Sump pumps are an essential part of many homes. They help to keep the basement or crawlspace dry by pumping out water if or when it accumulates in the sump pit.
Despite the fact that they are part of many homes, they are often overlooked until problems occur. Regular sump pump inspections are important, but it’s also essential to consider an auxiliary feature, the sump pump cover.
What Is a Sump Pump Cover?
A sump pump cover, on its most basic level, covers and seals the sump pump and pit. There are different types, depending on the sump pump type.
Covers for Submersible Sump Pumps
As the name would suggest, submersible sump pumps are submersed below the water level. There is not typically any part of the pump that sticks above the floor level.
A sump pump cover for a submersible sump pump would, therefore, be flush with the floor. It seals the area while still allowing for the operation of the pump and the removal of water.
Pedestal Sump Pumps
The operating portion of a pedestal sump pump is often above floor level. There are sump pump covers specific to pedestal sump pumps, however they do not seal the pit as well as with a submersible sump pump. This is due to their design and the movement of the float switch, which needs free space around it in order to move.
Sump pump covers may come in different styles, but they all serve a similar purpose. They seal the pump and the sump pit and provide the benefits listed below.
5 Reasons to Have a Sump Pump Cover
1. Keep Things from Falling into the Sump Pit
The sump pit is often an open area in the corner of the basement. Without a sump pump cover in place, it would be easy for something to accidentally fall into the pit and disappear down into the water.
In keeping things from falling into the sump pit, the cover does more than simply keep the area clean. It also keeps items from blocking the sump pump’s operation, which could lead to pump failure and flooding of the basement or crawlspace.
In addition, any valuable item that falls into the sump pit could get damaged or destroyed. The cover keeps that from occurring.
2. Stops Bug Infestations
Since most sump pits are located in the basement or crawlspace, they may be in an area that attracts insects. Of course, this can be fixed with basement or crawlspace waterproofing, but it is still important to consider the location.
The water in the sump pit is not constantly being circulated in most homes. It could be stagnant for a considerable length of time, leading to the possibility of becoming an insect breeding ground.
The sump pump cover seals the sump pit, keeping insects out.
3. Protecting Children and Pets
Curious children and pets accidentally falling into the sump pit is not unheard of. Unfortunately, this has led to the loss of life on more than one occasion.
The sump pump cover does more than keep the sump pit clean. It also protects the most precious things you have in your home from danger.
4. Reduce Basement Humidity
The basement tends to be a humid area of the home. There are ways to reduce basement humidity, including a sump pump cover.
Water evaporates from the sump pit and adds to the humidity level in the basement or crawlspace. Covering the sump pump helps to limit that evaporation and keeps basement humidity at a minimum.
Reducing basement humidity is also important because air from the basement enters the living space due to the stack effect. The stack effect occurs as warm air exits through the roof and pulls air from the basement or crawl space.
If you want a healthier home, keep the lower level as dry as possible. A sump pump cover is one way to do this.
5. Keeps Sump Pump Noise to a Minimum
In some homes, the sump pump operates regularly. In other homes, the sump pump may only run occasionally when the water in the sump pit gets high enough. Sometimes, the noise of the sump pump is loud enough to disturb people in the home.
A sump pump cover helps to keep that noise to a minimum. It may not stop all of the vibrations, but it might keep you from waking up when the pump runs in the middle of the night.
These are just some of the many benefits of having a sump pump cover. Undoubtedly, it is an inexpensive option for improving the quality of your basement/crawlspace and home.
For more information about sump pump covers, basement waterproofing, or for a free foundation inspection, contact The Real Seal today.
