How a Sump Pump Can Save Your Home (and Your Wallet)

Water damage is one of the most stressful—and costly—issues a homeowner can face. Whether it’s from a heavy rainstorm, melting snow, or a high water table, water has a sneaky way of finding its way into basements. One of the best ways to protect your home from this kind of disaster? A sump pump.

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Sump Pump, and Why Should You Care?

A sump pump is a small but mighty device that plays a big role in keeping your home dry. It’s typically installed in the lowest part of your house—often in the basement—where water tends to collect. When rain or melting snow seeps into your home’s foundation, it drains into a pit where the sump pump is located. Once the water in the pit reaches a certain level, the pump kicks on and redirects the water safely away from your house.

By keeping water out, a sump pump helps prevent costly water damage, mold growth, and the headache of dealing with a flooded basement.

How to Test Your Sump Pump (Before You Really Need It)

Like any other piece of equipment, your sump pump needs a little attention to make sure it’s ready to go when you need it most. Testing it is simple and only takes a few minutes:

1. Find the sump pump pit—usually in your basement.
2. Fill a large bucket with water and slowly pour it into the pit.
3. Watch what happens next. The sump pump should automatically turn on when the water reaches a certain height.
4. Make sure the water drains quickly and that the pump shuts off once the pit is empty.

Pro tip: Keep a backup pump on hand. When severe weather strikes, stores often sell out quickly, and finding a replacement can be tough when you’re in a pinch.

Does Your Home Need a Sump Pump?

Not every home requires a sump pump, but if you check any of these boxes, it’s a smart investment:

• Your basement is below the water table.
• Water tends to pool around your home after rain.
• Your yard slopes toward your house (and water runoff isn’t draining properly).
• There are cracks in your foundation that need repair.
• Your basement has exterior doors or windows.
• You have a furnace, water heater, or other important appliances in the basement.
• You store personal belongings downstairs.
• You live in a flood zone.
• You’ve experienced flooding in the past.

Don’t Wait for Water Damage to Strike

A working sump pump can be your first line of defense against basement flooding. Regular testing and maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs and the loss of valuable possessions. But if the unexpected happens—and water damage does occur—we’re here to help.

Contact us and our team will walk you through the claims process and help you get back on track.