Have you ever wondered what a sump pump actually does?
You’re not alone. At Crawl Space Brothers, we are often asked what these devices actually do.
If you’re a homeowner (and you stumbled onto this blog), chances are you’ve heard of sump pumps. But what exactly do they do, and why are they important? In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and provide some tips for maintaining your pump so that it can work efficiently for years to come.
What is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump works by pumping excess water away from the foundation of your home, preventing the costly damage that can result from flooding or standing water in the crawl space. Most pumps use a pit or basin filled with gravel or stones to collect water that accumulates in the basement or crawl space of a building. The pump then kicks in when there is too much water, pushing it out of the house through pipes leading to an area further away from your property, such as a storm drain or retention pond.
The truth is, though, this is not a device many people want to think about. They are the first line of defense against flooding in your basement or crawl space. So when you have to think about a sump pump, it often means you have a water issue.
However, it’s also a great way to prevent water damage in the first place! A sump pump helps to keep your crawl space or basement dry by collecting and removing excess water from a low-lying area in the home. Getting one installed before things go underwater can save you a ton of money and the headache of home repairs.
Essential Parts Of A Sump Pump
A sump pump is comprised of several parts that help remove water from the crawl space or basement. The main component is the pit which collects water and needs a cover on it at all times to prevent evaporation. Additionally, a check valve helps to ensure that water from the discharge pipe doesn’t come back down into the pit, while backup power sources allow it to keep functioning in extreme weather events. Many sump pumps also feature alarms that will sound when the system is working to alert homeowners that there is water buildup in the pit. Finally, the discharge location must be determined so excess water can be diverted away from the structure where it poses no damage.
Who Needs a Crawl Space Sump Pump?
Sump pumps are essential for any homeowner who has ever experienced flooding or those living in a high water table area. These pumps are designed to collect and dispose of excess water from the crawl space or basement quickly and efficiently.
We all want our homes to be the safe and secure spaces we expect them to be, but crawl spaces are often overlooked in maintenance. If you’ve got a crawl space, you should strongly consider investing in a sump pump. This specialized device can help protect your crawl space from flooding, and the more serious issues that come hand-in-hand with it—like mold growth and crawl space water damage. Ignoring these problems can carry lasting consequences; costly home repairs or even entire rebuilds can put significant strain on both your family finances and your peace of mind.
While we hope you never have to deal with flooding or standing water under your home, we also don’t want to sugarcoat it and leave you in a bad situation. Flooding can happen, and it’s actually very common in the Southeastern United States. As your local crawl space experts, we recommend sump pumps to many homes.
However, there are a variety of factors that go into deciding if you need a sump pump, including:
1. Home location
If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, you’re more likely to need a sump pump. If your home is located in a floodplain or near a river or lake, you should definitely consider getting a sump pump.
2. Basement or crawl space
Another factor to consider is whether your home has a basement or crawl space. If so, you’re more likely to need a sump pump, as these spaces are more susceptible to flooding.
3. Groundwater level
The groundwater level is also important to consider. If the groundwater level is high, there’s a greater chance that water will seep into your home and cause flooding. A sump pump can help to prevent this from happening.
4. Soil type
The type of soil your home is built on can also affect the likelihood of flooding. If the soil is sandy or clay-based, it’s more likely to absorb water and cause flooding. A sump pump can help to prevent this from happening.
5. Climate
The climate in your area can also play a role in whether or not you need a sump pump. If you live in an area with heavy rains or frequent storms, you’re more likely to need a pump to get the water out.
6. Home insurance policy
The climate in your area can also play a role in whether or not you need a sump pump. If you live in an area with heavy rains or frequent storms, you’re more likely to need a pump to get the water out.
7. Local building codes
Local building codes can also dictate whether or not you need one of these devices. In some areas, homes must have a sump pump in order to be up to code. So, if you’re planning on selling your home, you may need to install one.
8. Personal preference
In some cases, it may simply be a personal preference as to whether or not you want a sump pump. If you’re worried about the possibility of flooding, you may want to install one for peace of mind.
9. Age of home
The age of your home can also play a role in deciding if you need a sump pump. Older homes are more likely to have crawl space waterproofing problems than newer homes. This is because the materials that make up your home and the ground underneath may shift or degrade over time, increasing the space for water to seep in.
10. Drainage systems
The drainage system around your property will also affect whether or not you need a sump pump installed. If the drainage system around your property is not functioning properly, it can lead to water pooling around your home and eventually seeping into your crawl space and causing flooding. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that the drainage system around your property is functioning properly before deciding whether or not to install a sump pump.
How Do I Maintain My Sump Pump?
It’s important to keep your sump pump working properly so that it can do its job whenever needed. To ensure this crawl space continues to perform optimally, regular maintenance of the device is key. Though there are various types available on the market, it’s important to check your owner’s manual for manufacturer instructions regarding maintenance and service schedules. The Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturer’s Association (SSPMA) generally recommends that you clean a crawl space sump pump’s screen or inlet opening quarterly and that you remove the pump entirely once per year for cleaning purposes.
Safety Tip: Make sure to unplug the sump pump from the power before removing it, and plug it back in when you are done cleaning.
Additionally, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) recommends that homeowners have their pumps checked at least once a year. This will prevent long-term build-up or unknown damage.
A sump pump is an invaluable tool for protecting homeowners from flooding and other water-related disasters in their homes and basements. By understanding what a sump pump does and how to maintain it, you can rest assured knowing that you have taken measures to protect yourself and your family from potential harm caused by flooding or standing water in the crawl space. With regular maintenance and proper use of this essential tool, you can ensure that you are well-prepared if disaster strikes!
Your Local Experts in Crawl Space Sump Pumps
Here at Crawl Space Brothers, we understand the importance of functional and properly installed sump pumps. Over time, they can become clogged with dirt, rocks, rubble, and even tree roots, leading to inefficiency, backup, and potential damage. We take pride in knowing that our sump pumps are reliable, efficient, and professionally installed.
If you have more questions about crawl space sump pumps, give us a call (866) 272-9548! We’d be glad to give you all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.
