If you have a basement or your home is located in an area that may be prone to flooding, you may have considered installing a sump pump in your home's lowest point. A sump pump is simply a passive device that remains unused until the space in which it is located begins to flood. A sump pump is usually placed in a purpose-built pit, or sump, in the lowest spot in the home. The concept behind the device is that when water floods the pit and triggers a float or pressure sensor, the pump is activated. The sump pump draws the water out of the space and pumps it away where it can do no harm to the structure. Sump pumps and the accompanying plumbing installation in Pittsburgh, PA, may represent a significant cost for homeowners, but it can save a great deal of money when flooding occurs by preventing substantial structural damage.
While it's clear that a sump pump can help homeowners by pumping floodwater out of the home, there are some other secondary benefits that a sump pump can provide. For example, the presence of a sump pump can alert you to an undetected plumbing leak, which will allow you to call a 24-hour emergency plumbing service for a timely repair. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of installing a sump pump in your home.
Protects Your Property from Damage
When a flooding event occurs, the presence of water in the home can result in significant and expensive damage to your residence. After only a short period of exposure to water, building materials can be impacted in a way that can immediately undermine your home's structural integrity. Wood that is consistently damp can begin to rot and lose its load-bearing capability. It can also warp and pull apart at joints and junctions and undermine your home's foundation. Even more durable materials such as concrete and brick can be negatively affected by constant contact with moisture. The sump pump can help keep everything dry and structurally sound.
Reduces Mold Growth
Mold can flourish anywhere that it encounters the right conditions for growth, namely damp organic surfaces and darkness. In other words, the basement or crawlspace of your home is the perfect place for mold to thrive if there is no mechanism for controlling the moisture in the space. Mold can be an irritant to many people with sensitivities to it, but some species of mold can be dangerous for everyone. Fortunately, a sump pump can help you keep mold growth in check in basements and crawlspaces by removing any water that enters the space. Water is pumped out and away so that it won't encourage the growth of mold in your living spaces or the areas beneath them.
Saves Money on Repairs
Even one flooding event can create a significant expense for the homeowner in terms of remediation costs. Water damage can be pervasive after a flooding episode, as structural elements such as wood and concrete can be impacted. Therefore, to preserve the integrity of the structure, substantial repairs must be made after a flooding event to remove the damaged material and replace it. Of course, both the material and labor for flood restoration can be expensive, even when the home is insured. You can save yourself that expense and hassle by installing a sump pump that will prevent floods from causing considerable damage to your home.
Increases Property Value
Because of the inherent benefits of sump pump installation, there is an immediate bump in property value if your home has a sump pump in place. Even if the home isn't found in a flood-prone area, prospective buyers may consider the presence of a sump pump as a considerable benefit that can make your property more valuable.
With the help of affordable plumbing service in Pittsburgh, PA, you too can enjoy the many advantages of installing a sump pump in your home. To learn more about the benefits of installing a sump pump at your residence, contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (412) 273-1000.