More than half of basements have a water problem. Be sure to check with your homeowner’s insurance if you have a finished basement and a sump pump; there are specialty riders and endorsements that insurance companies offer, but you have to ask for them.
Sump pumps help keep your home dry and safe from mold growth. Consider yourself lucky if your house came with one. They are easy to maintain and effective against water build up inside your home. With over half of basements presenting water problems, a sump pump is a great way to ensure your basement is free of problems.
However, if your home regularly takes on water in the spring and wet months, can you add a sump pump to your existing properties? The answer is yes! You must mitigate any previous water damage you may have incurred and also look at additional prevention to ensure your property is protected from seepage and leakage. Sump pumps are one of the best ways to keep your home mold-free.
Clean out the Gutters
The easiest way to keep your sump pump from overworking is to clean out your gutters. When your gutters are clean and working properly, they divert water away from your foundation, thereby alleviating water from pooling and entering your basement, making your sump pump do the work of the gutters. Making sure that your gutters are clean is imperative, especially if you want to prevent water damage problems. Leaky and clogged gutters can overflow and cause major flooding issues, especially during spring rains. Make sure to take safety precautions if you are cleaning your own gutters. Always have a spotter when using a ladder to avoid injury.
Regularly Inspect Your Sump Pump
If you were fortunate enough for your home to come with a sump pump, it requires maintenance. Each spring before the water starts to seep into homes and crevices from snowmelt, you must check your sump pump to ensure that it is working properly. Take the lid off the basin and pour enough water into the well that the sump pump goes to work and pumps it out. It is truly that easy! Sump pumps should last ten years or more with regular maintenance. Make sure the basket is free from dirt or sand. A Shopvac can come in very handy to ensure a clean basket every spring.
Consider a Battery Backup and Sump Pump Alarm for Your Sump Pump
It is never fun to worry whether your sump pump will overflow if your electricity goes out. You can alleviate that worry by installing a battery backup with a possible alarm for your sump pump. Sump pumps use a marine battery and force the water out of the basin, even if your electricity is not functioning properly. These battery backups are relatively inexpensive and are amazingly easy to maintain. The worry they eliminate may make it worth the cost for your household. The alarm will sound when your water reaches a threshold in the basin, alerting you that your sump pump, and/or your battery back up is not working properly.
Sump pumps are great for your homes regarding keeping water out of your basement. They inhibit mold growth from water damage and are extremely easy to maintain. If your home did not come with one, you can add drain tiles and a sump pump before a basement remodel or anytime if your problem is large enough to warrant the work.
You may need an alarm and a battery backup for some insurance policies and endorsements or riders. Be sure to revisit your specific homeowners insurance to protect your basement from unforeseen expenses if your basement should flood.
If your home or business has suffered from water damage, because your sump pump stopped working, or you don’t have one, ServiceMaster Clean can help with our water damage mitigation services.
Contact us and get your free quote here.
We always look forward to working with you!
