For homeowner’s with basements that flood, the consequences can be mold, mildew and costly damage to the home and its foundation. The installation of a sump pump by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® & Drain Services of Rosenberg protects your home and its foundation from the devastating damage caused by water.
Sump Pump Installation by a Plumber in Sugar Land
A sump pump is designed to remove water from the basement and crawl spaces while safely disposing of it through a drain, keeping the basement dry when heavy rain occurs.
Sump pumps should be tailored to handle the individual flooding conditions of your home. Those conditions will affect the size and style of sump pump required. You can trust the accurate assessment of your sump pump needs to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® & Drain Services of Rosenberg to ensure your home receives the protection it requires.
Sump Pump Models:
Pedestal: The pedestal sump pump sits upright above the pit with its motor out of the water.
Submersible: The submersible sump pump has a waterproof motor, and is submerged by the water present in the pit. This model is recommended for finished basements as the sump pit is covered with a lid.
Battery Backup Sump Pump: The backup sump pump operates when a power outage occurs, or the primary pump fails to run. Like the main pump, when the water level reaches a particular level, the backup sump pump will pump water away from the home. It provides the additional benefit of assisting the primary pump when excessively heavy flooding occurs and overwhelms the primary. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Sugar Land can determine if you need to upgrade the primary pump, add a back-up or both.
Sump Pump Repair and Maintenance
Mechanical devices require maintenance and the sump pump protecting your home is no exception with recommended maintenance every three months. Maintenance provided by the homeowner should include:
- Clean the pump inlet screen to prevent overworking the motor and shortening its service life.
- Ensure the sump pump operates by pouring a bucket of water into the pit, enough to raise the float and trigger the pump to run. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® & Drain Services of Rosenberg can provide reliable sump pump repair.
- The pump and basin should be cleaned annually and inspected to eliminate debris that can clog or damage the pump.
Causes of Basement Flooding
Some causes of flooding are correctable. Any necessary correction of the following may eliminate the need for a sump pump or reduce the size required:
Grading
The grading of the soil around the home and foundation requires an adequate slope away from the home. Homes with the disadvantage of being located at the bottom of a slope will require other means of diverting water run-off, such as a French drain, for example.
Routinely inspect the soil surrounding the home’s foundation for soil erosion. Erosion can cause low spots where water is able to collect and seep into the basement.
Gutters
Gutters capture rain from the roof and direct it away from the foundation. A downspout diverter will direct water from the downspout away from the foundation
To avoid soil erosion and water seeping into the foundation from the ground, water should flow onto a hard surface such as a splash guard or other hard surface that slopes away from the home.
Other Steps to Prevent Basement Flooding
Sump pumps prevent the problems related to basements experiencing water build-up.
Other preventative measures for basement flooding include:
- Install a backflow valve to storm and sewer systems
- Keep gutters and downspouts free of debris and replace crushed downspouts
- Ensure downspouts drain onto splash guards or water is carried away by a diverter
- Seal a leaky basement
- Schedule Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® & Drain Services of Rosenberg for the repair of leaky pipes in the basement, and around the foundation
Reduce the Threat of Mold and Mildew
Standing water in a basement can cause dampness that may lead to mold and mildew. The installation of a sump pump will prevent moisture buildup and damp basements that lead to mold and mildew.
Protection for Finished Basements
If your basement is finished and/or furnished, or if a water heater, laundry equipment or the home’s heating system is located in the basement, a sump pump can protect them from flooding. Flooding can cause shorts in electrical appliances and components and start an electrical fire.
If the correction of these factors don’t solve the problem of a flooded basement, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® & Drain Services of Rosenberg can provide the professional grade sump pump installation or sump pump repair that you need to protect your home. We serve Sugarland, Houston, Katy and the surrounding areas with reliable plumbing expertise. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.