You’ve most likely heard of sump pumps or know people who have them in their homes. But do you need one in your house? It’s an important question because a sump pump can help prevent water damage and save you thousands of dollars in repair costs. First things first, though. What exactly is a sump pump?
A sump pump is a device that is usually installed in the basement that pumps excess water out of your home during periods of heavy rainfall. There are many different options, so call an experienced Bieg plumber to go over your choices and help determine which model is best for you. If you’ve ever experienced a wet basement during a storm, you could potentially benefit from getting a sump pump. St. Louis gets over 42 inches of rainfall each year, putting it above the national average. If you see water in your basement even once, the problem isn’t likely to go away on its own.
Signs that you need a sump pump
Here are some common reasons for needing a sump pump.
- You live in a low-lying area. If your house resides on low-lying land, you’ll be more prone to flooding. If you aren’t sure about your elevation, check out this handy St. Louis topological map. Usually, however, you’ll be able to see whether or not there is significant elevation change in your surrounding area.
- Previous flooding issues. Have you noticed that when it rains, your basement becomes damp or even floods? A sump pump can prevent these situations, preventing damage to the foundation over time. This could save you a lot of money in future repairs. Foundations aren’t cheap.
- You have an older, malfunctioning pump. Submersible models last for approximately 10 years, while pedestal models can remain functional for multiple decades. While sump pumps are generally durable, there will come a time when it will need to be replaced. This is especially true if you haven’t been giving the unit proper maintenance each year. If your older pump isn’t working well, call in a licensed plumber to have it inspected.
- You have a finished basement. Finished basements are fantastic. They add more livable space to your home and are generally cooler and quite comfortable. If you’ve gone all out, you probably have nice carpeting, furniture, big-screen televisions, stereo equipment and more down there. While this makes for an impressive hideout spot from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can also mean major damage if it floods. Even if you haven’t noticed flooding previously, we’d recommend consulting a professional about a potential sump pump if you want to ensure that all of the expensive equipment isn’t put in harm’s way. It only takes one big thunderstorm to ruin your perfect man cave.
Bieg Plumbing has the experience and plumbing knowledge necessary to guide you through any issue related to sump pumps. We provide a range of exceptional models with top-notch installation services. We even offer Wi-Fi-connected units that can alert you via the internet if there are any malfunctions with the machine. This means that even if you’re not at home, you can be informed as to what’s going on and make the appropriate decisions as to how to deal with any problems. Now that’s peace of mind!
With over 60 years of service in the St. Louis area, Bieg Plumbing is always ready to help.
