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Water always pools at the lowest accessible space. Many people have discovered their basements are a very common location for excess water. Up to 98% of basements in the US experience water damage at some point. Flooded basements are a common household problem, but flooding is not unavoidable.

Sump pumps are designed to prevent flooding in an area by removing water. Most sump pump systems include a small pit in the lowest part of the basement because water naturally flows towards the lowest point. The pump itself sits in the pit and pumps water out of the basement through a pipe leading outside of the home.

Sump Pumps in Texas

Homes in Arlington, TX are at the highest risk of flooding during March, April, and May. Soil is often saturated with moisture during spring, and temperature fluctuations in late winter and early spring create large amounts of pooling water. There is a risk of flooding in summer months too. Saturated soil can not absorb rainfall, but extremely dry soil can also repel water. Heavy downpours during hot summer months can quickly overwhelm drains.

A sump pump is a quiet appliance that often goes completely unnoticed, as long as it works correctly. Sump pumps attract attention fast when they malfunction. Call a plumber immediately if your sump pump malfunctions while water is entering the basement.

Common terms for sump pumps include a basin, pit, or crock. They work by collecting groundwater. A tank contains a float that travels up a float rod when water reaches a certain level. The float activates a switch to turn the pump motor on. The motor removes water from the tank and discharges it away from the home.

Submersible sump pumps are the most common type. They’re installed while the home is constructed. A non-submersible sump pump, or pedestal, contains a motor and a hose. The motor is installed above the basement floor. The hose connects to the motor before being routed into the sump pump’s tank. Non-submersible pumps can be installed by a professional plumber at any time.

It is a good idea to have a plumber evaluate drainage from the sump pump to make sure it actually diverts water away from the home. It does no good to pump water out of the basement just so it can seep back in again, and yards need to have sufficient drainage to handle the water without becoming soggy and muddy.

Sump Pump Benefits

The major benefit of a sump pump is flood prevention. Heavy rain can lead to water accumulation around a home’s foundation. The sump pump keeps that water out of the basement. Sump pumps are also helpful if a burst pipe occurs.

Standard basement drains are not always capable of draining large amounts of water fast enough to prevent damage, but the sump helps push excess water from the broken pipe out of the home. Always call a plumber immediately when a pipe bursts. Sump pumps buy time, but broken pipes need to be fixed as soon as possible.

Mold and mildew need a moist environment to grow, and standing water provides that environment. Mold has many negative effects on health, and it can eventually harm the house itself. Sump pumps reduce standing water and help keep basements dry. Removing excess water in the basement reduces dampness and humidity throughout the entire home

It may sound contradictory, but systems meant to prevent flooding can also prevent fires. Flooding is a common cause of electrical fires in residential buildings. Water makes its way into every nook and cranny as it fills an enclosed space. This means water in your basement will reach electrical outlets and wiring if it reaches a certain height. Water can cause short circuits or fires in electrical systems. Hire a plumber to install sump pumps and assess your home’s overall plumbing system to identify potential hazards and reduce risk of electrical fires.

Maintenance

A sump pump in Arlington, TX can last 15 to 30 years with proper care and maintenance. Some maintenance tasks should be done every spring. Remove the cover and check the tank for mud, rocks, gravel, and other debris. Flush the system with water from a hose or bucket to clear old debris. Listen for strange sounds when you turn the pump on. It should run smoothly and quietly. Call a plumber if the pump is noisy. Noise means parts could be worn out or damaged.

Watch the float as water fills the tank. The float should travel up and down the float rod freely. Inspect the discharge pipe before heavy rainfall. Makes ure

The discharge hose is clear of debris. Common types of debris found in sump pump hoses include mulch, mud, rodent nests, stones, and gravel. Inspect the check valve and make sure the relief hole in the pipe is clear. A professional plumber can conduct maintenance checks for you and perform necessary repairs.

Some basic maintenance checks every Arl