How Sump Pumps Fit Into a Complete Waterproofing Strategy

Starting with the Exterior Drainage

Good yard grades, downspout extension, and French drains all minimize the amount of water that could be getting to the house's foundation walls in the first place. 

The sump pump only comes into play after the exterior measures have taken effect. If the pump is installed without considering the exterior drainage, the pump will run harder, wear out faster and you will have to deal with more water than it was designed to process by itself.

How Interior Drainage Channels Feed the Sump Pit

Within the basement, there are interior drainage channels located around the floor perimeter underneath the concrete. These tubes collect water that trickles through the foundation walls and channel it to the sump pit. This is the direct relationship between the passive drainage and mechanical removal. 

If there are no water channels guiding them to the pit, the pump has nothing to draw from, and water flows freely on the floor.

Plumbing Repair Service Keeps the Discharge Line Clear

When the pump turns on, it forces the water through a discharge line that leads out of the house and away from the foundation. This line should always be clear, sealed and sloped. 

But with a regular plumbing repair service visit, there is a chance that cracks, obstructions or joints that have become loose over time may be discovered. However, a leaky discharge line reverses the water back into the foundation, cancelling out the work that the pump did.

An annual check-up from a plumbing repair service helps keep this key path running smoothly.

When Sump Pump Replacement Strengthens the System

An undersized or old pump leaves a hole in a good waterproofing system. Even when the remaining system is well designed, the pump will not be able to keep up with the water entering the pit, and the water will begin to overflow. 

Timely sump pump replacement ensures that the entire mechanism, which includes exterior drainage, interior channels and discharge, is at peak performance. Battery backup systems during sump pump replacement also provide protection against power outages when the storms cause severe flooding.

A Plumber Holds the Solution

A plumber is responsible for the installation of all the components and the connection between them. He will inspect the discharge line for compatibility with the home plumbing system, and checks for cross connections or code violations.

Remember, a sump pump is a critical part of the waterproofing equation, but not the only solution for 100% protection. It works well when exterior drainage channels water around the foundation, interior drainage channels direct the groundwater to the sump pit, and the discharge line is properly placed away from the home. Periodic inspections and current system updates help all parts work as intended.

With Urgent Rooter, homeowners can make sure these waterproofing layers continue to function and be effective, minimizing the chance of basement moisture and flooding.