Sump Pump Installation Instructions
Updated January 1, 1 . AmFam Team
Hoping to add some more living space to your home by finishing your basement? Then you probably know it’s critical to install a sump pump system into your basement. It’s a great idea – even if you’ve never had a flooded basement in the past.
Bad weather can take you by surprise, but not if you’re prepared with a plan to deal with flooding. Get the facts you need with our sump pump selection and installation instructions so you’ll know what it takes to help prevent basement flooding.
Other Key Basement Waterproofing Considerations
There are many steps you can take to keep water out of your basement and get news to you of problems in real-time. And if you’ll be breaking up concrete in the basement anyway, now may be the perfect the time to think about some other water management options — that can really help you to protect your lower level.
Install a French drain. They’re comprised of a below-grade gutter that runs around the edge of your foundation and feeds water into the sump basin. French drains are a good addition to basements that see a lot of water seeping between the footing and the foundation wall.
Pick up a back-up sump pump and battery package. It’s a good idea to think about a backup battery sump pump system. Installing one can save on insurance costs. For a little more money, you’ll have protection when the rain comes and lightning knocks out the power.
Install smart water sensors. Part of a smart home alarm system, water sensors deliver early warning directly to your smart phone when something’s wrong. Install these directly onto the sidewall of the sump pump basin so you’ll be alerted when the water level’s above the top of the pump, but not outside the well. These little sensors can really save the day.
Install check valves. Check valves keep water and sewage from back flowing into your home. You’ll need one for your sump systems and another for the drain in your basement. Install a sewer backflow check valve to prevent sewage from backing up through the floor drain. Consult with a plumber on size and scale before purchasing and don’t forget the hose clamps!
Congrats, that was a lot of hard work! Having a dry basement can really put your mind at ease. While you’re taking steps to keep out that unwanted water, connect with your American Family agent (Opens in a new tab) to make sure you have the coverage to protect!
Related Articles
- 9 Steps to Create a Home Inventory for Insurance Claims
Your home is more than a roof over your head. It’s where your dreams grow, your family thrives and memories are made. But the possessions you keep inside are important, too.
Whether you’re renting an apartment or own your home, you’ve most likely got an insurance policy designed to protect your dwelling and the things inside. Should the unthinkable happen and you have to use that insurance policy, it’s important to have a plan in place. And a home inventory list is a great way to get started!
We’ll walk you through how to create a home inventory so — in the event of the unexpected — you’ll be more prepared and have a streamlined recovery.
What Is a Home Inventory?
Quite simply, a home inventory is a complete list of all the items, especially valuables, in and around your home. The best home inventories include photos, descriptions and dollar values of each of your belongings. The more detail, the better! It’ll help you provide a comprehensive list to your agent of items lost in the event your home is damaged or destroyed, allowing you to get the most out of your coverage.
When your describing the items in your list, remember that the more information, the better. Here’s a quick reference list of the type of information you should include in your home inventory list:
- An in-depth description of the items. For example, rather than writing down “diamond ring,” be more descriptive, such as: “an emerald cut diamond ring, with white gold shank, accent stones and initials inscribed below the bridge.”
- Make, model, and/or serial number of the items.
- Date of purchase, receipts and photos.
- Estimated replacement cost if you bought it today. Do note that the value of the items might be different today than it was when you first bought them. This is especially true with jewelry, and other valuables.
- Appraisals at time of purchase. Especially if your items were appraised for insurance purposes.
Why Do I Need a Home Inventory?
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, everyone can benefit from a home inventory!
If you ever have to make a claim, a home inventory is a great asset to have, especially after stressful events like theft, storm damage or a fire (take a look at how one renter used their home inventory after facing an apartment fire).
When you make a claim, you typically submit information on everything that was lost — which can be difficult to do off the top of your head for all your possessions. Remembering to replace your TV or computer are no-brainers, but when it comes to remembering each piece of jewelry in your jewelry box, things tend to get overlooked. Having a personal property inventory will help, along with knowing how to properly insure your jewelry.
When you have your home inventory checklist, you know exactly what needs to be replaced, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your entire household is protected.
- Reasons Why a Roof Leaks
You’re admiring the rain from the comfort of your home when you notice a sound — the unmistakable drip of water dropping onto your floor. The first and hardest step is figuring out why your roof is leaking. And with these tips, you’ll find the culprit in no time!
Here’s Why Your Roof Is Leaking
The list of reasons why your roof is leaking may seem long, but don’t worry — when it comes to finding the leak and fixing it, the finding is the hardest part. And the good thing about these problems? They can all be fixed. Check out the list and see what’s troubling your roof:
Your roof is old
Roofs don’t last forever. Protecting your home and everything inside it from the elements comes with a cost. And with all that rain, snow, ice, wind and even sunlight wearing down your roof, it becomes more susceptible to leaks. Every roof will eventually need to be replaced, so learn more about how long your roof should last based on what it’s made of.
- How to Check Your Roof for Storm Damage
There’s no good time to find out your roof needs repair — but you may be able to mitigate that pain by routinely checking your roof for damage after severe weather. Waiting for a leak or damage to present itself gives the problem time to grow and worsen.
And sometimes, you’ll be faced with expensive roof and interior damage repairs if you’re not diligent. By being proactive and checking your roof for damage after severe weather hits can help your roof — and your savings — stay healthy.
