Do I Need a Sump Pump?

Unfortunately, too many homeowners learn too late that they need a sump pump when their basement floods after a heavy rain, leaving up to 15 inches of standing flood water, ruining their belongings.

Sump pumps are unique devices; you don't see them and you don't actually use them. If your home sits in an area with a water table high enough around your home to seep into your floor or foundation, a sump pump will automatically pump away water that collects in a pit in your basement and pump it away from your home. Sump pumps have a float switch, which works like the float in your toilet tank. This float turns on the motor when water in the pit reaches a certain level.

Not all homes need a sump pump. If your home is on high ground and the ground naturally slopes away from your home for drainage, and you've never had a moisture problem before, a sump pump is a completely unnecessary and expensive addition. If there's a possibility that heavy rain fall could seep into your home's foundation, though, it's important to talk to a trustworthy Ontario plumber, who will take a look at your home and decide if this is a worthwhile expense.

If there's a possibility of water seeping into your basement, you could wake up one morning to 6+ inches of water, with the risk of fire from short-circuiting appliances and long-term damage to your home. This water will harm not only your foundation but anything made from water or wood, destroying any belongings in the basement and breeding mold and mildew.

Sump pumps are the most effective way to prevent a flood in your basement, even more so than a waterproofing system. If you're still not sure if you need a sump pump, the answer is probably "yes" if any of these are true:

• Your home has flooded before
• Your home is in a flat or low-lying area
• You live in an area with heavy rain fall

There are actually two types of sump pumps a plumber in Ontario can install for you: a pedestal pump or a submersible pump. Pedestal pumps have an electric motor with a column and an impeller in the sump pit. This type is usually fairly noisy. A submersible pump is designed to work under water and it's usually the best option. Along with being quieter, this type will usually last longer because it's waterproof.

If you're at all worried about a flooded basement, a sump pump is your best defense. Still, even these reliable devices can fail if they aren't installed properly or they're overwhelmed. To find out if your home needs a sump pump, contact the professionals at Inland Empire Plumbing.