The sump pump is one of the most important pieces of equipment for preventing severe water damage to a property. The sump pump is a small pump installed in the low part of a basement or crawlspace. It collects water that flows into the sump pit, pumping it away from the building to keep the building dry and prevent flooding. To learn more about sump pumps near Baltimore , read on. And for quality sump pump repair, replacement, or installation, contact Storm Waterproofing.

Flooded Basements

The American Society of Home Inspectors found that more than 60 percent of homes in the United States experience below-ground wetness. Knowing this, it’s not surprising that most homeowners have to deal with water in the basement at some point. Unfortunately, water can cause extensive property damage, and may require home mold remediation.

How a Sump Pump Works

A sump pump is placed in the sump pit, a hole located in the lowest part of the basement or crawlspace that is approximately two feet deep. When water starts to fill the pit, a pressure sensor turns the pump on. This pulls the water out of the sump pit and relocates it to a drain spot away from the foundation. The pipe is oftentimes equipped with a check valve that keeps water from flowing back into the sump pit. Most sump pumps use a centrifugal pump to relocate water. The motor causes the impeller to turn, which pushes the water to the sides of the pipe and creates a low-pressure area in the center. Water from the sump pit is pulled to this area to fill the pressure void.

Sump Pump Design

There are two types of sump pumps. Submersible pumps sit in water, protected by waterproof housing. When the pump turns on, it sucks water through the gate and into the pipe, which routes it to an area outside of the home. Pedestal pumps, on the other hand, are located away from the water, even when the pit is full. These pumps are louder, but less expensive, than submersible pumps.

If you live in the Baltimore, the answer to this question is a resounding yes. Sump pumps are the best line of defense against basement flooding, which can result in hundreds or even thousands of dollars in water damage including mold growth and structural decay. If your basement sits below the nearby water table, or if your landscaping and gutter system causes rain water to pool around your home’s foundation, a sump pump is crucial for preventing basement flooding.

In addition to installing a sump pump, you should consider other basement waterproofing measures to further reduce your risk of experiencing basement flooding and moisture-related damage. A basement waterproofing company in Baltimore can discuss such option as interior wall coatings, epoxy injections, and exterior foundation waterproof sealants.

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.

Many homes have sump pumps in Baltimore. If yours does not, you should consider having a professional install one as part of your basement waterproofing strategy . A sump pump can protect your home from basement mold growth, foundation damage, and other types of water damage. When combined with other appliances such as crawlspace dehumidifiers, sump pumps can remove almost all the excess moisture from your home.

As water in your basement flows into the sump basin, the pump will activate and begin to drain it away safely, preventing a flooded basement. To see how these sump pumps work and how professionals install them, watch this video.