How Installing a Sump Pump Can Improve Your Foundations Health
A sump pump is a must for any home with a basement or crawlspace, especially when you live someplace like Florida that gets a lot of heavy rain.
In some cases, it’s the only thing that can protect your belongings from water damage. It’s also good for your foundations health. Let’s take a look at some reasons why you should install a sump pump if you don’t already have one.
How a Sump Pump Works
A sump pump is a device that sits in a pit called a sump in your basement or crawlspace. If your home is at risk of flooding due to heavy rain or some other severe weather, the sump should fill with water before the rest of your house.
When the water in the sump reaches a certain level, the pump activates and moves the water away from your house’s foundation through a discharge pipe. It’s one of the most effective ways of protecting your home from flood damage, especially when it’s properly installed and maintained.
How a Sump Pump Improves Your Foundation’s Health
While installing a sump pump is a great way to protect your home and belongings from water damage, it could also improve the health of your home’s foundation. Water that gets into your basement or crawlspace will eventually seep into your foundation. This can cause it to crack, which in turn could cause your foundation to shift.
This could compromise the structural integrity of your entire home. That might start with doors and windows not opening and closing properly, but it could turn into cracks in your walls, rotting wood, and other issues that will be very difficult and expensive to repair.
Installing and Maintaining a Sump Pump
If you have a basement or crawlspace, you should have a sump pump. Fortunately, sump pumps are relatively easy to install and maintain. The team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing will be happy to help you find the right pump for your home and install it properly. As long as the pump itself has power, it should turn itself on whenever the water in the sump reaches a certain level.
It will still require regular maintenance on your part, however. Test your pump regularly by pouring water into the sump, and clean debris from the inlet screen and discharge pipe to prevent clogs. Have your pump professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year, preferably before the main rainy season. You don’t want to be stuck with a malfunctioning sump pump during a severe storm.
Signs You Need a Sump Pump
Not sure if your home needs a sump pump? There are several warning signs that indicate it’s time to install one. If you notice water pooling around your foundation after heavy rain, that’s a clear sign that water isn’t draining away from your home like it should. A musty smell in your crawlspace is another red flag, as it usually means moisture is building up and creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew. You might also notice cracks in your foundation or floors, or water stains along the lower parts of your walls.
If you live in a low-lying area where water tends to pool during Florida’s frequent storms, a pump isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. Standing water under your home can also attract pests and cause wood rot in your floor joists and subflooring.
Even if you haven’t experienced major flooding yet, being proactive can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road. The team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can assess your home and help you determine whether a sump pump is right for you.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Lakeland, FL for Assistance
Whether you need a new sump pump for your home or your current pump needs repairs or maintenance, we at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Lakeland, FL will be happy to assist you. We pride ourselves on our excellent service, and we install and repair sump pumps in homes throughout Lakeland and the surrounding areas.
If you have any questions about installing a pump or if you need to schedule service for your Lakeland home, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today. Remember, if there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay.
