Did you know that just one inch of water in your home can lead to damages of up to $25,000? Water can enter your house through clogs, leaks, basement flooding, and more, which can compromise your home's structural integrity, diminish property value, and, most importantly, cause health issues for you and your family. Therefore, you should implement proactive measures to protect your home from water damage. One of the most important and effective steps is installing a sump pump in your home. 

A sump pump is fundamentally a device installed in your home's basement or crawlspace. It is often installed in a designated pit, which naturally collects and pumps out excess water that seeps through the foundation. However, many individuals make common mistakes during the sump pump installation, and unfortunately, those mistakes can escalate into more significant problems. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common mistakes you must avoid when installing a sump pump. By carefully understanding these mistakes, you can rest assured that the installation process goes smoothly, safeguarding your home from water damage. 

Mistake 1: Not Installing the Sump Pump in the Right Area 

Choosing the wrong area is one of the most typical mistakes people make during the  sump pump installation. You need to identify the right area where the discharge pipe has a clear way to the outside so that water can easily and properly discharge away from the foundation. In case you fail to install the sump pump in the right area, it can lead to critical issues such as potential damage to the surrounding structure, water backing up into the pit, ineffective water drainage, etc. Therefore, don't hurry, take your time in picking the right location for the unit.  You can seek help from professional plumbers on this. 

Remember—by avoiding this most commonly made mistake, you can ensure that the installation goes smoothly and that your basement stays protected from water damage in the future. 

Mistake 2: Failing to Install a Backup Sump Pump

A backup is essential in any situation, especially during the installation of a sump pump. A backup sump pump refers to a secondary pump designed to remove excessive water from the foundation. Its purpose is to act as a backup when the primary sump pump fails for any reason. And unfortunately, many individuals neglect its significance. A sump pump is undoubtedly a most effective saviour during snowmelt or heavy rain, but it's crucial to remember that it's a device that can fail over time for any cause, leading to water entrance and damage again in the foundation. Thus, people need to ensure that they have a backup sump pump installed so if the primary sump pump does not work, the backup one can stand up at that time to prevent water damage. 

Tip: You can even install an alarm system in your sump pump, which will notify or alert you if the water level in the pit rises too high. 

Mistake 3: Overlooking Sump Pump Cleaning 

While a sump pump is the most effective and critical device for preventing water damage, it must be cleaned regularly for proper functioning. Don't make the mistake of not cleaning out your sump pits regularly, as this can cause the pump to be clogged and fail to operate after some time. This is why it's recommended to clean out the pit at least once a year to remove any accumulated dust or debris. Furthermore, homeowners need to check the pumps regularly for signs of damage or wear and tear. By following this simple step, homeowners can ensure that their sump pumps stay in optimal working conditions. 

Mistake 4: Not Connecting the Discharge Pipe to the Right Drainage Spot 

One of the most common mistakes people make is not connecting the discharge pipe to the right drainage spot. And, this mistake can lead to issues like water pooling in unintended areas, flooding, and even environmental concerns. Therefore, people always need to ensure that the discharge pipe is always connected to a dry well or any other approved drainage system. It's recommended to consult a professional so they can advise you on the best way to connect the pipe to the right drainage spot, ensuring the safe and proper functioning of a sump pump. 

Be aware of these commonly made mistakes so you don't repeat them when you install a sump pump in your home's basement. It's suggested that you consult professional drainage experts in Toronto so they can come to your home and appropriately install a sump pump, an alarm, and a backup system. 

To Summarize 

In the end, sump pump installation is necessary to protect your home from water damage, but it's essential to avoid common pitfalls that can diminish its effectiveness. By remembering the do's and don'ts of the installation process and consulting a professional drainage company, you can ensure the device will work properly and effectively for years to come, protecting your home from water intrusion.