If you’ve recently remodeled your basement or even if you use your basement just for storage, the last thing you want to deal with is basement flooding. The best way to keep your home from flooding is to have a sump pump. That’s because a sump pump’s job is to take the extra water that’s collecting in your home and move it back outside. It’s a pretty important job!
Here are 5 signs that you need a sump pump and how to know whether or not it’s time to replace your current sump pump.
But before we get into all that, let’s talk a little more about what exactly a sump pump does and why you need one.
What does a sump pump do?
Excessive water at the ground level of your home collects in what’s called the sump pump basin, which kind of looks like a giant trash can sitting in the ground just below floor level, and then gets pumped out through pipes connected to the sump pump itself. A sump pump’s job is to pump that unwanted water up and out of your basement. Which means a sump pump keeps your home and your stuff safe from water damage!
It’s time to install a new sump pump if you:
- Notice water in your basement
- Live in an area with lots of water or snow annually
- Have a sump pump that’s old or doesn’t power on
- Live in a low-lying area
- Just finished your basement
Keep reading to find out just how those are signs that a new sump pump should be in your future.
You notice water in your basement.
The biggest indicator that you need a sump pump is if your basement has flooded before. That either means you need to install a sump pump or that your sump pump needs to be replaced.
Another key indicator that you need a sump pump is if there’s water buildup anywhere in your basement. That water means that water is finding its way into your basement but not out of it.
You live in an area with lots of water or snow annually.
The more water nature throws your way, the bigger the job that your sump pump faces. If you live in an area with lots of snow or rainfall every year, make sure your sump pump is up to snuff before the melting snow or rainwater starts creeping into your basement.
Your current sump pump doesn’t power on.
If your current sump pump is more than 10 years old, it’s time to replace it. But that’s not the only sign that your sump pump should be retired.
If it’s raining quite a bit, and you notice deep puddles forming outside, and you don’t ever hear your sump pump power on, your sump pump isn’t doing its job anymore. If you hear it powering on and off while the rain is still falling, then it’s also time to replace your sump pump.
Your home is in a low-lying area.
Water collects at the lowest point, so if your home is at that lowest point, you could find yourself dealing with several water problems that a sump pump could alleviate.
You should also be concerned if you live in a flat area but you’re surrounded by soil that traps water. The more water that’s present in the soil, the more likely it will overwhelm your basement with extra water.
You just finished your basement.
It’s also time to check up on the health of your sump pump if you just finished your basement, or if you store anything in your basement that you’d rather not get water damaged. Your stuff and your home matters! Make sure you’re ready for whatever nature throws your way with a fully-functional sump pump.
Need to clean up after your sump pump failed you? We’re here to help!
