By removing water from the pit and draining it into a nearby storm drain, dry well, or detention pond, the sump pump prevents the groundwater from rising to the level of your basement floor, which could cause a flood. In this way, you can think of a sump pump as an extra piece of flood insurance!
Do I really need a sump pump?
The biggest indicator that you need a sump pump is if your basement has flooded before. That either means you need to install a sump pump or that your sump pump needs to be replaced. Another key indicator that you need a sump pump is if there’s water buildup anywhere in your basement.
What happens if you don’t have a sump pump?
Without a working sump pump, the excess water from a serious storm will begin to accumulate at the lowest point in your home. That point may be the foundation, crawlspace or basement. No matter where the water settles, it will begin to warp wood, cause rot and lead to mold growth.
What does a sump pump actually do?
A sump pump is usually installed in the basement of your home and is used to “pump” water out of your house and into another area, such as a storm drain. Often, they’re installed under the floor of your basement, although “pedestal pumps” do sit above your sump basin.
Why is there a sump pump in basement?
Goodbye, Wet Basement
Ultimately, a sump pump prevents a basement from flooding by collecting water and moving it outside of your home. A sump pump collects water in a basin called a sump pit. Then water is then pumped out of the pit and either into a lower point in your yard or to the city sewer.
Should every basement have a sump pump?
If your house is built on a concrete slab (no basement) then odds are there is no sump pump. Sump pumps are designed to take water that surrounds your foundation and pump it outside before it can seep into your basement. So—no basement—no need for a sump pump.
Will a sump pump keep basement dry?
Even a small amount of moisture in your home can cause structural problems, electrical fires, mold, and mildew. Sump pumps are an effective way to keep your basement dry, foundation strong, and your home free of health hazards like mold and mildew.
Why do new homes have sump pumps?
Why Do Some Homes Have Sump Pumps and Others Don’t? A sump pump is a device that eliminates moisture and prevents flooding in a home. Typically housed in a specially constructed pit below the main surface of a basement, a sump pump collects excess water from drains and pumps it out of the pit and away from the house.
What drains into sump pump?
Usually, sump pumps are installed in specially constructed sump pits. Water flows into the sump pit through drains or by natural water migration through the soil. The sump pump’s job is to pump the water out of the pit and away from the building so the basement or crawlspace stays dry.
Should there be water in my sump pump pit?
It’s perfectly normal for a sump pump pit to always have some water in it. This water can be the result of rain, snowmelt, or seepage from the ground. That being said, when the water rises to a certain level, this should trigger your sump pump’s float switch. This will cause the pump to turn on and start working.
Can you shower if your sump pump is not working?
There should be no problem, unless you actually need the pump to move water out of the sump.
Can you get rid of a sump pump?
I would say yes you should be able to get rid of the pump if it is not needed . I have had homes with a similar setup and no pump. I would probably seal the sump so if the water starts smelling it is not stinking up the house.
Do you turn off sump pump in winter?
While you might think you don’t need your sump pump over the winter months, you shouldn’t unplug it entirely. If a warm front comes through, snow melts and a rainstorm hits, you might end up with a wet basement all because you forgot to plug your sump pump back in. Clear out debris in your sump pump’s pit.
How often does a sump pump need to be cleaned?
Clean your sump pump and basin at least every three months. However, you should clean it more often if it runs frequently. Also, test your pump every month and inspect the pump every year to prevent sump pump failures. Monthly – Test the pump by adding water to the basin until it turns on.
Should sump pump be plugged in all the time?
This discharges the water above the ground outside the house, so that it can safely drain away from the home and foundation. The reason that you should never unplug your sump pump is that water can drain into the sump pit at any time, even in the dead of winter.
Where do I discharge my sump pump water?
WHERE SHOULD MY SUMP PUMP WATER GO? Run your sump pump drainage away from your home. Do not let it flow onto driveways, sidewalks or other paved surfaces. Discharge must be clear, clean water such as ground water or residential air conditioner condensate.
Can a sump pump discharge into sewer?
It is critical that sump pumps discharge to the yard or storm sewer, not to the sanitary sewer. It is illegal to connect your sump pump into your sanitary lateral. Not only can this cause serious health and safety concerns, it is also costing county rate payers.
Can I drain my sump pump into the street?
Water from the sump pump should be drained into the owner’s own back yard and cannot drain on neighboring properties. Water can also be drained into the street along the curb line, as long as it does not create a hazardous condition, such as ice.
