The Fundamentals Of Sump Pump Installation To Protect Your Basement

Many homeowners are stunned to discover that a leaky foundation or other structural and environmental hazards have led to water in the basement. Left unaddressed, you might face water damage, mold, mildew, and other bacteria growth. A sump pump can help you keep the water out of your basement, but only if you understand it well enough to make the most of your investment. Here are some of the things that you should understand. 

Proper Installation Is Essential

One of the biggest mistakes, especially with self-installation, is putting the sump pump in the wrong place. Before you install your new sump pump, you need to identify the proper installation location. Since water naturally travels to the lowest point, you need to find the lowest corner in your basement. Once you identify the lowest point, then you can dig the sump pit and install the pump. That way, you can be sure that water will flow to your pump when it reaches your basement.

Routine Testing Is Necessary

A sump pump is only beneficial as long as it's working the way that it should. To ensure that it is, you need to test your sump pump regularly. That means your installation location should be easily accessible. Then, you can dump water into the sump pit until the float activates and triggers the pump to draw that water out. As long as the power supply, float, and pump are working properly, you can be confident that your basement will stay as dry as possible. If you do not get the response you expected, you should have the pump inspected and repaired. Sometimes, sump pumps clog from excess debris in the water. Routine inspections and testing help uncover these issues so you can prevent flooding in your basement.

Professional Installation Is Beneficial

Even for the fairly handy home repair enthusiast, installing a sump pump properly can be challenging. Not only do you have to consider the water flow in your basement, but also the outlets available for pump drainage. Instead of trying to install the pump on your own, reach out to a local sump pump installation contractor. They have the training and expertise to ensure that it works at its best.

These are just a few of the many things that you need to understand when it comes to dealing with a sump pump. The right installation process and testing routine can help you protect your basement from excess water.

Contact a local sump pump service to learn more.