Sump pump pros and cons

“We really like the house. It has all the features we’re looking for. The only thing that worries me is the sump pump in the basement. Obviously the house has some kind of water problem.”

It’s easy to imagine a prospective home buyer voicing concerns about a sump pump located in a basement or basement. But is having one always a bad sign? Is a house automatically better without one? How reliable are they in keeping water out of a basement or under-floor space? One way to answer these questions is to examine the “pros and cons.”

PROS

  • Effective water removal. When a sump pump has been installed correctly, it is the most effective way to draw water away from the foundation and help keep the basement or crawl space dry in wet conditions.
  • More reliable than other waterproofing treatments. Despite what many people think, coating the exterior of a foundation with a moisture barrier is no guarantee against infiltration of water into a basement or basement. Both siding and underlayment can (and often do) develop water-admitting cracks. Water can also enter through cracks in the concrete floor or along the joint between the floor and the wall. A properly functioning pump is more reliable than a “passive” system as a moisture barrier.
  • Capable of handling major leaks. Unlike a curtain drainage system that relies solely on gravity to remove water, it can move a large volume of water in a relatively short time. This ability is important whenever a severe storm or unforeseen leak occurs.

CONS

  • Electricity required. Power outages often occur during heavy storms that can cause water to enter the basement. But when the power goes out, a standard one doesn’t work, so the basement can fill with water. To avoid this catastrophe, you must install a sump pump that includes a battery backup system.
  • Possible Radon Hazard. Drilling a hole in the concrete floor of a basement or a gap under the floor creates an opening where radon gas from the soil can enter the foundation. Since exposure to radon can cause cancer, it is important to have a radon test done in any home with a sump pump. If dangerous levels of radon are detected, an experienced radon abatement contractor can reduce them to acceptable levels.
  • Unappealing appearance. In the past and even today, the installation leaves an exposed hole in the base that is rough and unsightly. Seeing an open hole that is dirty and partially filled with water will not make homeowners feel good about their basement or safe from water damage. But it does not have to be like that. As shown in the photo, sump pumps like those available from Basement Systems, Inc. have a clean and tidy appearance that inspires confidence rather than fear.

BOTTOM LINE

For a homeowner or home buyer, a sump pump can be either a liability or an asset, depending on how it works and looks. If working properly, it provides excellent protection against water intrusion and water damage in a basement or crawl space protection that is in many ways safer than waterproof coatings. To provide the best protection and finish, it is important to install a high-quality pump that incorporates a battery backup system and an airtight cover. This type of sump pump is typical of the models available from Basement Systems.

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