Installing a Sump Pump In Your Fort Wayne Basement
When too much water gets into your basement, expect ruined furniture and damaged walls and floors. Mold and musty smells can also develop, turning your downstairs space into an unhealthy and potentially dangerous living area.
Installing a sump pump in your basement is an excellent idea to keep this part of your home free from excess water. Working with a contractor who has knowledge of everything sump pump-related, including sump pump discharge pipe installation, ensures a dry and safe basement for years to come.
Below, learn more about sump pump systems, how they work, and how a basement waterproofing expert in Fort Wayne, IN, can install one.
What Is a Sump Pump?
The term “sump pump” usually refers to a sump pump system that includes multiple components, including the sump pump itself, a sump pit, and a sump pump discharge pipe. All these elements work together to channel water away from your basement and toward an exterior drain system, preventing flooding and other water-related nightmares.
Here are some of the components of a sump pump system:
- Sump pit: A sump pit or basin is a hole dug at the lowest point of your basement. It collects water that accumulates around your foundation.
- Sump pump: A sump pump goes inside the sump pit. When the pit fills with water, it activates a float switch on the pump, which starts the water removal process.
- Sump pump discharge pipe: A sump pump discharge line or pipe directs water from the sump pit to an exterior drain.
- Exterior drain: An exterior drain, such as a French drain, collects water that travels through the sump pump discharge line. This means excess water won’t accumulate in your basement.
How To Install a Sump Pump In Your Basement
You’ll want a professional basement waterproofing expert to set up a sump pump system rather than attempting it yourself. Here’s how Groundworks can install a sump pump in your basement:
- Determining the lowest point of your basement to install the sump pit
- Placing the sump pump in the sump pit
- Attaching the sump pump discharge pipe and directing it through your basement wall
- Installing an exterior drain (if you don’t already have one)
- Testing the system
- Placing an airtight lid on the sump pit
- Pouring cement to restore your basement floor, leaving no signs of repair
Signs You Need Sump Pump Installation
You may need a basement sump pump system if you notice any of these problems:
- Mold
- Water in your basement cove
- Condensation
- Wet drywall
- Bowing walls
- Musty basement smells
- Efflorescence (a white, chalky substance on basement walls and floors)
All the issues above suggest excess water or moisture in your basement, a common problem in Fort Wayne. Our city is no stranger to heavy rain and snow, which can saturate the soil around your home and enter your downstairs space. Your property is also more likely to flood if you live close to the St. Joseph River or another body of water.
Sump Pump System Types
Groundworks offers a wide range of sump pump systems that effectively remove excess water from your home:
- AquaStop™ Basement Single: This single sump pump system comes with either a ⅓ hp pump that discharges more than 2,000 gallons of water per hour or a ½ hp pump that discharges more than 3,000 gallons per hour.
- AquaStop™ Basement Single With Battery Backup: This sump pump system has a backup battery for power outages and discharges more than 11,500 gallons of water per hour.
- AquaStop™ Basement Triple: This sump pump system has three pumps — one for regular water removal, one for larger water volumes, and a battery backup pump.
If you’re not sure which system is right for you, contact Groundworks.
Sump Pump Installation Tailored To Your Needs
Installing a sump pump system involves several complex tasks, such as excavating your basement floor. That’s why you should only trust professionals with years of experience, including in sump pump discharge pipe installation.
Serving Fort Wayne and other communities in Allen County, Groundworks can install a custom-engineered sump pump system based on your budget and needs. Contact us to find out more.