Drainage Q&A: Is There an Alternative to a Sump Pump?
Protecting your home and property from flooding is a top priority. Water damage can seep into the structure of a building and cause irreparable damage that will cost you a pretty penny to get back to a safe and inhabitable house.
There are ways you as a homeowner can protect your property from suffering enormous amounts of damage from flooding, including a sump pump.
Sometimes overlooked, however, are alternative drainage systems like French drains, gutters, and waterproofing work that may serve as a more effective protective measurement.
Here we will explore how sump pumps and alternative drainage solutions work and how they may best serve your property.
Sump Pumps
Primarily serving as a solution for those with basements prone to flooding, a sump pump is a popular drainage choice for many homeowners.
How Sump Pumps Work
A sump pump lives in your basement and pumps out excess water if it should gather. A basin carved into the floor holds the pump, which contains valves that measure the water levels and pressure. If the water gets too high, the pump will automatically kick on and get to work. The excess water goes through a discharge line and towards a drainage area.
Why Sump Pumps May Not Be Right for Every Situation
While sump pumps may be effective for someone with a basement prone to flooding, they’re not the best or only option for a home. For starters, maintenance and repairs can be costly across its long lifespan.
Additionally, a sump pump can fail for multiple reasons including:
- Clogs
- Power outages
- Overworking
- Defective parts
Lastly, a sump pump is not able to stop the water from coming into your home; rather, it is a solution for once your home is already flooded.
Sump Pump Alternatives
There are, however, other ways to keep water away from your home and out of your basement. These not only protect your home, but your yard and the surrounding property as well.
French Drains
These drains consist of a trench with a sloped pipe. This hidden pipe drains water away from especially wet areas and brings it to the designated draining location. French drains are discreet and effective at redirecting water away from the structure of your home, though there is a chance it may not collect all the water in the event of extreme flooding.
They are also a great way to stop erosion in your landscaping!
Waterproofing
An important component of keeping water out of your home is proper waterproofing. Depending on the age of your home, there is a chance that the caulking is outdated, cracked, damaged, or was done improperly.
Try to identify where the water is leaking, grab some water-proof caulk, and create a new, better seal.
Yard Grading
While changing the shape of your yard may seem like a huge project, the right team will complete it swiftly and properly. By grading your property with our excavation services, we can redirect water away from your home and to lower ground that can handle an excessive amount of water.
Landscaping
A great way to control drainage on your property while also making it look beautiful is through landscaping. Planting trees, shrubs, and other vegetation could help with stopping and diverting excess water.
A great landscaping team will customize your drainage solutions to fit your property. There is no one-size-fits-all drainage system!
Supreme Enterprises LLC is prepared to give your yard a whole new look with a proper draining system with our excavation and drainage solutions. With our qualified and experienced team, your home is in good hands. Give us a call at or contact us online to get started!
