Basement Sump Pumps

A basement sump pump is a device that is used to remove water that has accumulated in a basin located in the lower level part of your house. But where does all this water come from? Aren’t homes supposed to be built to be watertight and waterproof?

Houses are typically built with drains located around the perimeter of the foundation. The purpose of the drains is to funnel rainwater or natural ground water away from the foundation and into a central collection area. If the water was not removed away from the foundation, the house’s basement area would always be damp and musty smelling.

But why would there be natural ground water around my foundation?

Some houses are constructed with the basement below the water table level. This results in a pooling of water around the foundation. Again, your basement will be damp and smelly if the water is not funneled away from your home.

Proper Basement Sump Pump Installation

Today, sump pumps are installed to pump water away from the house. The water is sent to any place where it will not cause problems to the home – could be a storm drain, or part of the lawn that is sloping away from the house, or a dry well.

But basement sump pumps may not be hooked into the sewage system. You may find this to be the case in older homes. Using the sewage system for runoff is typically against local building codes or municipal laws due to the possibility that local sewage treatment systems could be overwhelmed.

Basement Sump Pumps Are a Small Investment

Considering what could happen to your basement without a sump pump (flooding), I believe it is safe to say that this little device pays for itself many times over. After all, a really good sump pump can be purchased for $200 or less. Repairing a flooded basement could cost you thousands upon thousands of dollars.

Related terms: basement watchdog, sump pump installation, sump pump drainage