Sump pumps can be invaluable devices, especially for those living in Baltimore. By removing unwanted and excess water from the lowest part of your house, usually a basement, these useful devices can help to protect your home from a slew of problems due to water damage and mold. To keep your sump pump in good working order, follow these tips. For more information regarding sump pumps, or for a diagnostic checkup of your system, enlist the help of a trained basement waterproofing professional.

Connect Pump to Reliable Power Supply

Plug your sump pump in to a functioning GFCI outlet, which can cut off electrical currents flowing through it when tripped. Periodically inspect your GCFI outlet to make sure it has not been tripped and needs to be reset. Routinely check your power-supply cords for damage. Also, it is highly recommended that you have backup power sources in the case of a power outage. A basement waterproofing professional can help you design a battery backup system for your sump pump.

Keep Your Pump Upright

When sump pumps are in use, they are inclined to vibrate. This means that they can potentially move around or fall over, which can damage them or cause them not to work properly. Periodically check your pump to make sure it is standing upright and in the same position in which it was installed.

Perform Routine Maintenance

Even though sump pumps tend to be very reliable, they still need to be maintained. Check your pump’s outlet pipes for leaks, damages, or clogs, and check its vent hole for blockage. Disconnect your pump’s power supply and inspect its submersible pump by removing it from its pit. When your pump is working, it can suck in all manner of particles and debris. If you notice dirt or pebbles trapped in its grates, clean it out.

Your crawlspace may not be the most glamorous space in your home, but it may be one of the most important spaces because it could possibly contain things that support your house such as structural beams and gas or electrical lines. That is why it is imperative that you keep your crawlspace clean and free of moisture. One way to prevent unwanted problems is to perform a crawlspace waterproofing project. Hire a contractor who specializes in crawl space encapsulation in Baltimore to do this job properly.

There are several ways that water can get into your crawlspace. Leaky pipes, cracks in your house’s foundation, and storm-water seepage are the major culprits. Some telltale signs of moisture problems are mold growth, wood rot, and termite infestation. If you notice any of these issues, you need to act quickly. Mold in your basement or crawlspace can be harmful to your health, and rot or termite damage can weaken your home’s structural integrity. Contact a professional basement waterproofing company in Baltimore immediately to limit the damage and prevent major problems in the future.

If your house has a basement, you probably know that it can be rather damp compared to other rooms in your home, especially if it’s unfinished. Homeowners who rarely enter their basements, or those who use them primarily for storage, tend to be unfazed by a little dampness. However, moisture can be a real issue because it allows mold to grow, among other things. Moisture is of particular concern if you plan to create more living space, which will require waterproofing your basement. Before you embark on a costly renovation project, you should know what measures you can use to prevent moisture in your basement.

Stop Water from Entering

There are many ways to stop water from entering your basement. Firstly, make sure that your downspouts are in good working order. To increase their efficiency, extend them so that they are draining rainwater at least 10 feet away from your house’s foundation. Secondly, create a waterproof basement by sealing any concrete or gaps in it. Since concrete is porous, it can absorb a great deal of water. And gaps around egress windows or doorjambs can allow water vapor to enter. Lastly, inspect and maintain your plumbing. Leaky pipes or drains can cause a big problem. If you suspect faulty plumbing, call a professional immediately.

Install a Perimeter Drain

A perimeter drain is another safeguard against unwanted water in your basement. They are very useful because they divert rising groundwater away from your foundation. To ensure their effectiveness, keep perimeter drains clean and protect them from damage.

Invest in a Sump Pump

If your basement is below the water-table line or if you routinely experience flooding during the rainy season, install a sump pump. Not only is it a good preventative measure, but it also gives you piece of mind that your basement will not flood while you are asleep or away on vacation or business.

Go High Tech

There are several gadgets on the market that can prevent water intrusion by detecting leaks in pipes or from rainwater. By using sensors within valves or on the floor, these devices can sound an audible alarm, shut off power or valves, or alert you via email or text message when unwelcomed water is present. A basement waterproofing company in Baltimore can tell you more about the latest advancements in waterproofing technology.

If you live in a home with a crawlspace in Baltimore , you need to ensure that your crawlspace is effectively waterproofed. Crawlspaces are humid and full of moisture, which can cause a host of problems for your home if they are not waterproof. Your crawlspace is out of sight and easily neglected, but it has a significant impact on the air quality in your home, your health, and your home’s energy efficiency.

Prevent Rodent and Pest Infestations

Water and moisture in your crawlspace can damage the wood and ruin your insulation, which attract rodents and other pests. Rodents can enter your home through very tiny holes and gaps, and they love to make nests out of pieces of insulation. A crawlspace that is poorly maintained provides the perfect environment for wildlife and bugs, who can then enter your home and cause further damage. A clean, moisture-free environment that is sealed will prevent such vermin infestations.

