Sump pumps are mechanisms used to reduce water and structural damage in crawl spaces or basements. If the underside of your home has standing water, these devices can move it out of the area and away from your property’s perimeter.
Aside from sump pumps, you also need to install a drainage system and waterproof your foundation to ensure that your crawl space stays dry at all times. Encapsulating or insulating the area may also help prevent water from infiltrating the underside of your home.
One of the most common mistakes that some homeowners commit when installing a crawl space or basement sump pump system is doing the work their selves. It would be best to leave the job to the professionals to ensure the device does its job properly. Other errors that people make include:
• Installing the Sump Pump in the Wrong Location
Sump pumps should be installed at the lowest point of your crawl space. However, finding that spot in the underside of your home can be difficult.
Just because water collects in a certain part of your crawl space doesn’t mean that it’s where you should install your sump pump. If you install the device in the wrong place, it will function ineffectively and even cause flooding. This is why you need to hire experts to ensure proper installation.
• Choosing the Wrong Type of Sump Pump
Pedestal and submersible are the two main types of sump pumps. The latter is a bulky device that can be placed right inside the pit. As its name implies, submersible pumps can work underwater.
In contrast, the motor of a pedestal sump pump is placed outside the pit because it can’t function underwater. It may be cheaper than other types of pumps, but it can’t handle the same amount of water that a submersible pump can.
• Failing to Clear Debris in the Crawl Space
After installing a sump pump in your crawl space or basement, you should clear any silt, rock, gravel, or other debris in the area. They could clog and damage the device.
The debris in your crawl space can also build up and obstruct your sump pump unit’s discharge pipe and vent hole. If this happens, the device would have to work harder and might overflow.
Contact DryTek Crawlspace Solutions for a Sump Pump Installation Service
If you’re looking for experts in installing a crawl space or basement sump pump, consider the ones at DryTek Crawlspace Solutions. Contact us now at (410) 543-4848 or (302) 468-1811 to schedule an appointment.
