Another often neglected home system is your sump pump, or perhaps lack-there-of. There is a lot of information out there, but the following quick primer will give you the basics you need to know to make sure you have the best system, or how installing one will keep your basement from becoming water logged again the next time it rains.

So how do sump pumps work?

A sump pump is your main line of defense against a wet basement, which can lead to larger foundation problems. They are installed at the lowest point of your basement (or sometimes crawlspaces) and collect water in the sump pit which is then pumped of the pit and away from your home. Sounds great so far, right?

Key features your sump pump should have for the best protection:

  • Battery backup – This one is critical. A quality sump pump should always have a battery backup so that if the power goes out while you’re away, you won’t end up with flooding to clean up when you return.
  • An alert system – Another great feature that provides peace of mind is an alarm feature that will notify you in the event of a pump failure.
  • Wifi connectivity – Too good to be true? Not at all… Smart homes are getting smarter every day, so why should your sump pump be left out of the connected technology party! If you travel frequently for work or your home will be unoccupied during vacations, a wifi pump can notify you via text message if there’s a problem.

Common problems that happen to sump pumps:

As a mechanical system, there is always a possibility that a sump pump can fail, especially if it is an older model. Our sump pump installation specialists can inspect your unit and let you know of any problems that may arise, including:

  • Frozen or clogged lines that lead to consistent flooding
  • A pump that is constantly running
  • Leaking from the sump pit or liner
  • No water in the pit, or a water level that is higher than indicated by the system

Being armed with knowledge is the homeowner’s best defense again problems. And having a certified sump pump installation specialist at your service to answer your questions and solve the toughest foundation problems is additional insurance to protect one of the most important purchases you will ever make!