While sump pumps may not appear high on the list of “must haves” for prospective homebuyers, they are actually a vital component in keeping moisture out of your home and preventing issues such as flooding and mold growth. Sump pumps are installed at the lowest point of basements and crawl spaces to collect ground water that accumulates underneath the home. Groundwater can easily rise through cracks in the foundation in your home during long periods of rain and cause water damage. The sump pump collects that water before it can do damage and redirects it away from your home!
While not every home requires a sump pump, if you have a basement or crawl space that experiences wetness and moisture, you should consider having a sump pump installed. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, more than 60% of homes experience ground wetness and moisture. Installation of a sump pump can help protect your home from potentially expensive moisture or water damage.
What is a Sump Pump & How Does It Work?
A sump pump is a small pump that is installed at the lowest point of basements and crawl spaces to collect ground water that may accumulate during periods of extended rainfall and redirect it away from the home. Sump pumps are designed to protect your property from flooding and water damage. Even if your basement area is not prone to flooding, if you have excess moisture around your home’s foundation, a sump pump is beneficial in hindering the growth of mold and mildew.
Sump pumps use special valves to sense when water levels begin to rise. When water reaches a certain level, the sump pump will automatically pump the water into a network of discharge pipes that move the water to a location away from the home.
Sump Pump Battery Backup
Sump pump battery backups are used to supplement primary sump pumps. Primary sump pumps run on electricity and will not operate during power outages. With a sump pump battery backup, you will still have protection from water damage when your primary sump pump loses power or experiences mechanical failure. A battery backup sump pump detects when the primary sump pump shuts off and turns itself on automatically to continue pumping water away from the home.