When we do inspections, one of the most common questions we get is:
“Do I actually need a sump pump, or is it just something contractors push to upsell me?”
Fair question. At Basement Remedy, we’re not in the business of pushing gear you don’t need. But when it comes to keeping your basement dry, a sump pump is often essential—especially in homes built after the 1970s.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Does a Sump Pump Actually Do?
A sump pump removes water that collects in a sump pit—usually installed at the lowest point of your basement. Its job is simple: when water starts to rise in the pit (from ground seepage or internal drainage systems), the pump kicks on and discharges that water outside—away from your foundation.
It’s your basement’s last line of defense against flooding.
When You Need a Sump Pump
Not every house needs one. If your yard is perfectly graded and your drainage system routes everything “to daylight” (meaning water flows downhill naturally, away from the home), you may not require a pump at all.
But in most homes, especially those built after 1976, sump pumps are a code-compliant solution for handling stormwater. That’s because older homes used to discharge stormwater into the sanitary sewer system—which is no longer legal or up to code.
If your yard is flat, or if you’ve ever had:
- Water coming up from under the slab
- Field tiles draining into your foundation
- Heavy hydrostatic pressure around the home
- A high water table in the area
…you need a sump pump.
Why Stormwater Must Stay Separate
One big reason for sump pumps today is modern plumbing code. After 1976, stormwater can no longer be routed into the sanitary sewer. That means rainwater, snowmelt, and groundwater must be handled separately—and that’s where sump systems come in.
In other words, if you’re in a post-1976 home without a way to drain stormwater, a sump pump isn’t optional—it’s the only legal way to stay dry.
But My Basement Is Mostly Dry—Do I Still Need One?
You might. Water problems are often seasonal or intermittent, but when they hit, they hit hard. We’ve seen homes go from bone dry to flooded in under five minutes during a surprise storm or rapid snow melt.
If you’ve ever noticed:
- Water around the base of walls
- Sump pump running often
- Musty smells after a heavy rain
- Floor cracks with moisture seepage
…it’s a strong sign you need a working sump system in place.
Maintenance Matters
Sump pumps aren’t install-and-forget devices. They’re mechanical and eventually fail—especially if they’re cycling constantly. That’s why we recommend testing them quarterly.
Here’s a quick check:
- Lift the float to see if the pump kicks on.
- Pour a few buckets of water into the pit and make sure it pumps out.
- Check for clogs in the discharge line.
And remember—never use a sump pit for anything other than stormwater. Dumping washing machine runoff or dirty water into it is not only unsanitary but can void warranties and destroy the pump.
Dual Pumps? Battery Backup?
In high-risk homes, especially ones with field tile drainage or high groundwater, we sometimes install two pumps for redundancy. And for those worried about power outages, a battery backup pump is a solid insurance policy.
No one wants to find out their basement flooded because the power went out for two hours.
Bottom Line: Sump Pumps Keep You Dry When It Counts
A sump pump doesn’t stop water from getting to your home—but it moves it out fast before it becomes a problem. Think of it as the safety net in your overall waterproofing system.
If you’re unsure whether your home needs one, or you’re wondering if your current system is working properly, schedule a free inspection with Basement Remedy. We’ll give you the straight answer.
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- “Do I need a sump pump?”
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You’re in the right place. Let’s keep your basement dry—no guesswork, no upselling. Just real solutions.
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