Is a Sump Pump Necessary in Your Basement?

Have you ever assessed your basement and observed moisture on your basement floor? Wet basements are common in areas with excess rainfall or snow. Basement floors tend to get wet from water and moisture accumulation, which leads to mold growth and exposes your family to health risks if not controlled. 

You may be wondering, “Do I need a sump pump in my basement?” To eliminate the moisture in your basement, you need a sump pump. A sump pump keeps water from accumulating in or flooding your basement. 

Below is a review of what a sump pump is, how it works, how to determine whether you need one, and requirements for ensuring it works effectively.

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a plumbing appliance installed on the floor of your basement that pumps out excess water into a specialized pit below the basement floor. A sump pump has an automated floatation system that alerts it to pump water once it reaches certain levels. The water is pumped into a sump basin, draining it from the foundation.

Sump pumps come in the form of a pedestal pump or a submersible pump, which work in both residential and commercial settings. They use electricity but come with a battery backup in case of a power outage. If your home’s foundation is prone to moisture, consider reaching out to our sump pump experts for guidance on our sump pump services in Winnipeg.

Why Is Water Building Up in Your Basement?

Water buildup in basements is a common problem in areas prone to flooding. A funny odor in your basement may be due to accumulated moisture. Some of the factors contributing to this problem include:

• Floods, snow, and other weather-related issues
• Foundation issues
• Plumbing leakages
• Incorrectly installed gutters
• Inappropriate drainage systems
• Groundwater problems

Your home’s age could also be a reason for moisture accumulation since contractors of most old houses did not consider the probability of basements being extensions of living spaces. Neither did contractors give adequate attention to proper drainage and moisture control.

Homes that need a sump pump include those in which basements have flooded and those located in flat or low-lying areas. A sump pump is necessary for your basement if you live in rainy and snowy regions or if your existing sump pump has outlived its estimated lifespan.

When converting their basements, people looking for ways to maximize their spaces must inspect their drainage systems and install a sump pump.

Importance of Installing a Sump Pump in Your Basement

You could try installing a sump pump yourself since the installation process in and of itself is straightforward. However, seeking professional help and advice is vital since a sump pump professional will help you remove excess water from your basement and ensure your drainage system is functioning correctly. Seeking professional services is also essential if you have an older home since old houses do not have sump pump pits.

Once you install your sump pump professionally, it will last for years without any faults and serve you well during emergencies such as floods.

A sump pump is necessary for your basement because it protects your foundation and building materials from any damage and prevents mold growth, thus reducing the chances of health risks. Other benefits include boosting your home’s resale value, protecting wall paint from peeling, and safeguarding your items from damage.

Installing a sump pump also improves the air quality of your basement and gives you peace of mind all year, regardless of the weather outside.

If your basement has experienced flooding or water accumulation in the past, chances are there will be a repetition of the same. Installing a sump pump will ensure you are more prepared when there are floods or water accumulation in your basement.

Is Sump Pump Maintenance Necessary?

After installation, you must maintain your sump pump to ensure it works well and serves you for a long time. Maintenance is essential during the rainy and snowy seasons. However, given that weather patterns are constantly changing, you should plan on servicing your sump pump regularly. 

For proper maintenance, always ensure your sump pump is upright since tilting float arm jams keep it from operating correctly. Pour water regularly into the pit and confirm whether the pump starts immediately. If it does not, have it repaired as soon as possible. If your pump is submersible, remove it from the hole and clean its bottom.

Additionally, ensure your pump’s pipes are tightly fitted and can drain water 20 feet beyond your foundation. Ensure that there are no blockages on the vent holes preventing water from flowing through the outlet.

When Should I Install a Second Sump Pump?

You can install a second sump pump as a backup when the old one fails or is overwhelmed. You may also install a water alarm to alert you when the sump pump fails.

Can a Sump Pump Be Substituted?

Basement moisture has many root causes. Once you determine the root of yours, you can weigh your elimination options and see what works best for you. For instance, a dehumidifier may work perfectly in minimal moisture. However, a sump pump is necessary for the basement if you have valuable items in it.

Are you still wondering whether a sump pump is necessary for the basement? Knowing the causes of water and moisture accumulation in your basement can help you resolve those issues more efficiently. Please peruse our website to learn why your basement is at risk of water damage.

Water Damage Restoration

At King’s Services, we handle all water damage and flooding problems in commercial and residential settings. We are here for you to offer professional help with water accumulation and sump pump issues in your basement.

We work with the best contractors to give you high-quality sump pump installation services. We are also confident in resolving your basement’s water accumulation issues. To ask about sump pump services in Winnipeg, call our office at 204-815-5878. We offer emergency services, and our line is open 24/7.