Here at SSI, we’ve heard it said that a working sump pump is like an insurance policy; you hope you never need it, but when you do need it, you are glad it’s there. Today we are discussing sump pumps: what they are for and if you need them.

Looking for professionals to help you install or fix your sump pump? Click here to see how SSI’s trained plumbers can help!

The Facts

According to Water Damage Defense, a whopping 98% of basements in the United States will experience some sort of water damage in their basement. Not only that, but 37% of Americans claim to have suffered losses from water damage.

You are at especially high risk for water damage if your home fits any of the following criteria:

• Your basement has flooded before
• Your basement has ever had mold issues
• Your house is built on a flat or low-lying area
• You live in an area with lots of heavy rain and snowfall
• You have a sump pump that is more than six years old

Even if these don’t apply to you, you must remember: No matter where you live in the United States, you need to protect yourself and prevent water damage from mold, mildew, and flooding. One of the best ways to do this is to ensure that you have a functional sump pump in your home.

What is a Sump Pump?

 A sump pump is a pump used to remove water from a sump pit (or sump tank or basin) that is specifically designed for collecting water. The pit and pump are normally located at the lowest point in the house, and the purpose of the pump is to keep the ground below the basement dry to prevent dampness and floods.

What Should I Do?

If you think that you need to protect your home against water damage, one of the best steps to take is to check if you have a sump pump and if it’s functioning correctly. Often, basement flooding can result from sump pumps that are not maintained properly. Look at the guide down below to see what you should do to make sure your pump is working to prevent water damage!

If you don’t have a sump pump:

If this is the case, you should get a sump pump installed immediately. Depending on your needs and budget, there are two types of sump pumps you can explore.

Pedestal Sump Pump-In this model, the motor is placed above the sump. This makes it easier to maintain, and is more economical, but does not last as long as the next model.
Submersible Sump Pump-In this model, the motor is placed inside the sump and it is sealed. This option uses less space and is safer if you have children or pets in the home, but costs more than the pedestal pump. However, this model lasts longer.

If you have a sump pump that is 6 years old or more:

If this is the case, check to see what kind of sump pump you have. If you have a pedestal sump pump (described above) that is more than six years old, you should replace it. If you have a submersible sump pump that is more than ten years old, you should replace it. Remember that these are just guidelines; every household will have different experiences. The best option is to call a professional plumber to perform a check on it. They will be able to tell you when it needs replacing.

If you have a sump pump less than 6 years old:

Make sure you are doing proper maintenance and cleaning the filter regularly. Call a professional plumber to make regular check-ups on the pump. Doing this may seem like a lot of work, but it is worth doing to prevent thousands of dollars in water damage.

Consider installing a battery powered sump pump as a back-up if you live in a flood-prone area. This will protect you even when there is a power outage, as most sump pumps run on electricity.

Remember; proper care of your sump pump may seem unnecessary or expensive, but it can save you thousands of dollars in water damage costs. Prepare your home with a sump pump and prevent water damage.

SSI can help you with sump pump installation and maintenance. Our experienced plumbers know what to do in every situation! To contact us, call us at (703) 968-0606 or fill out our quick contact form here.