“Do I need a sump pump?” It’s a question that might not have crossed your mind until it’s too late.
Picture this: It’s a dark, stormy night, and you’re snuggled up in your cozy home , watching your favorite movie. Suddenly, you hear a strange gurgling sound coming from below. Before you know it, you have a massive mess on your hands.
If this sounds like your worst nightmare, then you need to consider installing a sump pump in your home. In this blog, we’ll explore three compelling reasons why you need a sump pump in your home.
What is a Sump Pump?
When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, a sump pump is a crucial component that can make all the difference. The sump, a naturally constructed pit, is located below the main surface of your basement floor and serves as the basin for the pump.
The pump itself is equipped with specialized valves that can sense the slightest increase in water levels or pressure. When the water reaches a certain level, the sump pump automatically kicks into gear, pumping the excess water out of the basement and away from your property through an effluent discharge line.
Do I Need a Sump Pump? How To Tell.
Reason 1: Protect Your Home from Water Damage
If low-lying areas of your home, such as the basement, crawlspace, or patio, have flooded or suffered water damage in the past, installing a sump pump is a must. Even if the flooding or damage was minor, the lingering moisture could lead to mold growth, wood rot, and pest infestation.
These issues can harm not only the health of you and your family but also pose a threat to the structural integrity of your home. A sump pump, however, can prevent these problems by efficiently removing excess water from these low-lying areas. With a sump pump, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from water damage and its potential health risks.
Reason 2: Your home has negative grading
Is your home located on a piece of land where the ground slopes toward your home? If so, you may have a negative grading problem, which can cause rainwater to pool near your home, putting it at risk for water damage. Negative grading occurs when the land around your home slopes downward, leading to water flowing toward your house instead of away.
The good news is that a sump pump can help mitigate the negative effects of negative grading. By collecting and redirecting water away from your home, a sump pump can help prevent water from seeping into your home’s foundation and causing serious damage.
Reason 3: The water table in your home or neighborhood is situated at a high or shallow level
Living in an area with a high or “shallow” water table can be a cause for concern, especially during monsoon season. As the water table rises, the risk of flooding increases, putting your home and belongings in danger.
Worse, if your home also has negative grading, stormwater will be directed straight toward your house. The result? Water damage, mold growth, and pest infestations can jeopardize your health and safety.
Check with the Arizona Department of Water Resources’ groundwater data inventory to determine if your home or neighborhood has a high water table. However, the levels are always changing, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for water that pools in your yard after it rains. If you notice water that stays for up to 2 days, the water table has temporarily risen above the grade of your yard.
How Big of a Sump Pump Do I Need?
Choosing the right sump pump size is essential for successful and economical drainage. It might seem like a good idea to install a larger sump pump, but doing so might actually reduce the pump’s lifespan and necessitate more frequent and expensive replacements.
Start by looking at the data plate on your current or former pump to determine the proper size for your house. If feasible, maintain the same horsepower (HP), but be aware that manufacturer output can differ. Gallons per minute (GPM) delivered, float switch type, and sump pit size are a few things to consider.
It’s also important to factor in the conditions the sump pump will be working under, such as the vertical lift off the pump, the degree of the elbow in the pipe, and the length of the horizontal pipe.
Conclusion
A sump pump can prevent flooding and mold growth, wood rotting, and pest infestations, which can harm your health and threaten your home’s structural integrity. So if you’re asking yourself, “Do I need a sump pump?” the answer is most likely yes!
Don’t fall for those over-the-top plumbing commercials that promise a good laugh but deliver an inflated bill. At Custom Plumbing of Arizona, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service at a fair and transparent price. Say goodbye to gimmicks and hidden fees. We have you covered across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Buckeye, Cave Creek, Anthem, Chandler, Avondale, Gilbert, Peoria, Surprise, El Mirage, Apache Junction, Mesa, Tempe, and Goodyear. Contact us today at 602-866-2665 to schedule your appointment.