If you’ve ever had a wet basement or a damp crawlspace, someone’s probably told you, “You need a sump pump.” But what exactly is a sump pump—and do you really need one?
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a small pump that’s installed in the lowest part of your basement or crawlspace. Its job? To keep water out.
It sits in a pit (called a sump basin) that collects water from around your foundation—whether it’s groundwater, rain, or melted snow. When the water level in the pit gets too high, the pump kicks on and pumps the water out and safely away from your home, usually through a discharge pipe that leads outside.
Think of it as your basement’s personal lifeguard.
Why Do Homes Need One?
Every home should have a sump pump—even if you haven’t had water problems yet. Why? Because moisture doesn’t wait for an invitation. A sump pump is one of the best ways to make sure water stays out of your basement or crawlspace for good. Whether you’re dealing with:
- Flooding or standing water
- A low-lying property or poor drainage
- Heavy rainfall or snowmelt
- Moisture, mold, or musty smells
…a sump pump helps protect your foundation, your belongings, and even your indoor air quality. It’s simple insurance against a very messy (and expensive) problem.
Why We Recommend Side Discharge Pumps
Submersible sump pumps are designed to sit directly in the sump pit and operate underwater. They’re powerful, quiet, and well-suited for basements or crawlspaces where performance and low noise matter.
At Better Basements, we install side discharge submersible pumps—and for good reason. Unlike traditional vertical discharge systems that send water straight up (and require a tall pipe running through your space), a side discharge setup routes water out horizontally. That means no awkward vertical piping taking up room, no wasted space in your crawlspace or basement, and more flexibility for storage, insulation, or future upgrades.
It’s a cleaner, more efficient setup that keeps your space usable—and dry.
Do I Really Need One?
Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you have a basement or crawlspace and you’re dealing with moisture problems, a sump pump is probably part of the solution.
But a sump pump alone isn’t magic. It works best as part of a bigger waterproofing strategy—things like drainage systems, vapor barriers, and sometimes dehumidifiers.
Want to find out for sure? A quick inspection can usually tell you if a sump pump makes sense for your home.
Water has a sneaky way of finding its way in. A sump pump is like a bodyguard for your home—quietly standing by until it’s needed most. If you’re tired of puddles, damp smells, or constantly worrying about water, it might be time to install one.
Got questions about sump pumps or basement waterproofing? Let’s talk. We’ll help you figure out exactly what your home needs—and nothing it doesn’t.