In Central Kentucky, the spring and summer seasons accumulate the highest amount of rainfall each year. With so much additional rain and water, home flooding can become a real worry for homeowners. Flash floods and emergency summer storms can leave your home vulnerable to thousands of dollars in water damage. If you are concerned about severe flooding, you may want to consider installing a sump pump this summer. A sump pump is designed to prevent home flooding and may be the perfect solution for you to guard against the excess rainfall.

How Does A Sump Pump Work?

Sump pumps work to prevent flooding by pumping away any excess water in your basement. To install a sump pump, a hole is first cut at the lowest point of your basement floor. Beneath this hole, a sump pit is created. The sump pit collects excess water as it runs underneath your home and signals the sump pump when it is time to start draining the water. As the water is collecting in the sump pit, a float will trigger the motor to begin pumping out the water, similar to the way a toilet works. The water is then carried from the sump pump to an area where it can properly drain, like a sewer drain or a lower space away from your home. This process prevents excess water from pooling or flooding in your basement.

Is A Sump Pump Right For You?

While sump pumps are a great way to protect against floods, not every home may need one. With this in mind, it may be difficult to decide if a sump pump is a good fit for your home. However, the following issues are easy ways to determine if a sump is truly right for you.

Standing Water or Flooding Issues

It may sound simple, but past flooding is by far the biggest indicator of future flooding. Outside of past flooding incidents, if you notice puddling or standing water in or around your basement, your home could still be susceptible to flooding. One of the simplest ways to determine if you should consider a sump pump is if your home has experienced flooding. If your home’s basement already has a history of flooding or possible flooding issues, installing a sump pump may be the perfect solution to prevent future floods.

Mold, Mildew, and Fungus

If there is excessive moisture or water in your basement, then it can quickly become the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and fungus. If you have noticed frequent mold spots or mildew issues, then your basement has a serious moisture problem. By removing additional water from your basement and monitoring the humidity levels, you can greatly reduce any mold or mildew growth. A sump pump will help eliminate these mold conditions by removing the excessive water from your basement. Without the elevated moisture content in your basement, mold and mildew will be unable to grow or grow as frequently.

Humid Conditions

Outside of mold and mildew growth, pooling water and excessive moisture can have damaging effects on your basement. An unbalanced moisture level in your basement or home can cause the corrosion of metal pipes, peeling paint, and warped wood furniture or flooring. Elevated moisture can also create issues for your heating and cooling system. Without proper humidity levels, your heating and cooling system will have to work harder to create the same temperature levels throughout your home. This issue may also lead to elevated energy bills and costly system repairs. If you have excessive humidity levels from pooling water or water damage, you may want to consider a sump pump. By removing this water from your basement, you can ensure that your basement will stay dry throughout the year.

While these signs are good indicators of water issues, a licensed plumber can ultimately help you determine if you need a sump pump. With a full inspection of your home’s drainage and current situation, a licensed plumber can help you make a fully informed and professional decision when it comes to purchasing a sump pump.

For more information on sump pumps, or to request a professional opinion, call the Professional Plumbers at H2O Maestro at 859-361-7925.