14 May How Sump Pumps Ensure Your Basement Stays Dry
If you have a basement, you know excess water can lead to mildew smells, ruined belongings, and flooded floors. According to Forbes, about 98% of home basements experience some degree of water damage. A properly functioning sump pump is key to keeping your basement dry. Read on to learn how this important system works and how to maintain it.
Understand How a Sump Pump Operates
A sump pump sits in a sump pit or crock, which is a hole in the basement floor near the foundation. The sump pit fills with groundwater or excess overflow from appliances like the washing machine. Once the water reaches a certain level, a float switch triggers the sump pump to turn on and pump the water away through a discharge pipe. The pump directs it outside the home or to a storm drain. Without a sump pump constantly removing water, basements would easily flood.
Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
If your sump pump needs repairs or replacement, warning signs will appear. Low battery alarms, the smell of mildew, or standing water near the foundation indicate issues. Older sump pumps may run nonstop but fail to remove all the water. Listen for proper cycling of a healthy system. If you ignore red flags, flooding and water damage can occur. Contact basement waterproofing services immediately at the first sign of malfunction.
Make System Upgrades
There are several upgrades to improve your sump pump system. First, make sure you have a battery backup system in case of power failure. Waterproof basement walls and floor with sealants to direct water into the sump crock. Consider adding a secondary sump pump as an extra backup. Installing a water alarm alerts you if water levels get dangerously high. Routinely upgrading your system ensures your sump pump is ready for heavy rain or flooding.
Stay on Top of Regular Maintenance
Like any appliance, sump pumps require regular upkeep. Test the pump monthly by filling the crock with water to ensure proper functioning. According to our team of experts, it’s best to clean out debris at least twice a year. Always keep the float switch free of obstruction. Proper maintenance from basement waterproofing services prevents sump pump failure when you need it most.
Your home depends on an efficient sump pump to keep your basement dry and prevent costly water damage. Learn to spot issues before they become flooding emergencies. Rely on professional basement waterproofing services to install quality sump pumps and perform necessary upgrades and maintenance. With a well-maintained system, your sump pump can continue doing its important job for years to come. When you need to install a sump pump or other basement waterproofing techniques, we would love to help you. Call B & B Basement Repairs LLC now to get started.