Prevent Mold Growth

The humid, moist environment of your crawlspace is perfect for mold growth. Mold can cause respiratory problems, bacterial infections, and can contribute to a number of other illnesses, including asthma and pneumonia. Mold can also cause mycotoxins, which are very harmful to humans and animals, and can lead to neurological issues and even death. Waterproofing your crawlspace will eliminate the moisture and humidity that can cause the harmful growth of mold.

Lower Your Heating and Cooling Costs

Moisture and humidity in your crawlspace can damage the floor insulation in your home, which can raise your energy bills considerably. This insulation helps prevent unconditioned air from entering your home, or heated air from leaving your home. When it is damaged, it becomes ineffective, resulting in an air conditioner or heating system that has to work longer and harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. If your crawlspace is waterproofed and your insulation repaired or replaced, you will notice that your energy bills are significantly decreased.

A basement that hasn’t been waterproofed is subject to water damage, which can lead to mold problems, foundation problems, and expensive repairs. If you live in an area that gets heavy rainfall, or one that experiences freezing temperatures that can cause basement pipes to burst, you should invest in basement waterproofing in Baltimore .

Keep Your Gutters Clean

If your gutters are clogged, they will begin to overflow even during a light rainstorm. Over time, these overflows will pool up around the foundation of your home, eventually leaking into your basement and causing water damage. In heavy rainfalls, clogged gutters will quickly cause flooding and damage to your home’s foundation and basement. Remove leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris from your gutters to ensure the smooth flow of water through them. Then install leaf guards and downspout extenders that will direct water at least ten feet from the foundation of your home.

Change Your Yard’s Slope

The grade, or slope, of the ground around your house plays a significant role in how water flows during a rainstorm. During light rain, most water is absorbed into the earth, or evaporates from surfaces. But during a heavy rain, the water will collect in pools or run down slopes. If the ground around your house is sloped towards your home, this means that the water will run down the slope directly into the basement of your home. The soil or dirt around your home should be pitched at a slope of at least ¼ inch per foot, allowing water to drain away from your home instead of towards it. Add soil to your yard if necessary to create the correct slope away from your home.

Maintain Your Trees

Some trees have an aggressive root system that can cause problems with the foundation of your home, leading to cracks, holes, and damage through which water can enter your basement. Shade trees should be planted at least 20 feet from your home to prevent their roots from damaging your foundation. Smaller trees should be planted 10 to 15 feet away.

A basement with leaks can cause numerous problems in your home, including water damage, a water source that attracts vermin, and mold infestations. While many of these problems will be costly to repair, vermin and mold infestations can seriously damage your health. If you live in the Baltimore area, find a basement waterproofing company near Baltimore to avoid these health risks.

Certain rodents and other small wildlife are drawn to dark spaces that provide shelter and a source of food and water. A leaky basement can not only cause water damage that may provide holes that allow this vermin to enter your basement, but the leaks can also provide the vermin with a source of water that encourages them to stay put. Animal droppings and fur can cause a lot of health problems for you and your family. If rats, possums, or raccoons start visiting your basement, you may subject yourself to animal bites and animal-transmitted illnesses.

Mold infestations are equally dangerous. Mold can cause respiratory problems, allergies, asthma, bacterial infections, and pneumonia. It is particularly dangerous for babies, young children, the elderly, and anyone else with a compromised immune system. Mold can also release very harmful mycotoxins, which can lead to neurological issues and even death.

In Linthicum Heights and near Baltimore, you may have heard other homeowners talk about waterproofing their basements. There are many different terms that professionals use to talk about both basement waterproofing strategies and the consequences of inadequate waterproofing.

When you hear the term “water table,” it refers to the level where soil and materials below ground are saturated with groundwater in the vicinity of your home. Flooding can happen when surface tension causes the water level to extend above the water table. A “sump pump” is a device that pumps excess groundwater out from a pit below your basement. This water can enter via “water seepage,” that is, by oozing through the soil. Basement finishing requires adequate waterproofing, for which professionals may dig a “drywell,” which is a gravel-filled hole where water drained from sump pumps can go. To prevent water damage in your crawlspace, you may hear a professional talk about “crawl space encapsulation,” which essentially seals this area off from water penetration.

Effective basement and crawlspace waterproofing uses a variety of strategies to keep these below-ground level areas of your home dry and mold-free.

If have had a flood recently due to inadequate basement waterproofing, you should contact a professional who offers mold removal near Baltimore as soon as possible. When you clean out the basement or crawlspace yourself, it is almost impossible to completely remove all mold as thoroughly as a mold remediation professional can.

Certain types of molds can pose extreme health hazards, beyond the usual respiratory problems and allergies that regular mold can cause. Mold removal is especially important if you have black mold growing in any areas of your basement or crawl space. Watch this video to learn about the dangers of black mold, and you will understand the importance of prompt black mold removal.