Being a homeowner is a huge responsibility. Not only do you have to pay property taxes and keep your insurance policy up to date, but you also have to stay on top of important repairs and employ the right preventative measures. Flooding is a big concern for many homeowners, especially those who have basements. Sump pumps should be installed in every single home in the Chicagoland area because they are one of the most vital ways to protect your home.
Sump Pump Installation
Sump pumps are designed to remove moisture from your home and pump it to a location outside that is far from your home’s foundation. They are usually installed in pits found in basements or crawlspaces at the very lowest point in the home. The sump pump may have a float arm actuator, much like a toilet tank, that causes the pump to kick on when the water in the pit reaches a certain level. Some sump pumps have pressure sensors instead; these simply measure the water pressure being applied to the sensor and turn the pump on when that pressure crosses a predetermined threshold.
Reasons to Install a Sump Pump
Sump pumps provide unprecedented peace of mind, and this is especially true if your basement or crawlspace area is prone to flooding. When homeowners fail to address standing water anywhere inside their homes, problems can occur. These include:
- Mold – Mold is not only unsightly and odorous, but it can also be dangerous. Black mold can cause permanent lung damage if it is left untreated. Because standing water contributes to mold, sump pumps should be viewed as necessities.
- Bad Air Quality – Standing water creates humidity in the air, and this humidity can carry everything from mold and fungus spores to dust, dander, and debris. By installing a sump pump and keeping humidity levels in check, it is possible to improve indoor air quality and breathe easier.
- Electrical Fires – Standing water is also one of the most common causes of electrical fires, particularly when the water enters the home’s circuits and wiring through cracks in walls or even through outlets. Sump pumps can help keep water levels low so you can avoid this risk.
- Water Damage – Finally, water damage is one of the costliest side effects of failing to install a sump pump. Even an inch of water inside your home can do a tremendous amount of damage to carpets, floors, floor joists, walls, plaster, drywall, or anything else it contacts.
A Three-Step Process
Though sump pumps may sound complicated, they are actually quite simple to understand. A three-step process keeps your home safe and dry.
- Step 1 – Rising water in the pit triggers the sump pump to kick on via a float actuator arm or pressure sensor.
- Step 2 – The pump then begins to remove water from the pit and sends it through a series of pipes that run up, out, and away from your home.
- Step 3 – The water pipes end in a location that is far from your home’s foundation. The pipes should be placed in such a way that the water runs out away from your house as it is deposited.
In this manner, a sump pump can adequately remove water from your home as it collects, thereby preventing damage and expensive repairs.
While a sump pump system is quite the investment, it is one that is worth every penny. With a sump pump, you can prevent mold, fires, and even water damage – and if your system is professionally installed, you can even lower your homeowners insurance premiums at the same time.
