Do you have water problems with your crawlspace and moldy air in your home? If so, you may need a sump pump. This device can help prevent flooding in your crawlspace with minimal effort from you.

What Is a Crawlspace Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a device in your crawlspace that helps prevent it from flooding. It has a basin and a pump that sucks the water through a tube and away from the house. Even a small amount of water can cause expensive damage, so it’s important to keep your crawlspace and foundations dry.

It can also keep groundwater from building up underneath your crawlspace, damaging the foundations. They’re often built in the lowest part of the crawlspace, so all the water naturally flows toward them.

People can also get sump pumps in their basement.

Do I Need a Crawlspace Sump Pump?

Have you had water problems in your crawlspace before (or do you have them now)? If so, you definitely need a sump pump. When you’re considering buying a house, ask the previous owners about flooding. (If the basement/crawlspace floods, you probably don’t want to buy it.) Sometimes people are forced to get a sump pump because of their homeowner’s insurance coverage.

Even if your home does have water issues, you may not need a sump pump. There are alternatives. Home renovation expert Bob Vila gave several on his blog:

  • Outdoor curtain drains
  • Repairing/installing gutters
  • Fixing patios/walkways that are sloped toward your home

There are many options for preventing water damage, and different homes require different strategies. Call us and we’ll talk you through your potential solutions.

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What Are the Types of Sump Pumps?

There are two types of sump pumps: pedestal pumps and submersible pumps. The difference between them is that submersible pumps are completely under the ground of your crawlspace while pedestal pumps are partially above. Submersible pumps are better, so choose one of them if you have enough space in your sump pit.

How Many Sump Pumps Do I Need?

It might seem strange, but you should consider getting more than one sump pump. A pump can only get rid of so much water, and if it gets overwhelmed (or breaks), that water will start to build up. Having two will double the amount of water you can remove at once. Having a battery backup can also be a good idea for if the power goes out.

Should I Install a Sump Pump Myself?

Not unless you’re experienced in that type of work. You can save yourself a lot of time and energy by hiring an expert. Installing a sump pump in your crawlspace can be gross, difficult, and dangerous, so let us handle it.

If you do decide to install it yourself, follow instructions, and be careful. Sump pumps involve both water and electricity, and you don’t want to accidentally electrocute yourself. Follow safety protocols and wear protective gear.

How Long Does a Sump Pump Last?

According to Networx, “Once you already have a sump pump in place, you can expect a submersible pump to last for about 10 years; a pedestal type has a lifespan of 25-30 years. After that, it will need to be replaced.” So they tend to last for a very long time and don’t need to be replaced very often.

Crawlspace Sump Pump Maintenance

Sump Pumps don’t require a lot of maintenance, but HowStuffWorks.com gives some suggestions:

  • Make sure the actual pump doesn’t fall over.
  • Occasionally, pour some water into the sump pit to check that the pump actually works.
  • Make sure that the water is draining at least 20 feet from the foundation and that it’s not leaking out along the way.
  • Check that the pump is still plugged in (to a functioning GFCI outlet) and that the cord is working. A GFCI outlet makes electrocutions less likely.
  • On the bottom of the submersible pump, you’ll find a grate. Take the pump out of the pit, and clean this grate, removing small stones that might have gotten stuck.
  • Clear the discharge pipe’s vent hole.

Many pumps also come with some way to notify you if they’re not working. Some have alarms, and some will even call your cell phone.

Let us install a sump pump in your crawlspace and save yourself the time and frustration. We specialize in crawlspaces, and we’ll do whatever we can to keep your dry.

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