Watch on your mobile device >>
Water, water EVERYWHERE! That has been the scene in many towns, cities and locales all along the East Coast and further inland after the recent wrath of Hurricane Irene traveled upward and touched upon the Eastern Seaboard along the way. Homeowners in the coastal regions were surely smart enough to have had flood insurance but many properties that were not covered, especially those further inland, were slammed with unexpected rain and downpour that ended up in colossal damage and headache. Flood insurance is an optional rider that must be added on by the homeowner in order to receive coverage.
In my own home, we could have easily suffered half a foot of water pooled in our finished basement but we were shielded by yet another layer of protection; a back up sump pump system.
Very commonly, especially in low-lying areas, battery backup pumps are found in many basements but the best way to go is by installing a system that ties into the entire plumbing system of the house. We have our backup connected with our plumbing lines and until recently we had no idea that for months the backup was operating on its own. It was not until a plumber let us know that he could tell from the sound (it was different) that our original system had broken down months prior. Backup systems that are set up to plumbing lines rely on the pressure from those pipes to operate.
Though it is not entirely necessary, having a backup sump pump installed in your basement can make a huge difference if the need arises. It will be an investment that will pay you back in terms of time, energy, money and heartache – not to mention add value to your home if and when you go to sell.
Contact your Realtor for a list of qualified, reputable contractors who have longstanding relationships within their network and a proven track record for solid performance and guaranteed workmanship.
~
More tips below:
FIVE REASONS WHY A BACKUP SUMP PUMP IS BETTER THAN INSURANCE ALONE
1. Your possessions suffer little to no damage – allowing you to hold on to and preserve the things that you want to keep, rather than dealing with replacements through insurance.
2. Water barely gets a chance to build up in the basement, so there is little to no musty or moldy smells and sights.
3. The situation is instantly under control – whereas with insurance, there is an assessment, filing a claim, paperwork, processing, waiting and sometimes, rejection.
4. A backup sump pump takes care of all plumbing stoppages, throughout the entire house.
5. Health hazards that could occur with buildup of mildew and mold while waiting for an insurance adjuster to visit can be avoided.
