The Federal Emergency Management Agency says that one inch of water could cost $25,000 in damages to your house!
Crawl spaces are constantly at risk of getting flooded because they’re underground. With the huge cost that you could incur if that happens, you may wonder if you should have a sump pump to drain water out of your crawl space.
The truth is, whether you need one depends on several factors. Today, we’ll discuss these factors, as well as the reasons for having a sump pump.
After reading our article, you can decide if you need one for your home!
Do Crawl Spaces Have Sump Pumps?
You may be surprised to learn that, yes, most homes have sump pumps in crawl spaces! Some houses even have built-in sump pits that collect water.
Sump pumps detect and drain flood water from underneath your house. Yet, that’s not all there is to these home necessities.
Even if you’re not in a flood-prone area, water can leak from busted pipes and plumbing failures. Groundwater may build up under your crawl space as well.
Because of this, it’s common for people to install sump pumps in crawl spaces.
The Purpose of a Sump Pump in Crawl Space
The main reason why you should get a sump pump for your crawl space is safety purposes.
Flooding affects the stability of your foundation. It may cause your wooden beams and joists to rot and weaken.
Not only that but someone could also get electrocuted as a result of flooding. That’s because all electricals and utilities run through the crawl space, so if someone steps inside without knowledge of the flood, it can have disastrous results.
Sump pumps are a good investment because they prevent expensive damage to your property because of pooling water.
Advantages of Having a Sump Pump in Crawl Space
You can benefit from these advantages if you have a sump pump in your crawl space:
- Automatic water detection
- Hassle-free water draining
- Insurance perks, discounts, and faster compensation claiming
When to Install a Sump Pump in Crawl Space
You might want to consider installing a sump pump in your crawl space if you’re in a flood-prone area. Before doing anything, ask the previous owners or neighbors about flooding. Then, identify the soil type.
The soil type around your house could be an indicator of flooding possibilities. Sandy soil will absorb water, while clay soil might redirect water to your house.
Moreover, if your basement is moldy, you should probably install a sump pump. The mold could be a sign that you have a water problem. It’s best to identify the source of the issue and have a sump pump as backup!
Aside from this, you may want to have a sump pump installed just in case you get broken pipes in your crawl space.
Best Location for Sump Pump in Crawl Space
Most people install sump pumps at the lowest part of the crawl space. This will let water flow to the pump naturally.
It usually sits inside a pit under the flooring. The pump turns on when the water level rises to a certain level inside the sump pit.
What Size Sump Pump to Use for a Crawl Space
The first thing you should check when buying a sump pump is if it’s strong enough to pump water out of your crawl space. That largely depends on the size
The size of the sump pump you should get depends on the drainage area and depth of groundwater, among other factors. Consider the height and distance that water takes to reach the outside area.
Most people buy pumps with ⅓ to ½ horsepower and a drainpipe with at least a 1 ½ inch diameter.
You can check the label on the pump’s packaging before buying it. It should have a chart of the pumping strength versus the size of your crawl space.
How Many Sump Pumps Do You Need for a Crawl Space?
Did you know that it’s a good idea to have two sump pumps in your crawl space?
Your main pump may fail or get overwhelmed in times of emergency. Because of this, you should have a secondary pump to allow you enough time to replace the broken one.
A second pump with a built-in battery will let you drain your crawl space in case of a power outage.
You may also buy a pump with two motors instead!
Sump Pump Types for Crawl Spaces
Here are the two main types of sump pumps for crawl spaces.
Pedestal Pump
Pedestal pumps or column pumps have motors that sit above the floodable area. The motors aren’t waterproof, and they take up more space.
These pumps are less prone to tangling, and you can see the on and off switch for better control. They’re ideal for areas without frequent flooding.
Submersible Pump
Submersible sump pumps are watertight and can rest below the water line. These pumps automatically kick into action once they detect that the water level is rising.
They’re less noisy, and they can handle a larger quantity of liquid. Yet, they have a shorter lifespan than pedestal pumps. Their maintenance is harder as well.
Final Thoughts
Sump pumps protect our houses from costly water and pipeline damage. Even if you’re not in a flood-prone area, you may want to get one for your crawl space.
Remember that you should consult with experts to help you pick the type, quantity, and size you need to buy. By doing this, you can ensure the safety of your home!
I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and over 10 years of experience working in IT. As a homeowner, I love working on projects around the house, and as a father, I love investigating various ways to keep my family safe (whether or not this involves tech). I’ve also played guitar for almost 20 years and love writing music, although it’s hard to find the time these days.