The Benefits Of Having A Sump Pump | Atlanta, GA
The Benefits of Having a Sump Pit
A sump pit and pump combination can save your home from a being a flooded tragedy. It can also help those who already have a wet basement remedy the situation and re-mediate things like mold and mildew. Not only will a sump pit and pump relieve your basement from water problems, it will help you by giving you peace of mind that you might not have had for a long time.
The sump pump, while not terribly glamorous, provides tremendous peace of mind for homeowners that is unmatched by any other piece of equipment. Rain and snow saturate the ground around and below your home’s foundation. Hydrostatic pressure causes a build-up against the concrete walls and will either cause cracks or overwork your drainage system. To relieve this pressure, a small pump is installed in the lowest part of a basement to keep the space under the building dry and prevent flooding. Typically, it’s installed in a pit or crock below floor level. The reservoir has a gravel base and is generally about two feet deep and 18 inches wide. Water enters the area through drains or natural migration through the soil. As water fills the pit, a float activator arm or pressure sensor turns the sump pump on and moves it through a pipe away from the house. Centrifugal force triggers an impeller to spin and forces water to move out through the pipe. Most household pumps run on standard electrical power and require a ground fault circuit interrupter to prevent accidental electrocution.
Why do I need a sump pit?
While in most homes, basement moisture is simply par for the course, a sump pit helps stop the water that is already present, providing it a place to evacuate and escape. A good way to look at it is to think about how you are treating the symptoms of things like cracks, foundation issues, and hydro static pressure. In the end, it’s an inexpensive and effective way to solve basement water problems. Did you know that at least 60% of homeowners have moisture problems in their basement? The higher the moisture and humidity levels are, the higher the likelihood of mold and mildew growth. A sump pump is your guard against these home disasters.
What does the installation involve?
A professional will come to your home and inspect your basement. From there they will assess where a sump pit would benefit your home the most. After finding the lowest spot in the floor, a pit large enough to accommodate a sump pump and water is dug. After the pump is in place, it is back filled so it sits securely. They will then plug the sump pump in and test the installation by filling it with water and inspecting the float.
Do I need a backup pump?
Because sump pumps run on electricity, during a heavy storm it is possible to lose power. Installing a backup battery pump is an ideal solution to this problem. Further, because a sump pump is mechanical, it can malfunction without warning. Meaning that your basement has a chance of flooding without your knowledge. A battery backup pump alleviates this chance, and restores the security that your basement will not flood.
For more information on how we can help you with your basement water problems, please contact us any time.
