Flooded basements cost billions of dollars each year in damages. Besides claiming important personal items, a flooded basement can weaken the structure of your home. Even worse, the mold and mildew left behind after a basement flood can damage your health and pocketbook. Fortunately, you can take steps to ensure your basement stays dry. Here are six warning signs you need to work with a Skokie plumbing contractor to install a sump pump today.
1. Your Basement Renovation Was Expensive
If you invested a lot of money into your basement renovation, you probably want to do what you can to take care of it. Similarly, if you store valuables in your basement, you likely want to keep them safe. Of course, if your basement floods, you can expect excess water to destroy your redo or damage your expensive belongings. Installing a sump pump can give you peace of mind that your pump will remove flood waters before they can cause damage.
2. Your Basement Has Flooded Before
Few signs indicate increased likelihood of a future flood more than a previous flood. Thus, if your basement has flooded in the past, you probably want to install a sump pump to keep it from flooding in the future. Further, if your basement has survived a flood, you might want to work with a Skokie plumbing professional to survey potential mold and mildew damage.
3. You Get a Lot of Snow or Rain
If you live in an area with frequent heavy rain and snowstorms, you probably want to take extra care to keep your basement dry. Generally, it is only a matter of time before houses in these areas flood, so you might consider installing a sump pump to protect you from flooding associated with extreme weather.
4. Your House Is in a Low-Lying Area
In certain places, builders construct homes in floodplains and other low-lying areas. Basements in these places might sit just inches away from the natural ground water. Adding a sump pump is a good way to keep ground water levels under control.
5. Your Existing Pump Is Old
Depending on your model of sump pump, you can expect it to last between five and 10 years. Thus, if your pump is older, you might consider replacing it.
6. Your Existing Pump Doesn’t Have a Backup
Some sump pumps do not have battery-operated backup systems. While these function well when there is power, they can fail during a blackout. Since floods often occur when the electricity is off, you should probably consider upgraded to a modern pump.
Sump pumps are an effective tool for keeping basements dry. If you notice any of these six warning signs, you should contact a Skokie plumbing contractor to discuss installing a sump pump in your basement.
