Although many homes depend on them to manage basement moisture, few homeowners are aware of how sump pumps work and the main components they should include. One of the most important components to consider for your sump pump system is a sump pump cover.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether or not you need a sump pump for your drainage system while also highlighting their main benefits. But before we do that, let’s begin with a brief overview of what a sump pump is and how it can benefit your home.
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a common feature of a complete basement drainage system. They collect water and store it in a reservoir known as a “sump pit.” The system then pumps the water from the pit up a pipe and out of your home.
Sump pumps often work in conjunction with other drainage system features, such as floor drains and drain tile. When these features work together, they are incredibly useful in managing moisture and preventing standing water in your basement.
Benefits of a Sump Pump
If you are just learning about sump pumps, then you are likely unaware of how beneficial they can truly be. In fact, sump pumps have proven to be one of the most effective ways to mitigate the damage that water and moisture can cause in a basement.
Because basements are below ground, they are prone to moisture. As moisture accumulates, it can cause water damage and lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
When water damage occurs, it often ruins your stored belongings and requires you to spend significant amounts on costly repairs. Similarly, as mold and mildew expand, they degrade your air quality and pose a health risk – especially to those who have asthma.
Fortunately, sump pumps are among the most effective methods for preventing standing water and excessive moisture, which makes those common basement problems far less likely to occur. By quickly and efficiently conveying water out of your basement and away from your home, the odds of you experiencing mold, mildew, and water damage decrease dramatically.
What Is a Sump Pump Cover?
Now that you know what a sump pump and pit are, it’s time to talk about sump pump covers. Essentially, a sump pump cover is a simple item you can purchase and use to cover both your sump pit and pump.
Covering your sump pump and pit may not seem all that important – but as the next section will show, there are multiple reasons why it is better to have a sump pump cover than allow your sump pit to remain open to the air.
Why Bother with a Sump Pump Cover?
Although sump pump covers are straightforward and easy to understand, they also come with several benefits you might not expect. The sections below will help you understand why covering your sump pump is a smart idea more often than not.
Aesthetic Appeal
The first and most obvious reason to use a sump pump cover is that doing so can drastically improve the aesthetic appeal of your basement. Unsurprisingly, the purely functional sump pump can be quite unappealing to the eye.
Covering the pit and pump keeps them out of sight and out of mind without interfering with their functionality. Adding a sump pump cover is especially important from an aesthetic perspective if you have a finished basement that you use as additional living space. In these cases, hiding your unsightly sump pump will only make your finished basement that much more pleasant to be in.
Reduced Clogs
When your sump pit is uncovered, it is far easier for dirt and debris to fall into the water. When this happens, there is a greater chance that the debris will cause a clog in your pump system, which will likely require you to call a professional for repairs.
Covering a sump pit keeps unwanted materials out, reducing the risk of clogs and allowing your system to run smoothly. As such, sump pump covers are far more than an aesthetically pleasing choice. Indeed, they also play a crucial functional role in maintaining consistent operation for your pump.
Fewer Foul Odors
When stagnant water sits in a sump pit, it can quickly begin to create foul odors. These odors can fill your basement and seep into the rest of your house, as well. The good news, however, is that a simple sump pump cover can do a lot to contain those odors and keep your basement smelling fresh.
Keeps Kids and Pets Out
Our final reason for installing a sump pump cover relates to overall safety. If you have small children or pets that use your basement often, it is best to have a cover for your sump pump at all times. Covering your pump helps keep pets and kids safe when they are around it, and prevents them from interfering with the pump’s operation.
Need Help with Your Sump Pump?
Maintaining your sump pump is easier said than done. The same can be said of keeping your basement intact in general. With this in mind, it is always helpful to have a professional team you can trust for helpful guidance and repairs.
For anyone living in the Eastern North Carolina area, Regional Foundation & Crawl Space Repair should be your go-to option for basement repairs and improvements. We offer crawl space repair, foundation repair, concrete leveling, and basement waterproofing to commercial and residential customers. If you want to learn more and take advantage of our free estimate, reach out today!
