Anyone who has a basement in Virginia might have noticed a little pump hidden in the closet. It is not very big, but it has a big job to do. Sometimes it is sitting out in the open, but it does not matter where it is, it plays an important part of the safety of the basement. If any kind of water gets in, the sump pump will kick in and in no time it will be dry again.

Sump pumps come in two versions. Some are battery operated and others run on electricity. If the pump is run by electricity, there needs to be a back up system. Often when there is some type of flooding, the electricity goes out. Battery systems work well, but it is a matter of personal choice. The important thing to remember is that any water at all will eventually cause mold. That can be very dangerous and detrimental to the homeowner’s health.

Water can also accumulate under the house and many times the homeowner is not aware of it. People who live in a high water table area should occasionally look under the house to see if there is standing water. It is not healthy and needs to be taken care of immediately. A plumber can put in a simple sump pump. It is easy to install and often the plumber will be able to get discounts on a pumps.

The pump will then stay in place and may not be needed for months at a time. When it comes in contact with water, it will turn on and pump the water through a hose to an area outside the home. It is really very simple and works great.

The important thing is to have a sump pump in place before there is a water problem. They are usually around two hundred dollars and can be installed by the homeowner or a professional. Often a professional plumber will know exactly the best place to put the pump and what the best choice system will be. They install them all the time and can do it fairly quickly for a nominal fee.

A sump pump can prevent severe flooding from happening, for more information about sump pumps contact Powell’s Plumbing your trusted  Virginia plumber. Call us today at  540-636-8196.