Do You Need a Sump Pump? 5 Signs to Look For

For homeowners, water is one of the biggest threats. One severe storm could cause serious damage, flooding, water backup, and groundwater seepage that turns your basement into an unsanitary swimming hole in no time at all. One way to prevent this, or at least reduce the risk of serious damage, is to invest in a sump pump. 

Not all homes will need to have sump pumps. If you live in a dry area or on higher ground, you may not have problems with basement flooding at all. And if you don’t have a basement in the first place, there’s no worry about water issues. 

If you are worried about potential water damage, here are five signs a sump pump could be a good investment. 

1. Your basement floods regularly. If you know that you have issues with flooding during heavy rains, even to a small degree, a sump pump could help. It will kick on when the water reaches a certain level, pumping it out through the drainage system.
2. You live in a floodplain. Even if your basement has never flooded, you may live in an area known as a flood plain. These low-lying areas are more prone to water flooding and a sump pump may be required by your home insurance company in addition to giving you peace of mind.
3. Your existing sump pump is old or damaged. Sump pumps usually last around six to eight years, and sometimes less if they’re used excessively. Make sure that you maintain your pump and if it starts malfunctioning, repair or replace it right away.
4. You live in an area with heavy rainfalls or storm threats. Tropical climates, areas with high rainfall, and any region where there is a risk of flooding and storm-related water infiltration all need to have a properly waterproofed basement that includes a sump pump.
5. You have water seepage around the walls. Even if your basement doesn’t actually “flood” regularly, you might be dealing with a bigger water issue than you think. Seepage around the walls and cracks in your foundation can add up to larger water damage that you might not see. A sump pump can mitigate the risk.

The Bottom Line

If you want to provide your home with the ultimate protection from flooding and water backup and protect your property, a sump pump is a must-have. Talk to Open Drains about installing a new sump pump in your basement today.