Do I need a Sump Pump?
Many homeowners are asking, “Do I need a sump pump?” If you live in an area where your home is taking on standing water, there is a good chance installing a water pump can help. Most homes with basements and crawl spaces under go waterproofing with sump pumps but what about homes on slab that flood regularly?
What is a Sump Pump?
Sump pumps are designed to move large volumes of water from one area to another. There are many types of water dispersing pumps. The most popular type we use is a submersible pump. These pumps sit in a sump pump pit and are connected to electricity. The sump pump float switch engages as the pit fills with water and redirects water to keep your home dry.
Do You Need a Sump Pump with a Slab Foundation?
Many homes are built on a slab foundation but still face flooding issues just like a home with a basement or crawl space. Slab homes built near the coast, large bodies of water, or the bottom of a hill in a cul-de-sac can experience flooding. Water runoff can overwhelm the yard and get deep enough to enter through doors and even exterior walls in extreme conditions.
Installing an exterior waterproofing system with a sump pump can redirect water before entering the home. Placing the sump pump in a pit is a great way to protect the pump. Utilizing exterior electrical wire is recommended for exterior pump installs. Redirect sump pump water to the street or curb when possible.
Never use the sump pump for gray water or sewage water. Gray water is domestic wastewater that does not contain fecal contamination. Pumping this type of water into storm drains can create problems with your local municipality and may result in fines or worse.
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Should I Install a Sump Pump in My Crawl Space?
We have been installing sump pumps and waterproofing systems in crawl spaces for years. One of the most difficult aspects of installing crawl space waterproofing is convincing the homeowner it is needed. Many homes with crawl spaces have flooding problems. Many crawl spaces only flood during certain times of the year.
Seasonal flooding needs to be addressed just like constant flooding in the crawl space. Any type of flooding adds to humidity in the crawl space which leads to mold or wood rot fungus. Long periods of flooding causes problems and is easy to see but even mild flooding can eventually lead to heavy flooding. Installing a sump pump and water management system during crawl space encapsulation is a great way to protect the crawl space and make it worry free.
Do I need a crawl space sump pump if there is no standing water?
According to HUD.gov, installing a sump pump is vital to any crawl space if the dirt in the crawl space is lower than outside soil. According to the crawl spaces we see that would be 99% of crawl spaces require a sump pump and french drain system. The HUD recommendation is addressing water table issues more than outside foundation flooding. If the crawl space is low the water table fills the crawl space even when outside flooding is not apparent.
When to Install a Basement Sump Pump
Basement sump pump needs are similar to crawl spaces. Basements take on water from high water tables, foundation wall hydrostatic pressure, and failed footer drains. As the rain falls and pools in the yard, the water gravitates to the basement. Poor yard drainage and your neighbors runoff does not make the problem any easier. Installing a sump pump in your basement can redirect the water before it floods your living space.
Call for Your Crawl Space Water Removal and Sump Pump Installation
Do you need help with mold removal, crawl space encapsulation, crawl space insulation, vapor barrier, waterproofing, or controlling humidity in your crawl space and you live in Alabama, Georgia, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Kentucky? If so, please contact us to schedule your assessment. Also, let us know in the comments below if you’d like to suggest a future blog post.
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