What Is a Sump Pump, and Do You Need One? | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

If water damage happens in your home and causes damage, SERVPRO of Downtown Charlestown is here to help.

There are a lot of tools and systems that play their part in keeping your home free of leaks, bursts and water damage. From pipes to hoses, drains and more, there are a bevy of instruments and utilities at work to keep your water situation under control.

An unsung hero in the water damage prevention space is the humble sump pump. Many people don’t really know what it is, or what exact purpose it serves. It kind of has a weird name that’s not great for marketing (but hey, it’s better than cesspool), and it’s in a not-often considered area of the home.

But it can save or preserve your basement or foundation all the same. As many as six out of every 10 homes have an existing underground moisture problem, which can lead to foundation damage, mold issues and basement flooding the same as above-ground flooding or pipe bursts.

What’s a sump pump?

A sump pump is an electric pump that is installed beneath the lowest part of your home, in either the basement or crawl space, which drains excess water that would otherwise damage your foundation.

Some are powered by electricity alone, while others operate with a battery backup for situations in which a flood or weather event might cause a power loss. Some sit completely underground, while others sit partially above-ground.

How does a sump pump work?

A sump pump has a similar shape to a trash can or a popcorn bucket, with a basin in the bottom to hold water. As rain or moisture collect under your foundation due to rainfall or floodwater, the basin collects the water that would threaten your home.

A float switch, similar to what you’d find in a toilet tank, triggers the pump mechanism when enough water accumulates in the basin. The activated pump then pulls the water up and above ground via a tube system, and releases the water above ground level and away from your home.

You can see it happen in a simple video here.

How much does a sump pump cost?

Between the cost of the pump and the labor to have it installed, the national average for a sump pump is about $1,200. But considering the destruction and potential costs involved in repairing a foundation crack, and Charleston’s propensity for flooding,, it’s likely well worth it to have one installed.

If water invades your home and causes damage, you’ve got help a click away. Contact SERVPRO to find out how we can help.