Buying a new home is a major life decision, one that requires careful consideration of all the factors involved. One of those factors is the sump pump, which is an important element in a home. Many home buyers consider a sump pump means a red flag because that means the basement has flooded in the past, however, that is not always the case. Below, Douglas Cooling & Heating explains what you should look for in a new house that comes with a sump pump and why sump pumps are a useful part of the home’s plumbing system.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a device used to remove water from basements and crawl spaces to prevent flooding. The pump is usually located near the lowest point in your crawl space or basement floor and collects water via drain pipes connected to the foundation walls or floor of your home. The collected water is then pumped out of the basement or crawl space through a discharge pipe, which typically leads outside away from your home’s foundation.
It’s important that you have a battery backup for your sump pump because it can help protect your home during times of extreme weather or power outages. With a battery backup system, the sump pump will still work in the event of a power outage. Often storms heavy rains and high winds can cause you to lose power and cause flooding. A battery backup ensures that your basement or crawl space won’t flood even if there’s no access to electricity from the grid.
What to Look for When Buying a Home with a Sump Pump?
- When buying a home with a sump pump already installed, verify that the system is operational and in good working order. You should look out for signs of wear and tear on the system.
- Furthermore, confirm that the drainage pipes connecting the sump pump to the outside valves are clean and operational. Your home inspector should warn you of any issues they notice when looking at a house with a sump pump. If you are serious about purchasing the home, you can have these issues addressed by the seller before closing on the property so that you don’t have to worry about them later down the line.
- You should also ask about how often the system was serviced and who performs regular maintenance on it; this information can help you plan ahead for future maintenance costs and avoid unexpected expenses down the road. You can also ask how old the sump pump is, and when was the last time key components like the float switch and pump pit were replaced.
- Prior to making the purchase, check that its circuit breaker is functioning properly, and make sure all the electrical connections are secure. Additionally, if possible, aim for a model with a sump pump alarm system so that you’re alerted if water levels rise too high in the sump pit.
- If you see a sump pump installed in a home, carefully look for signs of water damage or foundational damage. These clues can tell you if there was a flooded basement or crawlspace in the past.
Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Sump Pump Maintenance, Repair, and Installation
Sump pumps are essential components in any home because they help prevent flooding in basements and crawl spaces by removing excess water from these areas. Often it’s better to have a sump pump system in place than to be without one. It’s important that you look for backup power systems when buying a house with an existing sump pump, as this helps to prevent flooding in the event of a heavy storm that knocks out your power. For sump pump repair, maintenance, or installation in your current home or new residence, call Douglas Cooling & Heating today!
