Every year hundreds of Michigan homes end up with flooded basements due to a broken or non-existent sump pump.  Anytime there is heavy rain or accidental flooding your basement is at risk of water intrusion.  If you live in an area with poor drainage then your risk of flooding can be much higher.

A properly installed and working sump pump will keep your basement free of water and prevent costly damage to your building contents and even worse the foundation of your structure.  Not everybody needs a sump pump installed but we can definitely help those that do.

If your basement is prone to flooding, it is important to have a properly working sump pump to keep water out of the inside of your home where it can cost serious damage to your home and its contents.

Leaky basements are a common problem, especially for older homes in Metro-Detroit where the foundation is not fully sealed. In these situations, a sump pump can make a huge difference, clearing out the water that leaks through saturated soil into your basement walls. Father & Son Plumbing and Heating can provide replacement, repair, or installation of a new sump pump and backup sump pump for your home to ensure that water never comes back.

How a Sump Pump Works

Most homeowners have heard of sump pumps before. These pumps are placed inside your basement to help remove the water that builds up during rainy weather. Most sump pumps work in conjunction with a sump pit that is dug into your basement floor. As water builds up, the water gathers in the pit and is pumped out of the basement into a drainage line leading out of your basement. Modern homes built beneath the water shed or in places prone to flooding often come with sump pumps already installed. However, when flooding becomes a new issue as is often the case with shifting stream lines or when old homes are being renovated, the addition of a new sump pump often becomes necessary.

Maintaining an Existing Sump Pump in Metro-Detroit

While some homes in the Detroit area have existing sump pumps, there are some with older pumps that need regular maintenance and repair. Especially if you have an electric powered sump pump, you should consider adding a water backup unit to your pump to provide service should you lose power. Often, power outages are caused by hard rains and the electricity may be interrupted and a good water backup will help to provide the necessary surge of energy to keep your basement dry. A good water backup should be tested and replaced regularly to make sure it will continue to work.

Additionally, cleaning of your sump pump is a must. Since the water leaking into your basement is being siphoned through ground sediment, you might find pieces of gravel, sand, and debris clogging the lines of your pump. This debris can build up quickly and cause a problem if you are not careful. Test your sump pump often by dumping three gallons of water into your pit and seeing how well the pump operates. If it's sluggish or you can hear it straining against the load, you may need to repair your sump pump.

It is possible to clean the filter and general lines of a sump pump on your own, but if the dirt or rocks get caught in the main lines, you’ll want to call an expert to make sure the pump isn't damaged.

A sump pump is the single most important component to keeping your basement clean and dry. Any amount of water intrusion can can be costly and cause damage that will take you weeks to clean up. Be prepared - call the Metro-Detroit sump pump experts at Father & Son Plumbing and Heating today and learn how we can help you install a new sump pump or repair the existing pump that came with your home.

Waterproofing Services

It's important to keep your basement clean and dry.  That's why we also offer waterproofing services as well.  If you have water entering your basement from anywhere, then you need to call Father & Son Plumbing and Heating.  We will inspect the leaks, and determine the root cause and solution. We can discuss your options and present you with multiple types of waterproofing services. We can waterproof your basement using interior basement sealants, exterior basement sealants and weeping tile systems.