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If you’re a new homeowner in Sioux Falls, you might be wondering whether your house has a sump pump. Heck, you might be wondering what a sump pump even is.

It’s okay—sump pumps in Sioux Falls are a surprisingly mysterious subject. At INTEK, we get asked about sump pumps all the time.

One of the most common questions we get asked is “do all houses have sump pumps?” The short answer: no, they don’t. Here’s why.

Why Do Some Homes Have Sump Pumps and Others Don’t?

A sump pump is a device that eliminates moisture and prevents flooding in a home. Typically housed in a specially constructed pit below the main surface of a basement, a sump pump collects excess water from drains and pumps it out of the pit and away from the house.

Because sump pumps are stored beneath the surface level of a basement, it’s easy to overlook them when first touring a house. But it’s important to know whether your home has a sump pump so you can be prepared in case of Sioux Falls flooding emergencies.

If your home isn’t likely to flood, you may not need a sump pump. If your house does have a water problem, there are several other ways to prevent water damage before resorting to a sump pump.

Does My House Need a Sump Pump?

The necessity for a sump pump typically depends on your location. 

If you’re located in a city like Sioux Falls or Yankton that can be prone to heavy rains (especially during the spring), it’s a good idea to have a sump pump for potential flooding. Sump pumps are particularly helpful for those who live in low areas, like at the bottom of a hill.

If you’re wondering whether your home needs a sump pump, it probably does. The American Society of Home Inspectors estimates that more than 60% of homeowners have some sort of moisture in their basement or crawl spaces.

Many Sioux Falls homeowners even invest in a second sump pump as a backup in case their first one stops working or becomes overwhelmed. If you don’t want to go through the hassle and expense of installing a second sump pump, you could save money by installing a water alarm that will alert you of any malfunctions.

It’s important to ensure your sump pump is working for those higher moisture months, like spring. Here’s your complete guide to preparing your sump pump for spring.

Damage Already Done? Call INTEK for Water Restoration

If your home has suffered water damage in Sioux Falls thanks to a malfunctioning (or missing) sump pump, we can help.

At INTEK, we specialize in water restoration in the Sioux Falls and Yankton areas. Our 24-hour emergency service can dispatch a crew whenever you need us. 

After we take care of any emergency clean-up, we’ll dry your property and help you move forward with any reconstruction, cleaning, or carpet cleaning necessary to return your property to its original condition.