What is a Sump Pump? Part 2

In part two of our blog about sump pumps, we’ll dive a little deeper into possible reasons for basement flooding and what you can do to prevent it in Mahomet, IL. Read on to learn about some common causes of water accumulation in basements and the steps you can take to avoid such a problem.

Common Causes of Water in Basement or Crawlspace

• Faulty or malfunctioning sump pump
• Power outages
• Compromised discharge piping
• Surface water flooding caused by natural groundwater, snowmelt, or rain
• An improper slope or grading of the property
• Missing, defective, or improperly installed gutters and downspouts
• Defective window wells
• Cracks in walls or foundations
• Broken water lines or leaking water heater
• Blocked or overwhelmed Municipal storm or sewer systems
• Overwatering your lawn

Tips to Help Prevent Basement Flooding

Test your system:

1. Confirm pump is plugged in
2. Make sure the outlet is energized
3. Check if the basin is clean and free of debris
4. Add water or lift float, ensure the pump activates and evacuates water from basin

Inspect discharge piping:

1. Make sure check-valve is secure and operational
2. Confirm discharge piping in the house is leak-free and properly secured
3. Confirm outside pipe discharges at least 3 feet away from the foundation
4. When below freezing confirm outside piping is flowing with no ice build-up
5. In heavy snow make sure outside piping is clear of snow and ice

Inspect your yard:

1. Next time it rains, take a walk around your yard, look for pools of surface water around your foundation
2. Make sure sidewalks and grounds are sloping away from foundations

Inspect gutters and downspouts

1. Cleaning gutters is a necessary step if you’re going to protect yourself from basement flooding
2. Check your downspouts are properly faced away from your foundation
3. Water should drain at least 3 feet away from the foundation

Inspect basement windows wells and crawl space vents

1. Windows or crawl space vents below ground level can allow water to enter into basement or crawlspace
2. Window well drains can also become clogged with debris, which can cause the window well to overflow, resulting in basement flooding

Inspect for cracks or voids:

1. Noticeable cracks or voids should be repaired before they enlarge and lead to potential basement flooding

Additional Preventive Solutions

1. Keep a spare pump
2. Install a battery or water powered backup system
3. Install secondary discharge
4. Install water sensing alarms
5. Install a generator

Contact Lanz Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. Today to Schedule Plumbing Maintenance

1. Inspect and test sump pump
2. Inspect water and drain lines
3. Inspect gas piping
4. Inspect, flush, and tune water heater
5. Inspect sewer main with camera
6. Inspect and test fixtures, faucets, and hose bibbs