In New Jersey, heavy rains and snows create opportunities for flooding. You want to be ready before this happens. Installing a sump pump will help prevent flooding or standing water in your basement, preventing costly repairs to your basement walls or floor or the items you’ve stored. Sump pumps typically last for 10 years, so you will need to replace yours periodically.
At Ideal Basement Waterproofing, we know your sump pump is the first line of defense against water damage caused by a natural disaster or broken or leaking pipes. You may be wondering if your homeowners insurance policy will cover the cost of the water damage if your sump pump breaks or fails. The answer is usually no, but it’s easy to remedy that by adding an endorsement to your policy. This endorsement can typically be purchased at a low cost, but the peace of mind it provides is priceless.
An endorsement covers any water damage to your home as well as any items that are damaged or destroyed and the cost of cleaning up. However, the repair of the sump pump that malfunctioned is not covered by this endorsement. Instead, you will need an additional endorsement called an Equipment Breakdown Endorsement.
Homeowners in New Jersey are especially vulnerable to sump pump failure in the spring when snow melts and heavy rains fall. Less than one inch of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage, so an endorsement is a wise investment.
Contact an insurance agent you trust to provide an assessment of your exposure and make coverage recommendations. If you have additional questions about sump pump failure, call us at (908) 969-8106.
The best time to replace your sump pump is before it fails. If the pump in your basement isn’t turning on, or you notice a mold or mildew smell, it may be time to replace the unit. Additionally, if the pump is more than ten years old, the typical lifespan of these devices, it may need to be replaced. If your previous sump pump was effective before breaking down, the most efficient solution is to replace it with a similar model.
A submersible sump pump is placed in a hole cut into the floor of your basement or crawlspace as part of an interior French drain system. As water around the pump rises to a set level, it will activate and flush water out through piping that runs outside and away from the house. The pump’s motor is in a waterproof, sealed housing.
Pedestal pumps put the motor on a stand above the water, and only the impeller is down in the pit. Because the motor stays relatively dry, pedestal pumps are generally expected to last longer.
At Ideal Basement Waterproofing of Ridgefield New Jersey, we will install the type of sump pump best for your home. We also clean debris out of sump pumps and service them so that you receive more years of service from your sump pump. If the foundation of your home or basement has already been compromised by water damage, Ideal Basement Waterproofing also provides crack and foundation repair services. Let our experienced team help you today!