Sump basket shown without sump pump found at home inspection
Even if you are not in a flood zone, it is wise to invest in a sump pump. Anyone remember the summer of 2007 when we had about 13 inches of rain in a day? A lot of people in the Rochester and Southeastern MN area like to tell the home inspector that “We have never had a water problem in this basement … except that one time in 2007 when we had all that rain.” Water damage can happen to any home without warning, ruining electronics, heirlooms, flooring and anything else you may have in your basement.
When we have a major storm, or a heavy snow melt the ground gets saturated, and water can enter your home. A sump pump is easy to install and helps to prevent water back up. During the home inspection process I see a lot of homes that have sump baskets that do not have a pump installed. In newer homes, there is typically an outlet and sometimes the discharge pipe installed, but no pump. Typically I recommend to people that it would be a good idea to install a sump pump.
Although they cost more, a sump pump system with a battery back up provides another level of protection. As we saw in 2007 many homes lost power, with the saturation we had, sump baskets with sump pumps backed up, but with no power, no pump. Providing for water protection in your home is a minor investment compared the extensive damage that can occur to your property and possessions.