Is a Sump Pump Right for My Home?

Many homeowners must deal with wet or moist basement walls and floors due to weather conditions or faulty plumbing fixtures. Excess moisture in your basement can quickly lead to mold, mildew, and odors. Groundwater accumulating beneath the basement floor and on the outside of foundation walls will cause excess hydrostatic pressure buildup. This force causes tiny cracks to form in basement concrete allowing groundwater to seep inside. The immense costs associated with a basement flood make it even more important to quickly and efficiently correct basement water problems before it’s too late.

Having a reliable sump pump in place is the most effective step a homeowner can take to keep a basement dry. The sump system’s job is to divert groundwater away from foundation walls and floors to a collection pit in the floor at the lowest corner of your basement so the sump pump can efficiently pump away the water and direct it to a nearby storm drain or detention pond. Homes in the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions are the most likely to have basement sump pumps. In fact, Chicago has the distinction of having the most sump pumps of any city that Roto-Rooter serves. However, Baltimore isn’t far behind, and homeowners there are most likely to add a battery-powered backup sump pump or a water-powered backup sump pump for an extra layer of protection against basement flooding.

IS A SUMP PUMP RIGHT FOR YOU?

To determine whether a sump pump is the right waterproofing measure for your home, there are certain things that you need to consider, including:

• Is there often a puddle of water or excess moisture in your basement after heavy rainfall?
• Do you smell a musty smell coming from your basement?
• Is your basement damp or does the air feel clammy or heavy after it rains or when seasonal snow is melting?
• Does your basement seem damper and more weathered every winter?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then you likely will benefit from a sump pump installation. If your basement doesn’t currently have a sump system of any kind, you’ll need to seek out a basement waterproofing company to retroactively install a perimeter drain and sump pit. Roto-Rooter may be able to refer you to an experienced basement waterproofing company in your community.

HOW ROTO-ROOTER CAN HELP

Roto-Rooter provides sump pump repair and replacement services. If you have an existing sump system in place but aren’t sure if it’s working or up to date, your Roto-Rooter plumber can inspect it, test it, and make it fully operational again. The primary sump pump may need to be replaced if it’s old or not working. Roto-Rooter can also install a backup sump pump system that will protect your basement from flooding even during a power failure or if your primary pump fails for any reason. Having a backup sump pump may also earn you a discount on your homeowner’s insurance, so be sure to check with your insurance agent.