How to Determine If Your Home Needs a Sump Pump

Many people purchase basement homes so they can have a space separate from the main household in which to relax and entertain. A lot of homeowners take advantage of this area of their home by filling it with comfortable furniture, an entertainment system that includes the latest in electronics, a mini fridge for snacks and drinks (or a full-size one if there’s room) and maybe even a pool or air hockey table. Imagine after investing in all this cool stuff that a sudden storm deluges your home, resulting in a flood of water in your basement that ruins all your hard work and nice things. In most cases, this disaster could have been avoided if the basement had been outfitted with a properly installed sump pump. But how do you know if this is something your home needs?

What Is a Sump Pump?

When it rains heavily, groundwater is replenished, which is usually a good thing – until it starts building up under your home and seeping through the foundation. A sump pump is a pump installed in the lowest point of your basement. The function of a sump pump is to prevent water buildup by pumping excess water away from your home once the water level reaches a certain point. If you’re not quite certain if your home needs a sump pump, there are a few very good indicators to look out for that will help you make this determination:

• Your basement is prone to flooding. If you’ve already experienced a basement flood multiple times, it’s clear that water has no problem finding its way into your home through the foundation. In cases such as these, a sump pump is definitely needed.
• You live in an area with frequent heavy precipitation. If the climate in your area includes high amounts of rain and snow, the soil can quickly become saturated, which means groundwater can rapidly rise above safe levels and begin to permeate your home.
• Your home is situated on a flat or low-lying piece of land. Houses that are built on areas that are flat or low-lying are understandably susceptible to flooding. Even if the basement of your current home (or one you’re planning to purchase) has yet to flood, it’s still important to take the precaution of installing an appropriately-sized sump pump to take care of any flooding that may occur.

Get Remodeling Help From the Pros

If you’re making plans for your unfinished basement or contemplating other basement renovations, be sure to first check with a professional to determine if your home requires the installation or replacement of a sump pump. To find local handyman services for your next remodel or home improvement project, just give Handyman Connection a call at 1-800-88-HANDY.