What Is a Sump Pump & Why Do I Need One?

Do your friends or neighbors ever mention their sump pump after a downpour? They might proclaim that if it weren’t for this device, they would be ankle-deep in water—and up to their neck in water damage repair bills. Learn more about sump pumps here to help you decide if you need one.

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a submersible device installed in a sump pit dug at the lowest point of your house, such as the basement or crawl space. This small but important addition to your home helps prevent your basement from flooding.

Here’s how it works: Most of the time, the pump is on standby, simply waiting until it’s needed. When it begins to rain heavily, the soil around your house becomes oversaturated. Excess groundwater funnels toward the sump pit, and it begins to fill with water. This activates the sump pump float switch and turns on the pump.

By removing water from the pit and draining it into a nearby storm drain, dry well, or detention pond, the sump pump prevents the groundwater from rising to the level of your basement floor, which could cause a flood. In this way, you can think of a sump pump as an extra piece of flood insurance!

What Are The Benefits of a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a small investment with big advantages. Here’s how you can benefit from adding a sump pump to your home:

• Defend your basement against flooding
• Protect the paint and other wall coverings from peeling
• Safeguard basement appliances—such as the washer, dryer, and spare freezer—from corrosion
• Reduce mold, mildew, and fungus growth
• Discourage termites and other insect invasions
• Improve indoor air quality
• Keep your foundation intact
• Make the basement drier and more comfortable year-round
• Enjoy peace of mind, no matter what the weather is doing
• Meet a requirement for homeowner’s insurance coverage of basement flood damage

Do I Need a Sump Pump for my Home?

While the benefits of sump pumps are clear, some properties need these devices more than others. We recommend installing a sump pump if any of the following is true:

• You live in a climate that receives heavy rain or snow. Here in the northeast, we get more than our fair share of moisture. Unlike desert climates out west, basements here are very susceptible to flooding.
• Your home is built on a flood-prone plot. Poorly draining soil, low-lying properties, and homes surrounded by hills are more likely to experience rising groundwater levels during heavy rains, snowstorms, and spring runoff.
• You’ve had water problems in the past. If your basement has flooded before, or you regularly struggle with high basement moisture levels, it would be wise to install a sump pump.
• You have a finished basement. Even if your home isn’t categorized as a high-risk property, consider protecting your underground living space with an affordable sump pump.

Schedule Sump Pump Installation

If you have decided a sump pump is right for your Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Delaware, or Philadelphia home, it’s vital to have the device installed and serviced by a plumbing expert. Len The Plumber can meet your needs! We offer upfront, written estimates and a no-surprises-pricing policy, giving you the confidence to move forward with your project. Rest assured that our fully trained, licensed, and certified professionals will guide you through the sump pump installation process so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to get started? Contact Len The Plumber at (800) 950-4619(800) 950-4619 to speak with a qualified plumber about installing a sump pump in MD, DC, VA, PA, or DE.