If you’re a homeowner, you’ve likely heard about sump pumps and rainwater drainage systems. They may not be frequently discussed, but they play a vital role in protecting homes from weather-related disasters.
What Is A Sump Pump Used For?
What is a sump pump for? A sump pump is a mechanical device that removes accumulated water from basements.
Sump pumps sit in what are called sump pits, a hollow space beneath your basement floor. When too much water enters the sump pit, the pump is activated and diverts it away from the house. It is then directed towards an appropriate drainage area or municipal water system.
Sump pump systems protect homes from flooding and subsequent water damage. They also help protect against mold growth and preserve a home’s structural integrity.
Sump pumps help eliminate excess water that can occur with heavy rainfall, melting snow, rising waterways, and ground water seepage.
What Are Rainwater Drainage Systems?
Sump pumps are essential for getting rid of water in your basement. However, they’re just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to water management. Rainwater drainage systems also play a vital role in efficiently directing water away from your property.
Domestic rainwater drainage systems are designed to collect and channel water away from your home’s roof and foundation. These systems consist of gutters, downspouts, and various underground and surface level drainage mechanisms.
Underground Rainwater Drainage Systems
Gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in guiding rainwater away from your home’s foundation. However, they can’t eliminate water that seeps into the ground and enters your basement. They also can’t get rid of pools of water that accumulate in low areas on your property.
Underground drainage systems further safeguard your property from flooding. They consist of an underground well or line that redirects water away from your foundation and landscape.
Types of Underground Rainwater Drainage Systems
Below are some of the underground drainage systems that can protect your property from a flooded basement or yard.
- French Drains
- Dry Wells
- Sump Pits
- Catch Basins
The systems listed above are highly effective at protecting homes from interior water damage and landscaping property damage. However, they’re not the only options available to homeowners.
Surface Level Rainwater Drainage Systems
In addition to underground drainage systems, there are also surface level ones that are equally effective at redirecting water away from your property. Some of these include:
- Channel Drains (or Trench Drains)
- Open Drains
- Slope Drainage Systems
- Gutter Systems with A Downspout
Regardless of the type of drainage system you choose, you might also need a sump pump to ensure it works effectively.
How Sump Pumps Support Drainage Systems
Rainwater drainage systems work harmoniously with sump pumps to keep properties dry and protected. While an exterior drainage system carries water away from your foundation, the sump pump removes any water that might make its way into the lowest points of the house.
In areas that are flood-prone or often get heavy rain, your drainage system may not be able to handle all of the water. In these situations, a sump pump acts as the last line of defense, removing the water that does reach your basement.
Additionally, when your sump pump empties the water needs a place to go. If it’s channeled to an outdoor drainage system, the water will be removed without any risk of it returning to the sump pit.
Sump Pump & Rainwater Drainage Installation in Central Oregon
Sump pumps and rainwater drainage systems are crucial to protecting your home against water damage. For professional sump pump and drainage system installation, contact Ponderosa Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. We’ll provide a comprehensive solution that safeguards your home and enhances the longevity of your property.
We also offer a range of other home maintenance and plumbing services in Bend, OR. Whether you need drain cleaning in Bend, a plumbing inspection, or water line replacement in Bend, OR, we can help.
Call us today at (541) 549-1605 to schedule a service appointment.
