Do I Need a Sump Pump

Alleviate your worries about a wet basement and be proactive. If basement flooding is a concern for you, then a sump pump may be the answer to keeping your worries at bay and your floor dry.

When Do You Need a Sump Pump?

Your answers to the following questions will help you decide if your home is a candidate for a sump pump.

Prior history. Does your basement have a history of flooding? If it does, then it’s a pretty good bet that it will again.

Precipitation. Does your region get a lot of rain, storms and/or snow? If so, you have the right conditions for flooding.

Low lying region. Is your home on a flat or low lying area? If it is, then you could find yourself in a flooding situation.

Finished basement. Do you have a finished basement? Finishing a basement doesn’t cause flooding but it can mask some drainage problems. The more valuables you keep in your finished basement, the more benefit you get from sump pump coverage.

Alternatives to a Sump Pump

If you still find yourself debating the sump pump issue, do a little figurative digging and find out what your flood problem is. You may discover an alternative solution.

Humid air. If it’s just a damp air issue without flooding, then a dehumidifier could be the solution to your wet basement.

Gutters and downspouts. Check to see if your gutters are clear of debris and draining far enough away from your foundation.

Slope away. Make sure that outside structures (pools, decks, walkways, etc.) all slope away from the house to force water out.

Install a curtain drain. A curtain drain, aka a French drain, channels water away from the house via a perforated pipe. Keep in mind, a curtain drain can be an involved procedure requiring some hard work, depending on your home and yard. But, in the long run, it will pay off by keeping your home nice and dry.

No matter what you decide, if you think water damage could be a problem in your lowest level, it’s a great idea to contact your agent (Opens in a new tab) to make sure you have enough coverage to protect your valuables.