The Basement Sump Pump In Your Home: Does It Need A Cover?

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Indoor plumbing certainly made life easier, but with it came a host of maintenance considerations. Certainly you want the water coming into your home. But you want it in the right places and in the right quantities. One place you don’t want it is in your basement. For that, there’s the sump pump.

If you have a basement sump pump, you might be wondering if it needs a cover. The answer is usually yes.

  • Some building departments require a sump pump cover. Check with the building department in your community.
  • Another consideration is radon. If you suspect that this gas might be an issue in your basement, a cover is a good idea.
  • A cover can prevent the issue of odds and ends falling into the water and interfering with your sump-pump operation. Many homeowners use the basement as a storage area, and things can easily fall into the water.
  • Although you may keep your young children and pets out of the basement as a rule, there’s always the chance that a child or a pet could take a spill.

Standard covers can be purchased for the vast majority of sump pumps, but it is not difficult to craft your own using plywood and rubber gaskets. Drill holes for any exposed pipes or cables, and make sure you can easily remove the cover for maintenance and evaluation.

Another tip: If your sump pump relies on electricity, a battery backup is always a good idea. If a storm knocks out your power, the basement could quickly fill up with water.

Your sump pump is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home. To make sure it’s running the way it should, call the experts at Apollo Home Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We’re pros at servicing sump pumps, and if you discover that you have a water problem, we can install a sump pump for you. We serve homeowners throughout the Cincinnati area.

Image via Shutterstock.com

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