A wet basement is one of the most damaging events for your property. Standing water in a basement can cause mold, water damage and even damage to your foundation and the structure of your home. A sump pump can prevent all this by moving water away from your home.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is located in a sump pit under the basement of your home. Water flows under and around your home into the pit, where the pump removes the water and pushes it away from your foundation and house.
Most sump pumps work automatically, using electricity. There is a floatation system in the pit, and if water flows above a certain level, the sump pump will automatically kick in, draining water away. As with any system, your sump pump will need regular maintenance, including at least a yearly cleaning.
Do You Need One if You Live in Chicago?
If you’re a homeowner in the Chicago area, you may need a sump pump if:
- You live somewhere where spring thaws and heavy rainfalls can happen
- Your basement or crawl spaces have ever been affected by flooding or moisture
- You live anywhere where flooding can occur
- You live anywhere with snowfalls
- You wish to prevent flooding
Another factor to keep in mind is the water table. This is the spot underground, which is completely inundated with water. You may not see this spot, but it can impact how dry your basement is. If your home has poor drainage or is situated in a low-lying area, you may have a high water table, meaning the completely saturated area may come close to your foundation and basement. All it could take is a heavy rainfall or seasonal changes for the water table to shift and damage your basement.
With the city of Chicago sitting on Lake Michigan, it is very common for homes to experiencing flooding. Check out this map to see if your Chicago neighborhood is in a flood zone. You can also research water tables and flooding risks in your area. FEMA has a flood map that can help you determine whether you are at risk. Your insurance company and local news agencies may also have historical data about flooding and water damage in your area.
What Else Do I Need to Know About Sump Pumps?
A good quality sump pump can last 10 years if it is properly maintained. If you have a newer home, you may already have a sump pump installed. If this is the case, you will want to check it and set up a maintenance schedule to ensure it is working at its best.
If you do not have one, you can purchase a sump pump at a hardware store. You may even be able to install it yourself if you do other general repairs around your home. If you are not handy, however, you will want to contact a professional for installation. You may need to construct a pit, and a professional can determine where to lead water away from your home safely. Since the system will help reduce your risk of flooding and water damage, you want to ensure everything is set up correctly.
If you have a problem with flooding in your basement, ServiceMaster of Lincoln Park has 24/7 service to help you. We get your clean-up done right to bring you peace of mind. You can contact ServiceMaster of Lincoln Park to learn about our full range services or for fast water removal.
