Sump Pump to the Rescue After Flooding

April showers bring May flowers – and long-lasting water damage from flooding! The National Flood Insurance Program asserts that floods are the number one disaster in the U.S., causing billions of dollars of property damage. Unfortunately, no home is safe from even the most minor flooding. Our basement waterproofing systems can be penetrated when the earth is overly saturated, allowing water to seep through cracks in the foundation. One way to help avoid water damage in your basement is by investing in a sump pump.

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a pump drilled into the lowest point of your home, such as a crawlspace or basement, that mechanically pumps out excess water. There is a certain amount of groundwater around your house, which is indicated by the constant water level in the sump pump. When it rises above that point, the pump is activated to reduce the water level.

Flooding vs. Seepage

Any amount of water can cause damage, especially if you have a finished basement. The general level that constitutes flooding is standing water that is six inches or higher. If the water level is half an inch or less, that is considered seepage. For basements that have concrete floors and no valuables stored, this might not seem like a big deal, but carpets and boxes of storage can be severely damaged.

Preventing Water Damage

In the event of seepage or a flood, make sure that important items are stored off of the ground. You can also take precautions outside of your house. Most houses on a grade are designed to have the lawn slope away from your house. If yours slopes towards, you’re at risk for water damage every time it rains! To help drain water away from your house, you can dig a swale, or a shallow hole, to catch rainwater before it enters your home.

Flooding can also be caused by sewer line back-ups. If you have a plumbing issue that has caused your basement to flood, trust M.J. Fahy & Sons, in business for over 100 years. Contact M.J. Fahy & Sons for efficient and successful service today.