If your home is at risk of flooding and you want to protect your home from flooding and water damage, a basement sump pump can help.

 

When your basement or cellar floods, it can be a nightmare with thousands of pounds worth of damage caused to both your home and your possessions. 

 

Sump pump systems are an essential part of any basement waterproofing system and are most commonly used for basements or cellars that regularly flood or experience problems with dampness. For the winter months when large amounts of rain or melting snow which cause rising water levels occur, a sump pump can be useful and provide you with peace of mind. 

 

So, you might be wondering ‘what is a sump pump and how does it work?’. Let’s take a closer look. 

 

What is a basement sump pump? 

A sump pump is a cylindrical pump that is installed in the lowest part of your basement. They’re usually found in basements that sit below the water table, making them more prone to flooding.

 

It’s easy for groundwater to start rising in your basement or cellar during a storm or periods of heavy rain. It can start to rise through the cracks in your foundations and penetrate through the walls. 

 

When you have a sump pump installed, when the water level inside starts to rise, the pump will automatically turn on and drain the water away where it will no longer cause a problem for your home. 

 

Excess water is then automatically pumped out of your basement along a discharge pipe which connects the pump to its drainage location and helps to prevent flooding-prone areas such as basements or cellars from experiencing water damage. 

 

Some pumps have an alarm which alert you to let you know when the water level is too high and that your pump is going to start. 

 

If your home is in an area that’s prone to flooding, a sump pump is highly recommended.

How does a sump pump work in a basement?

A sump pump is designed to remove water from the lowest point in your home (such as your basement or cellar). There will be a hole around 2 feet deep and 18 inches wide in the concrete basement floor and the pump is placed in the sump pit or sump basin. 

 

As the groundwater rises, the water flows into the sump pit and collects until the pump is activated by a float inside which is similar to a toilet tank. Once the float rises to a set level, the float switch activates and the pump starts and the water is pumped out. 

 

The water is moved through a pipe along the soil below and forced into a draining space which is located away from the foundations of your home and prevents flooding, water damage and mould. 

 

Sump pumps are one of the best ways to prevent water damage in your home and help to prevent the damage from occurring in the first place instead of pumping water out of your basement or cellar after the fact. 

 

They work well when there is heavy rainfall, strong storms or rapidly melting snow. Instead of these elements flooding your home, they’re collected in the sump pit and pumped into a safe drainage area. 

 

Sump pumps can save you thousands of pounds in water damage. The system is always ready to detect and pump excess water away from your home so you won’t have to worry about flooding in your home.

 

Where does the water drain to? 

The water from your sump pump should be drained into a designated area such as a dry well, a creek, a pond or a neighbourhood drain. You need to make sure that water is diverted away from your home and isn’t likely to come back in. The water should be pumped 10-20 feet away from your foundations.  

 

A preventative solution 

While a sump pump can pump out water that enters your basement or cellar, they also act as a preventative solution by pumping ground water away. Some sump pumps can active when they sense water in the soil to prevent the problem before it occurs. 

 

Flood prevention

The variable climate in the UK means flooding has become more common. If your home floods, it can have a devastating impact, with significant damage resulting in huge costs, your possessions being ruined and even homelessness. 

 

The installation of a sump pump can help to reduce the risk of flooding. It protects your basement and home and prevents you from having to spend thousands on repairing flood damage. 

 

Mould prevention 

Alongside preventing flooding and water damage, sump pumps can also prevent mould from growing in your basement or cellar. Mould grows in moist conditions and can be detrimental to your health. Sump pumps help to eliminate this moisture and prevent standing water. Without standing water or moisture, mould is unable to grow or cause any damage in the first place. 

 

Fire prevention 

Sump pumps can help to prevent electrical fires and fire damage too. If your basement starts to flood, water can get into electrical circuits or outlets which causes shorts in the circuits and can lead to electrical fires. 

 

When should you think about installing a sump pump in your basement or cellar? 

Not all homes require a sump pump but they are common in areas that are prone to flooding or large amounts of moisture. If your basement or cellar is usually warm and dry, you won’t need a sump pump. 

 

However, if your house suffers from flooding or is damp and smells musty, it’s likely moisture will find its way in. 

 

Working alongside other waterproofing solutions, having a sump pump in your basement will provide added protection and provide a dry, habitable living or storage space.

 

You can browse our different types of sump pumps and find the right product for your basement in our online shop or, if you’d like more information or guidance on the right sump pump for your home, please contact our team.