What You Need To Know About Sump Pumps: Advice From Your Reliable Plumbing Company | Knoxville, TN
Sunday, September 4th, 2022
If you live in areas prone to flooding, a sump pump can help. This tool removes water that collects in the sump basin by discharging it to the outdoors. Since floods occur in Knoxville, TN, it’s wise for homeowners to invest in a sump pump.
Should you decide to invest in one, you’ll need a professional plumbing company to construct it right below the main surface of your home’s foundation to save you damages and costly repairs.
If you are a resident of Knoxville, TN, chances are that you need this wet basement lifesaver. But most homeowners may not know how to choose the right sump pump for their home. Relax; here’s your ultimate guide to sump pumps.
How It Works
The pump is on standby most of the time, and the soil around your house gets oversaturated when it rains heavily. The excess groundwater seeps through the ground into the sump pit and begins to fill with water. This activates the sump pump float switch, and the pump turns on and works to prevent the groundwater from rising to the basement floor level by removing the water from the pit and draining it into a nearby drain.
You can think of a sump pump as flood insurance, and a professional plumbing company can help you with the installation.
Benefits of Sump Pumps
Safeguards Electrical Appliances
Investing in a sump pump comes with various benefits to your home. You can protect your basement from flooding by using a sump pump. This will safeguard basement appliances such as dryers and washers from corrosion. It will also make your basement dry and comfortable.
Adding a sump pump to your home will keep your building’s foundation intact and enhance indoor air quality. You can contact your local plumbing company to ensure that you meet the requirements for insurance on basement flood damage.
Reduces Fungus, Molds, and Mildew Growth
If your basement is full of puddles of stagnant water, you are bound to face fungus growth, mildew, and mold that damages your building and other valuables in your house. Mold and mildew can also lead to various health conditions, such as infections and allergies. Therefore, having a sump pump can keep your basement dry and healthy as well as free from allergens.
Increases Property Value
For a realtor or home seller, one of the ways to increase your property value is by installing a sump pump. You can contact a plumbing company to help you decide on the best type of sump pump for your house. The sump pump will be able to keep the structure of your home from being compromised by water damage.
Drawbacks of Sump Pumps
Despite a sump pump’s vital role in a home, it also has disadvantages. They may include:
Electric Fires
Floods are one of the causes of electric fires. The build-up water in your basement can cause short circuits in any appliances you might have installed, including any wiring running through the walls. It is essential to guard your life by getting a plumbing company to install a sump pump in your home.
Electricity Requirement
Some sump pumps are powered by electricity, and during heavy rain, the device may not be able to function if the electricity has gone out. At times like this, it’s best to have a battery backup system to ensure it operates despite any weather.
Visual Appearance
Additionally, a sump pump collects dirty water, which can be disgusting for most homeowners. To reduce this, you’ll need to ensure your sump pump undergoes proper maintenance and plumbing services from a professional plumbing company.
Radon Hazard
Lastly, there is a possibility of radon gas from the soil seeping into your foundation due to the hole constructed for the sump pump. Radon gas is a radioactive natural gas found in soil, rocks, and groundwater.
At high levels, this gas can cause lung cancer. For this reason, homeowners need to ensure they get a professional plumbing company to conduct a radon test for their house and put in place the necessary measures to minimize safety hazards.
Conditions for Installing a Sump Pump
Homeowners living in places susceptible to floods are encouraged to install a sump pump if they have finished their basement or use it as a storage center. You may need to install it if you are unlucky to have a wet basement or your home regularly struggles with high water levels.
Also, if your house is built on poorly draining soil, a flat plot of land with little drainage, on a low-lying field below the local water table, or in a region with heavy rains and snowfalls, it would be wise for you to contact a plumbing company to put a sump pump in your house.
As a homeowner, you now know that a sump pump can be both an asset and a liability to your home, depending on its installation. You’ll need to weigh both the merits and demerits and consider the place you live in and see if having a sump pump is worth it. Overall, a sump pump is a small investment with significant benefits that keeps your home safe from water damage and intrusion.
Schedule Sump Pump Installation Today with My Professional Plumber!
If you have decided a sump pump is best for your Knoxville, TN, home, you can have it installed by My Professional Plumber. Our plumbing company will help you get a properly sized sump pump that saves money in the long run.
Besides sump pumps, we provide faucet upgrades, kitchen remodeling, sewer services, and home plumbing inspections. Give us a call, and our fully licensed, trained, and certified plumbers will guide you through the sump pump installation process.