Do I Need a Sump Pump for My Property in London?

With the UK seemingly subject to more extreme weather conditions in recent years, flooding has become increasingly common. Many properties may find themselves vulnerable and none more so than those located in London. 

In fact, recent research has found that 17% of all properties in London are at a medium or high-risk of flooding — a much higher percentage than the rest of the country. A number of factors contribute to this, but increasing urbanisation has resulted in more impermeable surfaces and put pressure on the Victorian drainage infrastructure.

You shouldn’t leave the safety of your London property to chance, and one key way to protect your home is via a sump pump. But what is a sump pump? How does it work and is it a worthwhile investment? The team at 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services is here to answer your questions.

What is a sump pump?

A sump is defined as a below-ground space that collects liquids, usually a basement or crawl space. A sump pump is a pump that is typically installed in the lowest area of your property; it will detect rising water levels in your basement and safely pump the excess water away from your home to avoid damage.

How do sump pumps work?

A sump pit will be cut into your basement floor; this is a hole around two feet deep. When flooding occurs, the water will be collected into this sump pit and, once the water reaches a certain level, the pump will be activated. This pump is triggered by either a pressure sensor or a floatation device. 

The excess water will then be transported through a discharge line to a designated drainage area, situated a safe distance away from your home. Typically, sump pumps are wired into the mains electrical system of your property, but a battery backup alarm can be obtained in case there is a power outage.

What are the benefits of a sump pump? 

Sump pumps are one of the best preventative methods to protect your home in a flood. They have numerous advantages:

• A sump pump keeps your basement dry and mould-free. If stagnant puddles are left, this can encourage mould growth which can damage possessions and cause health problems.
• They prevent flooding to protect your valuables. This can reduce your home insurance premiums as it means you’re less likely to make a claim. 
• They could be a prudent long-term investment if you’re thinking of selling your home. Sump pumps increase the value of your property and protect its structural integrity. 
• Sump pumps are a more effective and long-term method of protection than waterproof coatings, which can develop cracks that allow water to infiltrate your home.

Different types of sump pumps

There are two main types of sump pumps available: pedestal and submersible. As the name suggests, submersible pumps are submerged deep into the sump pit. They contain a motorised engine which works to quickly remove water and debris from inside the sump pit. Submersible pumps are highly powerful, so are recommended for properties with large volumes of standing water. By contrast, pedestal pumps are installed above ground and their motor can not get wet. As the device does not need a protective casing, installation is simpler and pedestal pumps are easier to maintain.

It’s apparent that in a flood, a sump pump could prove crucial for protecting your property. If you’re searching for a reliable and experienced company to install your sump pump then look no further than 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services. We have been operating in commercial and domestic premises across Central London, Harrow, Ealing and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. Our experienced team is on call 24/7, so any time-sensitive issues can be handled immediately.

To discuss the needs of your property or arrange your sump pump installation, contact our friendly team today.