The bottom line is that a dry basement relies on a good sump pump.
Maryland is a fantastic place to live if you truly enjoy all four seasons and like to experience every type of weather (nor-easters, hurricanes, even the occasional tornado, check). Maryland homes are also prone to including basements, and basements plus seasonal heavy rains equals flooding. There are many different solutions that you can try to protect your basement from flooding (and thereby protect your foundation and the rest of your home), from french drains to interior waterproofing, but the bottom line is that a dry basement relies on a good sump pump.
What Is A Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a drainage system. It typically has a drainage tank installed beneath floor level in your basement or crawlspace with the pump installed within the tank. The tank collects ground water as it rises (or flood water as it runs in) and the pump pumps it out of the basement and away from the home.
How Does It Protect The House?
The most direct protection offered by a sump pump is that it keeps water from creeping into your basement, cellar, or crawlspace. Sump pumps prevent flooding. By preventing the flooding, you are preventing the water damage that could ruin the floors, walls, and anything stored in your basement. A sump pump also protects you from the very dangerous long term impact of water damage: mold and mildew. If you don’t ever have the flooding event, then you don’t have to worry about the unseen mold that can cause illness. Finally, the sump pump protects your electrical system as well. The odds are good that you have electrical outlets, lighting or appliances in your basement, and if your basement were to experience a massive flood, the whole electrical system could potentially be damaged.
Who Needs a Sump Pump?
Most homeowners in Maryland would benefit from having a sump pump. If your home does not have any below-grade construction, then you may not need one. However, if any of the structure of your home is below ground, including a full basement, a cellar, or even a crawlspace, you should have a sump pump. Any space below grade has the potential to flood and succumb to water damage. The sump pump pumps that water safely away before it can cause harm.
What If It Stops Working?
The sump pump system works automatically. When the drainage tank fills, the sensor on the pump activates and it pumps the water out and away. The only thing that could keep the pump from working is a faulty or damaged pump or a lack of power. Many systems include a battery backup so that your pump will work even in a power outage, bt you should also perform yearly inspection and maintenance to make sure that it is running correctly and not clogged or damaged.
Lanham Construction For All Your Construction Needs
Lanham Construction is an award-winning and dependable construction company dedicated to serving your home or business with whichever construction project you have in mind. Our professional team is eager to serve customers throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. When you pick Lanham, you won’t ever have to worry about the process. We’re here to help every step of the way.