A Sump Pump Helps Prevent Basement Water Damage

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Water in your basement—whether from a slow leak, a rainstorm or a failed appliance—can cause lots of damage if you don't have a sump pump.

If you have never had a water problem in your basement, count yourself as lucky. Many times, water getting into your basement is a slow and steady issue, with more or less constant seepage. But other times the water can flood your basement quite suddenly, after a heavy rainstorm or a basement appliance leak. Either way, you’d be wise to consider installing a sump pump in your basement.

What’s a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a water-activated pump that sits either in a pit (that’s the sump) in your basement floor or just above the floor. When enough water collects in the sump pit, the pump is triggered to turn on and pump the water into a pipe that discharges outside your home.

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

We at SERVPRO think that having a sump pump is a wise investment even if you don’t have evidence of water regularly entering your basement. That’s because a heavy or long-lasting rainstorm, a sudden flood or a severe snowmelt can bring water into your home even when it’s been dry for decades. Also, if you have a water heater or washing machine in your basement, these appliances can fail and leak all over your floor, ruining any items you have stored there. Having a sump pump gives you a fighting chance to prevent a water disaster.

What Kind of Pump Should I Buy?

Since having a reliable sump pump can make the difference between a dry basement and severe water damage, we recommend that you first research your purchase to settle on a pump that is of high quality and well reviewed. Some other considerations:

• Submersible or pedestal: a submersible pump can be covered with a lid, keeping debris out and noise in
• Cast iron or plastic: a cast iron core will last longer with less heat buildup
• Mechanical or pressure switch: a mechanical switch is superior
• Screen or no screen: a no-screen intake design will reduce clogs
• Impellor or no impellor: an impellor will also reduce clogging
• Solid or non-solid float: a solid float can’t get waterlogged, stay on and burn out your pump’s motor
• Alarm or no alarm: an alarm will alert you when the water reaches a certain level, potentially saving you from a flood

One More Recommendation

Consider purchasing a second pump and either keep it on hand or have it installed next to the first one as a backup. Even better, if this pump has a battery back-up, it will work in case of a power outage, which often accompanies a large storm.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water damage remediation, fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, chemical cleanup, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) any time.

If your home or business suffers a flood or other water damage, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836 for immediate expert water damage cleanup

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home or business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield

53 Slater Street, Unit 2, Manchester, CT 06042
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Ralph DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.649.0836
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If your home or business suffers a flood or other water damage, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836 for immediate expert water damage cleanup