Basement flooding occurs most often in homes where the basement is below or near the water table. In these cases, during periods of significant rainfall, the basement walls will begin to leak and the basement can very quickly become flooded with water. Another common situation, which results in basement flooding, is when the drainage spouts from a home’s gutters drain too close to the foundation. This results in excessive amount of water in the soil around the house, which often runs off into the basement. The installation of a sump pump can prevent basement flooding in your home.
When Do I Need a Sump Pump?
Installing a sump pump in your basement is a good solution to your water leakage problems when you encounter frequent flooding in your basement. Several factors, which result in an increased risk of basement flooding, include:
- Home placement on flat land, as the rainfall will not have anywhere in which to run off.
- Drain spouts located too close to the home resulting in over saturated soil.
- Homes build on land that has a high water table.
- Cracks in your home’s foundation through which rainwater can seep.
In addition, some people prefer to install a sump pump prior to finishing a basement even if they have seldom had any leakage problems. In this case, the sump pump will protect your furniture and other valuables in the event of extreme rainfall or an even a broken hot water heater or pipe leak.
Professional Sump Pump Installation
Cornerstone Structural Repair & Waterproofing’s team of skilled professionals are experienced in installing sump pump pits. We will work with you to determine if the addition of a sump pump drain to your basement is an ideal solution to your water problems. In addition, our knowledgeable staff will determine the most effective location for your sump pump installation. Our professional staff is experienced in installing sump pumps in homes throughout the St. Louis Area.
What Type of Sump Pump Maintenance is Required?
To prevent sump pump leakage or overflow it is important to perform some basic regular maintenance on your sump pump. For example, about once a year, it is important to check to make sure that your sump pump drain is working properly. To do this, you must remove the cover and pour water into the sump tank. As the float rises, the pump should engage. The pump will then shut off as the water level lowers carrying the float down with it. If your sump pump does not perform this complete cycle additional maintenance is required such as replacing the float or float switch.
Some people prefer to install a back up sump pump in case the main pump fails. This is often recommended in homes with frequent flooding problems. In addition to having a back up sump pump, you will also want to ensure that you have an alternative power source to run your backup pump incase of long-term power failure. For example, you may have a sump pump that runs on a battery or is driven by municipal water pressure.
To learn more about Cornerstone Structural Repair & Waterproofing’s sump pump pit installation services for the St. Louis area please feel free to contact us. One of our professional employees would be happy to perform an individual analysis of your basement waterproofing needs and present an individualized solution to your basement flooding problem.