Many people wonder if finished basements need a sump pump. The answer is yes, finished basements do need one. Waterproofing is just as important in finished basements as it is in an unfinished ones. It may be even more critical in a finished basement because there is more to lose, such as furnishings, electronics, and other valuables.
If you have a finished basement and you’re not sure if you need a sump system, the best thing to do is to consult with a professional waterproofing contractor. They will be able to assess your situation and recommend the best course of action.
What is a sump pump?
A sump pump aims to remove water from the basement and prevent flooding and water damage. You install it in the basement’s lowest area. Its mission is to remove water that has entered the basement, pumping it above the water table to prevent floods and moisture damage.
It typically has three parts: a float switch, a discharge pipe, and a submersible pump. The float switch activates the pump when the water level in the sump pit rises to a certain point. The discharge pipe carries the water away from the sump pit, and the submersible pump is located inside the pit and pumps the water out.
Sump pumps are required in any basement waterproofing system. When the water table rises, and water begins to enter the basement, the sump system activates and expels the water. This helps to keep the basement dry and prevents water damage. Sometimes a sump pump can be constantly running, which we’ve reviewed elsewhere.
What is the history of sump pumps?
They were invented by U.S. Navy electrician Karl Niedermeyer, in 1946. His design was based on a sewage ejector pump. He created this invention to remove water accumulated in the bilges of ships. Niedermeyer’s design was later adapted for use in homes and businesses to remove water collected in basements and crawlspaces.
Benefits of a sump pump in a finished basement
- Helps to keep the basement dry and free of water damage.
- It can help to prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Extend the life of your basement finishes, such as flooring, walls, and ceilings.
- Protect your belongings from water damage.
- Save money on your energy bills by preventing the need for dehumidification.
Keep the basement dry and free of water damage
As mentioned earlier, a sump pump is a device that is used to remove water from an area. Typically, it helps in both finished and unfinished basements or other areas where water can accumulate and cause problems. However, sump pump maintenance is essential regardless.
For example, the pump system will remove the standing water from a flooded basement and pump it out of the building so that it does not cause any damage to your finished or unfinished basement.
Prevent mold and mildew growth
Mold and mildew are created with water when there is high humidity or moisture. Therefore, the mold and mildew spores need a moist environment to grow and thrive. When these spores land on a damp surface, they will begin to multiply and grow. Mold and mildew can cause serious health problems, so keeping your home free of these fungi is essential (1).
Sump systems are designed to remove water accumulated in a sump basin, typically located in the basement, or lowest point, of a home. By removing the water from the wet basement basin, the pump helps to prevent mold and mildew growth. Additionally, it can help protect your home from basement flooding by keeping the water level in the basin below your home’s foundation level.
Extend the life of basement finishes
A sump pump helps extend the life of basement finishes by keeping the area free of water and moisture. This prevents mold and mildew from growing and damaging the surfaces and rotting out the foundation. Additionally, it can help prevent flooding in a heavy rainstorm or another water event.
Save money on energy bills
It helps save you money on your energy bills by circulating the water in your home and keeping it at a constant temperature. This prevents your heating and cooling system from working harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which can save you money on your energy bills.
Different types of basement sump pump
There are many different types of sump pumps on the market. The most common type is the submersible pump, which is designed to be placed in a pit in the basement. Other sump pumps include pedestal pumps, which sit on the floor next to the pit, and battery-operated backup pumps, which protect in case of a power outage.
Submersible pump
A submersible sump pump is a type of pump designed to be placed underwater in a sump pit. The primary purpose of a submersible sump pump is to remove water that has accumulated in the sump pit, which is often caused by groundwater seepage or rainfall.
Submersible sump pumps typically have a float switch that is activated when the water level in the sump pit reaches a certain point. When the float switch is triggered, the pump will automatically turn on and begin pumping water out of the pit. The pump will automatically turn off once the water level has dropped below the float switch’s threshold.
Pedestal pump
A pedestal sump pump is a type of water pump typically used to remove water accumulated in a sump pit. The pedestal sump pump is designed so that the motor does not contact the sump pit water, which helps extend the pump’s life. The pedestal sump pump typically uses a centrifugal force to remove the water. This type of sump pump is not submersible, so it must be placed above the sump pit.
The pedestal sump pump is one of the most popular types of sump pumps because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. In addition, the pedestal sump pump is not as likely to become clogged with debris as other types of sump pumps.
If you are considering purchasing a pedestal sump pump, it is crucial to keep in mind that this type of sump pump is not designed to run continuously. Pedestal sump pumps should only be used when there is a need to remove water from the sump pit. In addition, you should inspect pedestal sump pumps regularly to ensure proper functioning.
Battery-operated backup pump
A backup sump pump is a battery-operated pump that kicks in when you experience main sump pump failure or power outages. It helps to remove water from your basement or crawl space to prevent flooding. Backup sump pump work is an important part of any home’s flood prevention system.
A backup sump pump is different from a standard sump pump in a few ways. First, it runs on batteries, so it will still work even if the power goes out. Second, it is usually much smaller and more compact than a regular sump pump. Finally, most backup sump pumps have an automatic shut-off feature that prevents them from running continuously and draining the battery.
No matter what type of sump pump you choose, it is important to have it professionally installed by a waterproofing contractor. This will ensure that it is appropriately sized for your basement walls and correctly plumbed into your drainage system.
What is the sump pump installation process?
The sump pump installation process is relatively simple, and few steps are involved in installing a sump system.
1. The first step in installing the sump pump is to excavate a pit in the basement floor where the pump will be installed. The pit should be large enough to accommodate the pump and associated plumbing.
2. The next step to sump pump installation calls for a perforated drainpipe to be installed in the pit and connected to the home’s drainage system. This pipe collects water from the pit and sends it to the sump pump.
3. The sump pump is then installed in the pit and connected to the drainpipe.
4. Finally, the pit is filled with gravel or other drainage material and covered with a concrete lid.
Related: Sump Pump Problems: How To Fix Them
Sources
(1) – https://www.epa.gov/mold/what-difference-between-mold-and-mildew