Springtime means melting snow, heavy rain and whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw our way.  Weather patterns have changed dramatically over the years, which leads homeowners to never knowing what to expect.  Flooding is damaging and once it begins, there is little you can do to hold it back.

Even if your basement isn’t prone to flooding, it would be wise to make sure your sump pump is operating at maximum effectiveness.

Do you have a sump pump?  Do you have it tested annually by a plumbing professional in order to ensure it is and will run properly when you need it?

If you don’t have one and uncertain how it works – well, it’s used to extract accumulated water and generally installed in the basement just under the ground in a hole referred to as the Sump Pit. When the sensor in the pit (often known as the “float”) fills with water above a certain level, the sump pump automatically turns on and drains out the water.

Homeowners often opt to install an emergency backup sump pump just in case the main sump pump runs out of power or breaks down for any reason. Emergency backup sump pumps are used not only in the event of power outages or when the main sump pump fails, but when the water load is too big for your main sump pump to handle as well. Emergency backup sump pumps run on batteries and can be real lifesavers during power outages. These specific types of emergency backup pumps are used only for backup purposes and come with rechargeable batteries which last as much as 6 to 7 hours.

What’s the big deal? Besides the damage a flooded basement can do to flooring, drywall, and framing in the basement, mechanical systems such as electrical panels, water heaters, and heating systems are at risk in the event of a flood. A sump pump can literally save you thousands of dollars in repairs, not to mention the loss of personal property you may store in the basement. If structural damage isn’t enough to convince you of the importance of a properly functioning sump pump and an emergency backup system, be aware that excessive moisture may contribute to serious health problems. Moisture leads to mold, which can be extremely hazardous to your health. Additionally, extreme moisture can cause fungus to build up and destroy the wood in your home leading to the infestation of wood destroying insects such as termites.

Often times, sump pumps and backup pumps are not something you think about until it’s too late. Therefore, be proactive. If you are considering purchasing and installing a sump pump, we recommend you consult advice from a plumbing professional who can show you how a small investment today can literally save you hundreds of dollars down the road.