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We’re all familiar with the torrential rainstorms we get here in the Midwest, and hopefully you’ve never had to deal with a flooded basement. If your basement is prone to flooding, though, a sump pump could be an excellent investment.

Sump Pump Basics

What is a sump pump?

A sump pump removes water that accumulates in a basin meant to collect water. They remedy flooding and dampness in homes where the water table (the level in the ground where materials are saturated with groundwater) is above the basement foundation.

Where does the water go?

Sump pumps send water out of your home’s sump basin, through pipes, and to a spot where it can drain away from your foundation. Some older homes direct water toward a city sewer system, but this may actually violate your city’s plumbing code or municipal bylaws because it can overwhelm the sewage treatment plant. You can have a plumber — like our certified professionals at Andy’s Pipe Dream — inspect your sump pump situation to determine if it is firstly effective and secondly operating according to municipal standards.

what powers a sump pump?

Sump pumps run on electricity, generally pulling power from your house’s electrical system. Now, if you’ve ever experienced one of those torrential thunderstorms we were talking about, you know there’s a decent enough chance that you could lose power. And if that happens, that means your sump pump can’t pump water out of your home. And that means your basement is primed for a flood — and even an inch or two of water can cost thousands of dollars in repairs. But the good news is this is a problem easily prevented with a battery backup. That way, if the power goes out during a storm — the most likely time you’re going to experience a flood — you’re covered.

Install a Sump Pump in Your Home Today

Right now is a great time to install a sump pump or make sure yours is running properly. We’ve got more than 20 years of experience, and our plumbers at Andy’s Pipe Dream are all licensed, bonded and insured. We also offer 24-hour emergency services, so you know we’ll be there for you no matter what time it is. Give us a call at 913-210-5598 or visit our website for more information.