Are you a new homeowner wondering – Do I Need a Sump Pump? In this article we will walk you through deciding if your home needs a sump pump plus how to pick the right model.
Unfortunately one thing that is not covered in school is when your home needs a sump pump. In this articles we will review if your home, condo or apartment needs a sump pump by reviewing all the facts.
Remember not every home needs a sump pump – but if your basement needs a sump pump and you don’t have one it will likely flood and cause lots of water damage.
Do I Need A Sump Pump: Yes or No
If your home has a basement or crawl space you likely need a sump pump. Even more so if the basement is below the water line, near a river or lake or in a high flood zone.
Even if you think you do not need a sump pump we recommend having a small, portable pump handy incase of flash flooding.
One of the biggest problems all basement experience is flooding and even a single flood can cause thousands of dollars in water damage.
Here are the 3 easiest ways to tell your home requires a basement sump pump:
- Water seeping into the basement or sump basin while it is not raining
- Basement flooding during heavy storms
- Located near or downstream of a body of water
- Puddles of standing water collecting in low spots
What Kind of Pump Do I Need?
Most homes need a 1/3 HP to 1/2 HP sump pump. Both pedestal and traditional types can be effective – the most important factor is the total gallons per hour the pump can drain. Traditional pumps tend to be more powerful but take up more room while pedestal sump pumps require little room which makes them a good choice for crawl spaces – but they can’t pump as much water.
If you are unsure of which model is right for your home we recommend choosing the Zoeller M53 Mighty Mate. It is a good all-around choice that has a powerful motor that is affordable on any budget.
Do I Need a Backup Pump?
Wondering if you need a backup sump pump in order to go with your primary pump? We recommend every home have a primary pump, backup pump and sump pump alarm in order to fully protect against water damage and flooding.
The most common time for a sump pump to run is during heavy storms – which is often the time that the power is most likely to go out or have the motor burn out. We recommend using a backup pump plus alarm system so your home is protected incase the main pump stops working and you are notified right away about a potential problem.
Not sure which alarm is right for your basement? The Zoeller 10 is a good all around choice that is affordable on any budget.
What Benefits do Pumps Offer?
The main benefit of a sump pump is draining water flowing into the basement and preventing flooding. Most basements require at least a 1/4 HP sump pump to keep things dry while it is raining. One important thing many new homeowners looking to save a few dollars forget is that water will flow into the basement even when it is not raining.
What if I Live on a Hill?
If you live at the top or bottom of a hill you are likely wondering if a sump pump is needed or if gravity takes care of drainage. The answer is yes – especially if you live at the bottom of a hill.
Sump Pumps and Insurance
Many homeowners insurance policies require a sump pump and alarm in order to fully cover basement water damage.
Another benefit of a sump pump is protecting the basement from water damage. Water can ruin the carpet, damage furniture and electronics, protects against foundation damage and warped wood, cause mold to grow plus countless other problems so it is important to be proactive and install a sump pump as soon as possible if your basement does not have one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Sump Pump?
If you have a basement you likely need a sump pump or else you risk potential water damage.
Are Sump Pumps Required for Insurance?
Many homeowners insurance policies require a sump pump and alarm if the coverage includes basement flooding.