Think back to all those times you have heard about people reference their sump pump as a saving grace following a harsh rainstorm.  Nearly everyone who buys a sump pump is ecstatic with the decision.  After all, you never hear anyone complain about having a sump pump.  Invest the little bit of money necessary to add a sump pump to your basement and you will save plenty of money, time and effort in the years to come.  Your sump pump will prevent water from accumulating in your home and also prevent egregiously expensive bills resulting from water damage. 

Sump Pump Basics 

Sump pumps are strategically positioned below basement floors and crawl spaces to prevent groundwater from compromising your home.  Fail to install a sump pump at your home, business or other building and it is only a matter of time until groundwater threatens the building’s foundation and structure.  It merely takes one powerful rainstorm to allow groundwater to move up through the cracks within your home’s foundation and saturate everything in your basement.  The sump pump’s purpose is to collect such water and move it away from your property.  In other words, sump pumps are essentially another type of flood insurance.

Why Every Home Should Have a Sump Pump 

Just about every home basement and/or crawl space has moisture and wetness below the ground.  Such moisture results from cracks in the foundation that have the potential to spur extensive flooding during a rainstorm.  Even the faulty drainage of water from gutters can spur flooding.  Furthermore, if your home is located in or near a flood zone, it is imperative you install a sump pump.  Otherwise, you run the risk of water moving into your home and ruining your prized possessions, decreasing your property value and necessitating a costly cleanup project.

Additional Benefits of Sump Pumps 

In some cases, sump pumps are mandatory to obtain homeowners insurance overage for flood damage in basements.  Your sump pump will keep the basement dry, safeguarding the wall coverings and ultimately protecting against paint peeling. Sump pumps also protect metal appliances such as the freezer, dryer and washer against corrosion.  In fact, your sump pump will keep the basement dry to the point that mildew, mold and fungus do not form.  Nor will you have to worry about the moisture attracting termites or other destructive insects.  

Finally, if you spend time in your basement, you need it to be dry and warm.  Your sump pump is essential in keeping this part of your house in livable condition throughout the entirety of the year.  Once your sump pump is installed, you will rest easy knowing you can head down to the basement no matter how heavy of a downpour is occurring and do laundry, watch TV, exercise, etc. without worrying about potential flooding.

Do not be Intimidated by Sump Pump Installation and Maintenance 

There is a common misconception that sump pump installation requires the assistance of a professional.  Though leaning on a professional will certainly help, it is possible to install a sump pump on your own if you are self-reliant, good with your hands and have an interest in the mechanical aspect of such devices.  Furthermore, sump pump maintenance is fairly simple.  The main sump pump maintenance challenge is cleaning the filter trap every 100 days or so.  It will also help to test the system a couple times per year by pouring water by the pump to ensure it activates in a timely manner.  Furthermore, those who adhere to the instructions listed in the sump pump owner’s manual will keep the device functional across posterity.  As an example, such manuals typically recommend oiling the sump pump parts at least once each year to ensure uninterrupted functionality. 

Consider Installing Two Sump Pumps

Some homeowners go to the extent of installing a second sump pump.  The axiom of “it is better to be safe than sorry” is applicable in the context of rainstorms and sump pumps.  You will enjoy an invaluable peace of mind after the installation of a second sump pump knowing that if your primary sump pump no longer functions, you will have a backup ready to pump out water before it compromises your living space.  It is also possible the water level will rise so quickly during a rainstorm that the primary pump simply cannot pump all the water out before it damages your basement.  Invest in a second sump pump and you will be able to head out of town for a vacation or a business trip without worrying about whether your basement will be dry upon your return.