If your house has a basement, there is a chance that one day, it will suffer water damage as a result of the basement getting flooded, warns Propertycare company. Basement flooding is a very real problem for homeowners whose homes are located in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.
However, these are not the only homes susceptible to basement flooding. Homes in highland areas are also exposed to basement flooding. This is because basement flooding is not always caused by water coming into the home from outside, plumbing issues can also flood your basement.
What can you do as a homeowner to protect your home from the risk of a flooded basement?
Flood protection solutions for homes come in three very broad categories. There are solutions that aim to keep water from entering the house, solutions that take water out of the home, and solutions that protect the home from damage if floodwater finds its way into the building.
Examples of these include:
- Waterproofing solutions
A range of techniques/materials used to make the inside and outside of a basement impermeable to water. Among others, waterproofing solutions include water diversion techniques and the application of sealants/membranes to various surfaces.
- Flood fences or barriers
These include flood doors, sandbags, and solutions that aim to create a watertight seal at the door. Some of these are temporarily deployed when there is a risk of flooding, while others are permanently installed.
- Sump pumps or flood pumps
These deal with the flooding problem right from inside the home. Whether the floodwater is coming from inside or outside the home, the sump pump will pump any water that enters the basement out of the house.
If you asked us to recommend just one of these flood protection measures for your home, which one would we choose? Based on experience in providing basement flooding solutions for homes, we would say that your best option is a basement sump pump.
Why a sump pump is your best defense against basement flooding
What is a sump pump, and why is it the most-effective defense against basement flooding?
A sump pump is a special water pump that moves water out of your basement and transports it via a discharge pipe to the designated discharge point on or off your property. The sump pump sits inside a pit known as the sump basin or pit, which is located in the lowest part of your basement.
In the event of flooding, whether due to extreme weather or a plumbing accident inside your home, water entering the basement naturally flows into the sump basin. Upon sensing this water, the sump pump activates and empties the pit; it can do this for hours.
What makes sump pumps the best flood defense method for homes?
- Sump pumps are automatic
They do not need someone to switch them on or off. The sump pump will automatically power on when the water inside the basin reaches a specific level. It will also turn itself off after the water has been removed. You can sleep, work, or travel knowing that your home is safe.
- Sump pumps are unobtrusive
They do their work without interfering with your daily routines. Sump pumps produce a low humming sound that is not upsetting. If you install a cover on the sump basin, the sump pump system can blend in seamlessly with the rest of your basement.
- Easy installation and maintenance
Unlike many other flood defense systems, having a sump pump installed does not need elaborate preparations. The major work involved is excavating the basin and installing the discharge line. Also, maintaining a sump pump is easy.
- Sump pumps are versatile
They can handle flooding from both internal and external sources. Most flood protection solutions are designed to deal with either external or internal threats. A sump pump will handle flooding inside your home regardless of the source.
- Works as a standalone solution
With a sump pump installed inside your home, you may not need a second flood protection solution. The only exception is when the flooding problem in the house is very severe. Most flood protection solutions cannot stand alone.
- Sump pumps are not costly
Compared to other flood defense measures, sump pumps are highly affordable. They will serve you for many years. Maintaining them does not cost a lot, but at the same time, they can save you a ton of money and trouble.
If you want to buy a reliable flood protection system for your home, we ask that you consider a basement sump pump. The only caution when buying a sump pump is that you should speak with a reputable basement flood protection service provider before making the decision.
Why?
The effectiveness of your sump pump depends on whether the capacity of the sump pump and sump basin match the needs of your property. Without fully assessing your home to estimate the volume of water that enters the house, you may waste money on the wrong sump pump.