How a Sump Pump Protects Your Olympia Fields Flood-Prone Basement

A sump pump protects a flood-prone basement by actively removing groundwater before it can accumulate and cause flooding. When a sump pump is working properly, it can pump out the water entering the pit as fast or faster than it is coming in. As a result, the water can’t rise to the point of overflowing the pit and causing flooding. However, when a sump pump has failed or is undersized for a home’s needs, it won’t be able to keep up, and water will spread in your basement.

How a Sump Pump Works

In flood-prone areas, groundwater naturally pushes up through porous concrete, cracks, and the perimeter of your home.  If you don’t do anything to stop it, this water will pool on your floor, damaging your home’s construction (flooring, baseboards, dry wall, etc.) and your valuables (furniture, collectibles, storage items, etc.).

When a sump pump is installed, a pit is dug at the lowest point of the basement floor, lined, and filled with gravel. Then, drain tiles run along the foundation to direct water into the sump pit. When water enters the pit, a float switch on the sump pump detects its presence and turns the unit on. Once on, the sump pump sucks water up and pushes it through a discharge pipe where it is expelled away from the foundation to keep your home dry. Once the water level in the pit drops, the float switch triggers the unit to turn off.

A properly working sump pump that is well-maintained can protect your home for many years, but it still has its limitations. For instance, major stormwater runoff or floodwater nearby can overwhelm the system. Don’t expect a sump pump to do the job of whole-house flood barrier in high-water table areas.

If you’re looking to have a sump pump installed, repaired, or replaced, we can help! Give us a call at 1 (800) 674-9130 for Olympia Fields sump pump service.

Additional resources:
Why Is My Sump Pump Running?
How to Clean a Sump Pump
Can Flooding Still Happen with a Sump Pump?
A Guide to Replacing Your Sump Pump
What to do When a Sump Pump Breaks
Who Can Repair a Sump Pump?
Do Sump Pumps Need Regular Service?
Olympia Fields Sump Pump Replacement Costs
Plumbers that do Sump Pump Work in Olympia Fields
Olympia Fields Sump Pump Repair Companies
Who Can Replace a Sump Pump in Olympia Fields?
The Guide to Sump Pump Repair
How to Choose the Right Sump Pump