What’s a Sump Pump and Why Would I Need One?
Home construction can be a pretty exciting time in a future homeowner’s life because in many ways, it represents a culmination of a life’s goal and a large step into adulthood. There are issues that can arise when it comes to owning your new home, and regardless if we’re talking about new construction or buying an existing home, there are a number of homeowners that will face a major question down the line – what is to be made of the sump pump?
Actually, there’s a bigger question these same owners will face soon after – what exactly is a sump pump? Truth be told, you see it all over television and movies, joke after joke about generational differences and how sons just don’t get how to be men or how to work a sump pump. Comedy aside, a sump pump, in it’s most basic description, is a pump mechanism located in the basement of homes used to move moisture out of the home.
This simple device is used to move water out of the basement in times of either heavy rains or if your basement is flooded (reasons can vary). They are probably more prevalent in some areas of the country more than others, which can cause the confusion for many people. Moreover, sump pumps are associated with basements. This isn’t to say that if you have a basement, then you’ll automatically have moisture problems or need a sump pump. However, it does make sense that basements & sump pumps are closely associated. Your basement is essentially a large hole dug into the ground. It wouldn’t be surprising to think that you’d run into some type of moisture during the process.
In fact, many home experts will direct prospective homeowners to start their look at a new home in the basement. After all, your real estate agent is there to show you the best the home has to offer & make a sale. You, however, don’t want any nasty surprises, and a basement with evidence of high moisture or water marks on the walls will lead to problems. These problems not only deal with structural issues, but they can also lead to air quality issues for your entire family.
In the end, you still may be asking whether or not you actually need one. Truth is, depending on your situation, you may actually not need to go this route. Home experts have noticed that while this is a traditional device used to remedy moisture issues, homeowners can also do other things to help out. This can include adjusting where gutters empty out away from the foundation, as well as even working with changing the grade of your property. Some homeowners have even taken to using strategically placed awnings to help divert water.
Understanding the mysteries of the sump pump, as well as moisture’s role in your home’s construction, are major steps in being able to maintain your home to its fullest potential.
