A sump pump is a system that keeps moisture levels low and prevents water from entering a basement. It is activated when there is heavy rainfall or snow, and it can effectively funnel water to nearby drains, rather than having the excess water accumulate along the foundation of the home.
A sump pump is a great way to improve the living space in your basement and avoid the need for costly repairs due to water damage. It is helpful to understand the full list of benefits a sump pump can offer to determine if installing one is right for your home or business.
Among the notable benefits of sump pump installation is the ability to prevent flooding, keeping humidity levels inside of your basement at a minimal level, reducing the risk of mold growth inside your basement, decreasing the risk of a fire inside your home and protecting your home’s foundation. The following is an overview of these five benefits of installing a sump pump in your basement.
Preventing Flooding
The primary benefit of a sump pump is to reduce the risk of flooding. A sump pump is installed in a basement or crawl space and provides a way for water to drain away from the foundation of the home. When heavy rain and snowstorms occur, the sump pump goes into action. Most sump pumps have a sensor on them that activates the pump when excess water accumulates. Removing the excess water and preventing a build-up of water is essential for keeping your basement in good condition.
If flooding occurs, you may end up with an expensive repair bill if water was able to infiltrate the basement area. Issues such as wood rot, wood-destroying insects, and electrical damage could occur. These concerns typically require the replacement of the damaged areas.
Fortunately, you can prevent water damage even if you live in the most vulnerable areas by utilizing a sump pump to prevent and promptly remove excess water buildup along the foundation of your home.
Minimizes Basement Humidity
More than half of homeowners with basements have issues with basement humidity. This is caused by failing to waterproof the foundation with a sump pump and other waterproofing techniques. This makes the foundation more vulnerable to water and humidity entering through cracks and gaps. A basement with high humidity can begin to feel damp and uncomfortable, along with having an increased risk of mold and other types of damage.
A sump pump keeps basement humidity to a minimum by allowing the water to properly drain away from the foundation of the home and enter nearby draining systems. Sump pumps go to work at times when basements are the most susceptible to increased moisture and humidity, such as after heavy rainfall or a storm.
Keeps Mold From Growing
Mold requires water or moisture to grow. The more vulnerable your basement is to moisture and water, the greater the risk is of mold growth. Home and business owners can reduce the risk of mold growth by keeping water and moisture away from the basement with a sump pump installation.
Sump pump installations ensure water buildup in and around your basement is kept to a minimal level, which significantly reduces the risk of mold. If mold were to develop, then it can create a health and aesthetic concern, and it is typically fairly difficult to remove. In many instances, the development of black mold leads to the need to replace the affected materials inside of your basement.
Additionally, mold tends to develop in areas that are less noticeable, so homeowners may not even realize it exists until it spreads or leads to health issues or strong odors. Due to the risk of mold growth and the difficulty of detecting it and removing it, it is important to do everything possible to prevent it from happening.
Decreasing Risk of Home Fires
Many are surprised to hear that water infiltration in a home can lead to fires, considering fire and water are complete opposites. However, the fact is water and electricity do not react well together. If water enters into the basement and the level rises, there is an increased risk of a short circuit of the electrical system.
Subsequently, a short circuit fire can occur if water infiltrates a property. The good news is a sump pump can significantly reduce the risk of a home fire caused by basement flooding by keeping water out of the basement entirely. A properly installed sump pump ensures that all electrical outlets and appliances on the lowest level of your home is safe and protected.
Protecting Home Foundations
Many homeowners may understand the risks of water damage inside of their basement, but fewer are familiar with the damage it can do to the exterior. If water does not drain properly, it can cause issues with the home foundation even if the water does not enter the basement. This is because the home foundation has underlying soil.
If soil erosion occurs around your basement, it can put the entire foundation in jeopardy. One of the main purposes of a sump pump is to drain water away from the basement to protect the foundation of the home.
Contact The Experts in Sump Pump Installation
Here at Dirt Connections, we offer professional sump pump installation for homeowners and business owners who are interested in keeping their basement dry and their foundation free from water damage. We are available to all of Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding areas, and we pride ourselves in completing each project in an effective and efficient manner.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of sump pump installation at your home or business, then reach out to us today via phone or email for more information. Our team of installation professionals has experience with installing sump pumps in a variety of building types and are ready to help with your project needs.
Summary
Dirt Connections was started with one goal in mind: providing quality residential and commercial construction services to clients on time and on budget. Reach out for more information on how we can support your next project.
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