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Whether you live in an area with a high water table and frequent precipitation, or you live in a region that is generally high and dry, you likely need a sump pump installation company. Ever since the 1987 Federal Clean Water Act, homes have been held to a higher standard when it comes to basement wetness.

Now, more homes require sump pumps than ever — even those that are not at a particularly high risk of flooding. Newly built homes tend to undergo sump pump installation right from the get-go to ensure compliance with the new laws. If you’re moving into an older home, you may need to look into sump pump installation to protect your basement.

We all know that keeping water out of your home can be just as important as radon mitigation and abatement. Radon may be responsible for up to 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year, and a flooded basement can result in dangerous mold and mildew, as well as extensive property damage.

If you are uncertain as to how exactly sump pumps operate, read on.

Sump pump placement

During sump pump installation, the sump pump will be placed at the lowest point in your basement. It will be installed in a gravel pit about two-feet deep that will fill with water before the rest of the basement or crawlspace.

In the event that the pit fills with water, the sump pump will generally be set up so that it activates automatically to drain at a certain level. While some sump pumps are solely operated manually, most are automatic to ensure that no flooding occurs. Next, we will discuss how automatic sump pumps detect water.

Water detection in automatic sump pumps

There are two mechanisms by which sump pumps can detect the accumulation of water. One is through a device that operates similarly to a toilet. With this method, the pump will have a floating activator which stays even with the water. Once the water exceeds a certain predetermined height, the pump is activated.

The other common automatic water detector is a pressure sensor. Pressure sensors are calibrated to activate the pump when they register the increased pressure that water exerts compared with air. Just like a floating activator, the pressure sensor causes the pump to stay active until the water is below the programmed height.

It is not worth the risk to leave your basement vulnerable. If your home lacks a sump pump, call to schedule your sump pump installation as soon as possible.