Why Should You Cover A Sump Pump?
Have you ever wondered what keeps your basement safe and dry during heavy rains?
If you are a homeowner, you likely understand the importance of a reliable sump pump. However, have you considered the importance of the role of a sump pump cover?
Today, we are diving into why this small accessory is essential for protecting your basement from water damage and maintaining a secure home environment.
How sump pumps are installed
Sump pump with gravel back fill around sump pump liner
When a sump pump is installed, it's important to have a durable liner that protects your system from the mud and debris around the area. The best place for a sump pump to be placed is in the lowest spot of a basement. This ensures that the water can easily collect into the sump pump through a perimeter drainage system.
Once the liner is placed, the perimeter drainage system is connected to the sump pump, and clean gravel is backfilled around the sump pump liner. This gravel assists in keeping your sump pump system as clean as possible by discouraging silt and sediment from entering the liner.
The next step is placing the airtight, secure lid on the liner. This lid not only protects your living space from weird smells, moisture, and humidity escaping the sump pump but also prevents items and debris from falling from the basement floor or animals and children from attempting to play in the water.
The importance of a sump pump lid
Sump pump with a removable sealed lid
Your drainage system collects water from around your home and directs it into your sump pit. A sump liner without a lid or holes in the top, can allow smells, moisture, and humidity to escape the sump pump liner and into your living space in the basement.
- Stack effect Even if you don't spend a lot of time in your basement, those smells, moisture, and humidity also come into the upper levels of your home because of the stack effect. The stack effect refers to the process in which hot air leaves the home through your attic and upper levels. As it does, a vacuum is created below, and new air is pulled upwards through the basement, crawl space, and lower levels.
- Radon gas Another reason to have a cover on your sump pump is to help keep radon gas out of your living space. Radon gas is a gas that you can't taste, see, or smell. Because of that, radon isn't something people think about, but it can be hazardous to your health and even deadly. Radon is the second cause of lung cancer. Preventing radon gas from entering your home is another critical reason you want to seal your sump pump liner.
How to cover a sump pump
There is a right way and a wrong way to cover a sump pump.
The right way to cover a sump pump
- Removable lid - Seal the sump pump liner with a removable sump pump lid for easy access to the sump pump. Thrasher's removable lid seals out radon gas, earthy smells, moisture, and humidity while continuing to provide easy access to the sump pump. Thrasher also provides a sump pump failure protection system with a backup battery in case of failure or power outages.
The wrong way to cover a sump pump
- Plexiglass - Some contractors seal the sump pump liner with plexiglass and seal the plexiglass to the concrete. This effectively seals out radon gas and other things but does not allow for easy access to the sump pump. Sump pumps are a mechanical device and need maintenance at least once per year. The more you maintain them the longer they will last.
- Drywall or flooring material - This does not give easy access to the sump pump, and because of drywall’s organic material, it will likely grow mold due to being in a high-moisture environment.
Watch this video of Aaron Ruskamp, one of our basement waterproofing experts, explaining the importance of covering a sump pump and why Thrasher does it differently than other contractors.
Why choose Thrasher for your basement needs?
Our goal is to help you protect your home from water damage and ensure your basement remains dry and usable year-round. Whether you are considering installing a sump pump, need a cover for your existing sump pump, or suspect you have basement water issues, we are here to help. Schedule a free home inspection today and let our experienced team assess your situation.
If you happen to live in or around Omaha, Kansas City, Wichita, Denver, Springfield, Grand Island, Sioux City, or Peoria, we're here to help with any concrete questions, driveway issues, or hey, even just chatting about life – we’re up for that, too. You can reach out to us by calling us at 1-800-827-0702, filling out this form, or starting a chat in the bottom right-hand corner.
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