when you may need it most in the middle of a storm.
- Check the system every 3 months. Because sump pumps are hidden in a tucked away area of your home, they can be easy to forget about. But keeping an eye out to make sure your sump pump is doing its job will give you peace of mind that you won’t be surprised with unexpected water damage down the road.
If your basement or crawlspace does flood, give us a call. We can minimize damage to your home and property. Inspections and estimates!
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