For many Mid-Atlantic homeowners, a finished basement is a prized feature that can add usable living space and the opportunity for rental income in some instances. The challenge to these homeowners is keeping their underground havens dry. Even if your home doesn’t have a basement, it can still face moisture issues when water collects under crawl spaces. The sump pump has been the primary water removal solution to this dilemma for decades. Here’s a quick rundown of how a sump pump system works.
A basin or a sump is constructed at the home’s lowest point, and the excess water that it collects gets pushed away from the home and its foundation via a pump. Many sump pumps are triggered to act automatically by sensors in the basin that detect water levels. When sump pumps are working properly, the water from heavy storms or flooding that is collected in the basins is pumped into public storm drains or dry wells. This results in healthier, drier and more comfortable indoor living spaces.
Sump Pump Maintenance
A sump pump is an investment that should last 10-15 years according to experts in the housing sector. The key to optimizing the life of your sump pump is routine maintenance. Sump pump maintenance checks should be performed after installation and at least once per year thereafter. A key reason for sump pump failure is incorrect initial installation. A professional can inspect and test your sump pump to make sure that you are getting all that you can out of the equipment.
Sump Pump Repair & Replacement
Standing water or flooding can damage your home’s furnishings and appliances. Excess moisture that has collected in or very near your house helps to promote the growth of mold and mildew throughout your home. You may note that this problem is more prevalent in Southern states like Florida and Louisiana where moisture and high temperatures offer the ideal breeding grounds for these persistent forms of fungi. However, conditions of excessive moisture that are caused by failed sump pumps can quickly become health hazards that require extensive cleanup and costly repairs for New Jersey homeowners.
Signs That Your Sump Pump Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced
If your sump pump has not been regularly serviced or you’ve inherited a questionable pump due to a recent property purchase, you’ll want to be aware of some early warning signs that your sump pump is dead or dying. Slow clearing of water from the basin or failure to move water from it at all are the most common indicators that something is wrong with your sump pump. Other signs include:
- A Noisy Pump
- A Continuously Running Pump
- Musty Odors
- Unexplained Damp Areas in Basement
Final Thoughts
If you or one of your neighbors is worried about a failing sump pump, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. At Aqua Solutions, we offer free quotes as well as 24-hour emergency services. We can help you to protect your real estate investment against water damage and to safeguard your family’s indoor air quality.
