A sump pump is found at the lowest point of your crawlspace or placement. When water collects in the basin where it is found, it can pump it out to ensure proper drainage. This plumbing appliance is found in commercial and residential settings, helping properties and structures resist flooding issues.
All Toronto property owners with a basement or crawlspace benefit from installing a sump pump. It plays a crucial, protective role.
When a property is outside a designated flood plain, one might wonder if a sump pump is necessary. The answer depends on your specific situation.
What Are the Benefits of Sump Pump Installation?
Once installed in Toronto homes and businesses, a sump pump provides the following essential benefits.
- It reduces basement humidity levels to ensure the space supports improved indoor air quality readings.
- Mold and mildew growth opportunities are restricted, especially after a flooding event or another moisture-related emergency.
- It ensures the building materials, floors, and foundation aren’t damaged by problems with pooling water.
- This investment provides another protective layer for any furniture, business assets, or personal belongings that could be damaged by water contact.
- Increases in property values are possible as the protective qualities of a sump pump are attractive to buyers.
- It can work to maintain heating and cooling costs through the continuous drainage it offers.
- Pests are often attracted to moisture, and crawlspaces aren’t always easy to access. A sump pump can prevent insects, rodents, and other infestations by limiting this issue.
- This plumbing appliance can protect structures from sewage backups depending on the property setup.
A new sump pump installed by professionals can quickly help remove excess water in a basement or crawl space. The average lifespan of this plumbing appliance is approximately ten years as it works daily and during emergency events.
The sump pump works by sending water from the basin to a drain that won’t cause damage to your home. It is placed at the lowest point of the bottom floor or space, ensuring that water drains toward it.
Once the sump pump encounters water, it turns on to remove it. That design ensures you don’t have a massive electricity bill each month. Most products use float switches to activate, rising as the water does until it reaches a trigger point that starts the pumping process.
Types of Sump Pumps to Consider for Toronto Properties
A few different types of sump pumps are available if you’re interested in having a sump pump installed. Here’s a closer look at each one to see if it could be right for you.
- Submersible. This option has the housing and motor located inside the basin. It’s a quieter, more powerful option for those who might need to pump a lot of water away.
- Pedestal. The motor sits next to the basin with this design, providing assistance for those with deep or narrow drainage spaces.
- Water-Powered. This design clears the water in the basin by using water pressure increases. It can raise utility bills significantly, especially during a flooding event.
- Battery Backup. A sump pump with a battery backup keeps working even if the power goes out. Float switches operate the unit when its primary power source is not available.
Are There Alternatives to Sump Pumps to Consider?
If you have flooding issues in your basement, the problem requires a professional diagnosis to determine what is causing the concern. Any moisture development that happens frequently should be evaluated, including a complete property inspection.
Once you know what causes the moisture problems, you can explore different ways to rectify the situation.
Property owners with minor, but recurring moisture problems might find that a dehumidifier would work better in their situation. Although a sump pump could be helpful, the moisture levels might not rise to activation levels. That event would raise the risk of water damage instead of lowering it.
If water buildup issues occur because of a problem with how the foundation was built, a basement contractor or waterproofing specialist could initiate a repair that corrects the situation.
Plumbing problems often contribute to basement and crawlspace water issues. Any leaks, cracks, or failed seals would require correction to resolve these concerns. The sump pump could funnel the water away, but the moisture would be continuous until the situation was fixed.
Anyone with a finished basement should consider a sump pump to ensure protection occurs during a flooding emergency. You never know when a washing machine might malfunction, or a pipe could burst. This plumbing appliance helps to keep you and your personal assets protected, even during extreme situations. Reach out to our team today if you’d like to know more about this essential investment!
