Installing a sump pump

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Radio interview source: Chuck Schwab, ag and biosystems engineer, Iowa State University Extension

We had a sump pump installed soon after we moved to our house because we noticed how much the basement flooded.

Ag Engineer Chuck Schwab says water in the basement will often happen because of drainage issues that weren't accounted for when the home was built. Water might also seep in after heavy rains. You have to know what you're dealing with when you start looking for sump pumps.

"Hopefully a drainage system and reservoir for the sump pump to sit in are already in place in most homes," Schwab says. "If not, then retrofitting it with a professional would probably be the best choice."

It's back-breaking work to put in a sump pump. That's because for the system to operate properly, trenches have to be dug and tiling laid down around the perimeter of the basement.

"You want to bring the water from the entire area to one location and then pump from there, so it's a lot more involved than just putting a pump in one low spot of the house," Schwab says. "But that will work."