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How Your Home Works - Sump System
Houses that have a basement or crawlspace and are at risk for flooding typically have a sump system to remove the water. The sump system includes:
- A sump pit where water is directed to
- A drainage system that directs water into the pit
- A sump pump to pump the water from the pit to the outside
- A discharge pipe which goes from the sump pump to the outside
The Sump Pit
If you have a basement, your sump pit is a man made hole usually found in your basement or just outside the foundation of the house. The hole goes a few feet below your basement floor. It collects water from the weeping tiles around your basement. It is usually lined with concrete or plastic and typically has a cover at ground level. Safety Tip: If you have children, never leave the sump pit uncovered and ensure they cannot open the cover.
If you have a crawlspace, your crawl space typically is your sump pit. A man made hole may have been dug in the crawlspace to help capture the water.
The Drainage System
The drainage system can be either man made sloping tunnels under your basement, or it could be the natural sloping of the ground. Either way, the drainage system directs water towards the pit so it can be pumped out.
The Sump Pump
The sump pump pushes the water from the pit to the outside of your house through the discharge pipe. If you cannot afford to have your pump break down (by electrical outage or other problem), then you can install a backup pump that runs off a battery and will kick in if the main pump fails.
The Discharge Pipe
Water is pushed through the discharge pipe to the storm water sewer, directly to the outside, or to a dry well.
Why your sump system is important
Above and beyond the fact that a sump system keeps your basement or crawlspace from flooding and doing major damage to your belongings and house, it has many other benefits:
- It keeps your basement from getting damp, keeping it warmer, dryer, and mold-free all year round. This is important because recent studies have linked wet/moldy houses to respiratory problems. It is also important for preventing your wall coverings and paint from peeling. And lastly, it is important because a dry basement will prevent termite and insect infestation.
- It increases your property value because potential buyers are reassured that you have been properly caring for your home by taking the necessary precautions against water damage.
- It keeps your insurance rates down because repeated flooding claims will raise your deductible and your monthly premiums. Longer term damage from flooding may not even be covered by your insurance and is best to avoid.
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