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In homes across the country a damp basement is a fact of life many people live with. However, flowing water in any setting is problem that generally needs to be addressed at some point in time. While it is typical for basements and foundations to take on water during heavy rainfalls, a sump pump can prevent the water from entering through walls or even through the floor. The sump is generally a small pit that is deeper than the basement floor and operates on the premise that water seeks the lowest level. Once the sump fills up, a sump pump is used to transfer the rainwater from the basement to another area outside the confines of the house. Since the water being disposed of is usually storm run off, it can be pumped into yards or other areas without fear of contamination. However, local building codes should be consulted for any distance or draining regulations.

A sump pump is rated by horsepower. Of course, a higher horsepower dictates a more powerful pump. Home owners need to make an observation on the flow of water into the sump during the heaviest flow times. The pump should be able to clear the sump before the water overflows in the basement area. Many sump pumps are submersible and are placed directly in the tiny pool of water. They are also equipped with a float switch. This float switch turns the pump on when it rises to a certain point, and turns the pump off when it falls to an acceptable level. In storms or rain seasons it is not uncommon for a pump to run on a consistent basis. Generally a damp basement can be solved by utilizing a sump pump and a dehumidifier together to regulate the climate.

A sump pump is an extremely valuable tool to have in a house. Home owners need to be aware of the pump at all times though it will likely function for years without any attention or maintenance at all. Keeping a keen ear on the pump or checking it periodically will prevent the unit from failing when it is needed. Obviously, if the pump fails during a period when water is overflowing the sump, a major clean up will likely follow.

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Q: How To Know When A Sump Pump Will Help Dry Out Your Basement?
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Is a dehumidifier a clue that a basement is sometimes wet?

Well, wet no. Humid, yes. There is a difference and I explain. Basically all below grade structures are prone to moisture. They are boxes of concrete or stone, buried in moist, lose soil. When it rains or snows heavily, the hydrostatic pressure generated by and over saturated soil around the foundation walls, causes the water to seep in through the porous concrete, or cracks on the wall. Clogged gutters, downspouts discharging too close to the walls, improper grading and plants that need constant watering close to the house make matters even worse. If the foundation has good drainage system in place, usually indicated by the presence of a sump pump or some other clear sign that any water pouring around the foundation is being collected and properly diverted away from it, your basement might be a bit damp but not exactly wet. That means no serious leaks or heavy seepage. Only a bit of moisture coming in due to capillary action and maybe some humidity from the air. This is the kind of moisture the dehumidifier is probably addressing and it is a great addition to a home, because it protects the home from mold and dust mites (those organisms need high humidity levels to thrive). However, the presence of a dehumidifier alone is in no way a sign that the basement is either dry or wet. To make sure, you need to check the drainage system, where and how it discharges, as well as gutters, downspouts and the grading, which should slope away from the foundation wall.


Related questions

Sump Pump Installation?

form_title=Sump Pump Installation form_header=11503 What is it you need a sump pump for?*= () Water leaks through walls () Basement floods during storms () Basement floods due to rising water table () In case pipe bursts or basement drain is clogged () Other () Don't Know Does the new pump location have electricity close-by?*= () Yes () No () Don't Know


What is Sump Pump Repair and why do I need it?

You would need a sump pump repair if the sump pump in your basement is not pumping out water. The purpose of a sump pump is to drain excess water that is part of your waterproofing system.


Does a dehumidifier or sump pump help the most to insure a waterproof basement?

You can have a dehumidifier AND a sump pump, and still have water in the basement. A dehumidifier helps decrease the humidity due to the lack of ventilation in a basement. A sump pump facilitates drainage of water, as a basement has no natural drainage. Neither prevents water from coming into the basement through the walls or the seams of the floor and walls. If you have problems with water coming into the basement, consult a professional who can advise you of the cause and explain the options to remedy the matter. Neither a dehumidifier nor a sump pump will totally insure a waterproof basement. Dehumidifiers simply remove dampness. Sump pumps do not remove damnpness but will drain off water.


What are some suggestions on what to use to waterproof my basement?

When waterproofing your basement you could use a basement dehumidifier, a Sump Pump, or a window well drain. All of these will help with your goal of waterproofing you basement.


Best way to drain water from the basement?

The best too for draining a flooded basement is a built-in sump pump. If your basement does not have a sump pump , you can rent a pump from most equipment rental stores. A wet/dry vacuum can also be used to remove water from a flooded basement.


what is a sump pump?

A sump pump is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a sump pit. A sump pit, commonly found in the home basement, is simply a hole to collect water. The water may enter via the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system, funneling into the pit, or may arrive because of rain or because of natural ground water, if the basement is below the water table level.


How effective is a sump pump?

Very! They are well worth the investment especially when your basement floods!


How do you drain a very flooded basement?

In the case of an extremely flooded basement, the most common solution is the installation of a sump pump. Because sump pumps are critical to preventing water damage to your home, most people opt to have a professional perform the installation. However, if you are handy, you can perform a sump pump installation by yourself.


How do you get water out of basement with out a sub pump?

Depending on your city or county you can install an above floor basement waterproofing system and drain the water to a drain instead of a sump pump. Waterproof.com has an above floor basement waterproofing system that you can install yourself for around $4 per foot. I hope this helps, if not please elaborate


Can you run your basement shower drain to your sump which then pumps to your septic system Do you have to plumb the drain to your grinder pump?

The sump should work as long as you have a strainer in the shower


Sump Pump Installation Tip?

A sump pump is a device installed in a basement to pump water out when rain or a broken water pipe causes flooding. The pump is installed in a hole in the basement floor. The best tip for installation is careful planning of the pump and the drain pipe. Use the correct liner for the sump hole, and use the correct size PVC pipe for the drain. Carefully map the drain path so water is carried out of the basement using minimum power. Once outside the basement, water should drain away from the house. Dry fit all the pipes before cementing.


What exactly are sump pumps and how much are they?

A sump pump pumps the water that accumulates in the sump pit of your basement out into a place far enough away from your home so that it is no loner problematic. A sump pump is basically a vacumm system that is used to remove water or fluids from a collection location. Commonly found in the basement of a home it is used to remove water that may find its way into your basement.