Sump Pump Basics: What do You Need to Know?

Spring has arrived here in Northern Virginia, and wet weather is sure to come with it. A functioning sump pump is an absolute must to keep your home safe from flooding in the coming months.

What does a sump pump do?

Situated in a pit near your basement floor, a sump pump works by collecting excess water around your basement and using electricity to pump it away from the area so none of that water lingers around or inside your basement, thereby protecting your space from floods, mold, and mildew. This is a very important step in conserving any valuables you have stored in your basement. By proactively avoiding the expensive repairs and stress that come with flooding, a sump pump can bring you peace of mind and a better quality of life. Having a sump pump installed can even increase the value of your home!

I have a sump pump installed. Do I need to do anything about it?

It can be tempting to get a sump pump installed and then forget about it entirely, safe in the knowledge that your home is protected. However, flooding can only be properly curtailed if your sump pump is working, so it’s very important to make sure that no issues have cropped up over the months and years since you’ve last given it a thought. If you notice that your sump pump is not functioning as it should, it is important to get it repaired as soon as possible in order to avoid costly flood damage in your home.

It is also important to think about your sump pump throughout the rainy season, even if you think it should be in perfect working order. Heavy rain and thunderstorms can often bring power outages. If your electricity goes out due to a storm, your sump pump has likely stopped doing its job as well. As heavy rain can be an enormous factor in causing a wet basement, it is essential that you have a backup method of powering your sump pump. Battery power and generators are great options.

Here at Service Specialties., we offer many different options for sump pump installations and repairs. We work closely with our customers to find the best solutions for them and their homes! For more information on sump pumps and whether you should have one installed, or to schedule a repair or installation, don’t hesitate to call us or schedule a service call online today.