Winter can be difficult enough, especially when a lot of snow falls from November to February, but things can get even worse come spring. While many of us view spring as a time of rebirth, with flowers blooming and the sun shining, it is also the time of melting snow, slush and, for some unlucky individuals, flooded basements.

The importance of proper drainage

When snow melts, it has to go somewhere, and if there is not proper drainage at your house, that can result in the snow melting directly into your basement. That can cause a lot of headaches for a homeowner, and a lot of stress. There are many things you can do to keep water from getting into the basement, but if the flooding is bad enough, it is going to find a way to get in. That is where a sump pump comes in.

What is a sump pump?

A sump pump is, in layman’s terms, is a pump that removes water that has accumulated in a place like a basement. It essentially works on a very simple principle of funneling water towards the pump, and then having that pump remove it from the basement. Sump pumps are commonly used in areas where basement flooding is a common problem, and where the water table of the ground is above the foundation of the home. When flooding happens, the sump pump will take the water from the basement and transport it out to a location where it won’t cause flooding. Typically, it is sent out to a storm drain.

The water will enter the home through perimeter drains of the waterproofing system of the basement. At this point, the water is funneled into a basin, where the sump pump removes it and transports it away from the home.

Pedestal pumps vs. submersible pumps

There are two types of sump pumps. The pedestal pump has a motor mounted above the sump, which makes it easier to service. The pump’s impeller is then driven by a vertical extension. The second type is the submersible pump, where everything is mounted inside the pump. It is designed to prevent any sort of electrical short circuits, since water will be in direct contact with the casing of the pump. In terms of which you should get, it all depends on what you are looking for. The pedestal pump can last upwards of 25 to 30 years, if they are maintained properly. They are also cheaper, and easier to service and move around. Alternatively, submersible pumps will last about five to 15 years, are more expensive, but they can take debris without worry of clogging, which is a concern with pedestal pumps.

Regardless of which you choose, a sump pump is going to help you immensely if flooding ever becomes a problem. They can also help lower your insurance cost, as many insurance companies will see a sump pump as a preventative measure, and will lower your insurance accordingly since flooding will be less of a concern.

With a sump pump, spring flooding no longer has to be a concern for you. Contact us today to have your sump pump installed or repaired.