Why a Sump Pump is Crucial for Princeton, NJ Homeowners during the Spring Defrosting

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Most homeowners look forward to warmer temperatures and the thawing of snow and ice after what has been one of the coldest winters in US history. However, the spring thaw not only brings promises of warmer and more pleasant weather; if a home’s sump pump is malfunctioning or not working at all, it can also result in serious flooding and water damage. Below are some of the main reasons why sump pumps are essential in the NJ climate. 

What your Home’s Sump Pump does

Your sump pump is a device that is installed in the basement for the purpose of pumping out excess water that would otherwise have resulted in serious flooding. The unit is usually placed in the lowest point on the basement floor in a pit that is specifically dug out for it.

Keep your Crawlspace and Basement Dry

This is the most important reason why homeowners have sump pumps installed. When the unit starts filling up with excess water, the pump gets to work by removing it through a pipe that leads to the outside of the property. The gentle slope that is usually built around a home will then help the excess water flow away from the building – before any lasting damage can be caused. 

A specially designed check valve is installed between the pump and pipe, and this prevents water from flowing back into the basement again. Sump pumps will either have a pressure sensor or a float activator-like those used in toilet tanks, and most units won’t require dedicated wiring because they operate on a standard electricity supply.

Prevent Mildew and Mold from Forming

Owing to the fact that a sump pump is responsible for keeping the area underneath a home dry, it plays a crucial role in preventing mold and mildew from forming. Mildew and mold are not only unsightly; exposure to them has been known to cause people serious health issues.

Alert Homeowners when Water Levels get too High

Even when a sump pump isn’t operating, it has the ability to alert a homeowner to the fact that their basements or crawlspaces are at risk of being flooded out. Some of the new models have the ability to send an alert to a homeowner’s phone if they’re out or on vacation, which will give them the opportunity to contact an emergency plumber before any serious damage occurs.

Add Value to a Property

When a home’s sump pump remains in good working order, it will make the property more appealing to potential buyers – which could raise its value over time as well. Basements that are kept dry and free from mold will always help a home to remain more structurally sound over time.

If you would like to find out more about having a sump pump fitted in your basement or you have an existing unit that is not working properly, call us today to schedule an appointment for installation or repair.