Sump Pump Considerations

A wet basement is one of a homeowner’s worst nightmares. While there are loads of solutions to cleaning up the mess and restoring your living area, prevention is always favourable. A good sump pump is often all that is required to provide this prevention.

The key to keeping a basement dry and your home safe in the event of a flood is not always about keeping water away from the home but controlling its flow. This where a sump pump comes in. It can be said that all households should have one in Ontario due to unexpected heavy rainfall, or snow melt.

Most of us don’t know exactly how they work, we’re just glad they do. As long as it’s doing its job, we rarely think about the sump pump. But without it, water will find it’s way into the living spaces of the home.

Sump Pumps Provide Storm Protection

When it rains or snow melts around your home, water will sink in around the walls and into the foundation. Without someplace for this water to go, it will find the point of least resistance. As water pressure builds up around your house, water will find a crack and move in. Whether it be a crack in the foundation or simply where your walls meet the concrete floor, make no mistake, if there is water around the home, it will find a way in.

A sump pump controls this water. A pit called a sump about one foot deep will allow the water to pool, where a sump pump will pump it up and out of the home. Most pumps run automatically, and the average sump pump can remove 2000 gallons of water an hour.

Now imagine that home without a sump pump. Water around your property isn’t the problem, it’s the amount of water, building up pressure that forces the water into the home. A good sump pump will relieve this pressure.

Types of Sump Pumps

There are two kinds of sump pumps. A submersible sump pump is designed to go directly into the pit and is surrounded by water. The pump motor is protected by a waterproof casing. They tend to be more powerful and quieter. A pedestal sump pump comes in two parts. The motor sits on the basement floor out of the water and has a hose that draws water out of the sump. These are favoured by the consumer because they are typically less expensive and generally last a little longer.

Many sump pumps come with an alarm that will sound if the unit malfunctions. Although most sump pumps will last 10 years, like everything, they will eventually fail and without being prepared, will cause water to flood the basement. Some sump pumps have battery backup in case of a power outage. Sump pumps should be maintained and inspected regularly to ensure they continue doing the job.  You can inspect your sump pump yourself by slowly pouring water into the sump pit to see if the sump pump activates.

Without a sump pump, many homes will flood within minutes. Such a simple machine with such an important job. Insurance companies love them as well.

Install a Sump Pump Today

A sump pump is an investment in your home that more than pays for itself. If you are in need of a sump pump or wish to replace an older sump pump, contact Conterra Foundation and Repair today.