Category: basement

Maximizing Property Value: Drainage Insights for Real Estate Agents in the Pacific Northwest

webmaster basement, crawlspace, Exterior Drainage, Real Estate Agent
basement and crawl space drainage issues - Real Estate Agents should know
One thing that sets you apart from other real estate agents is the value and knowledge you bring to the table. Understanding drainage is extremely important as in our Pacific Northwest, we receive a lot of rain as well as complex areas and regions with ever shifting ground water tables.
Welcome Real Estate Agents: Understand the pivotal role drainage plays in property transactions in the Pacific Northwest, where rain can turn minor issues into major ones, affecting both the sale price and the saleability of a home.
 
Having a solid drainage expert on speed dial can help get your home sold quickly. Moving quickly is important in our tough Seattle area environment. 
 
We wanted to put together a short high level overview of the drainage landscape as it pertains to real estate agents here in the Northwest. Below are the typical types of drainage you see in homes, and here are some Seattle drainage terms with some descriptions.

Exterior Drainage

Landscaping and Soil Impact: Poor exterior drainage can result in water pooling around the home, leading to foundation issues or mold, both of which can reduce the home's attractiveness to buyers. Driveways and Walkways: Improperly sloped or maintained exteriors can cause water to flow towards the house, potentially lowering offers or causing deals to fall through. Recommendations: Suggest regrading or installing drainage systems to prevent these issues, showcasing how these enhancements can protect and even elevate property value.

Crawl Spaces

Impact on Sale: Crawl space moisture can lead to mold and structural damage, deterring buyers due to health concerns and costly repairs. Signs to Look For: Highlight how musty odors or water damage could decrease buyer interest or force price negotiations. Solutions: Discuss how proper encapsulation or sump pump installation can not only solve these issues but also become selling points, emphasizing your role in adding value before listing.

Basements

Why Drainage Matters in Transactions: A dry basement significantly enhances property appeal and price. However, water damage can lead to costly repairs, making buyers hesitant or demanding price reductions. Problems: Explain how poor basement drainage can lead to flooding, which is a red flag for potential buyers, especially in a region known for wet winters. Expert Advice: Recommend waterproofing solutions that can be marketed as an investment in the property's longevity and marketability, potentially increasing the sale price or speed of sale.

My Basement Flooded in Tacoma. What now?

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Flooded basement in the Pacific Northwest - 24 hour emergency drainage services

“My basement in Tacoma flooded! Now what? 

Well, first things first, we need to stop the flooding. If it is a busted pipe or a plumbing issue, I would suggest turning off the water to your house.

The main water value is usually next to the street in front of your house. Some homes have water shut offs at the house, but not all of them. The shut off valves are in a bot buried in the ground, sometimes they are green or grey in color. Make sure you are turning off the water to YOUR house, not your neighbor.

If it is more of a drainage issue due to excess rain or flooding, that is when you should call Northwest Drainage. 

Once we arrive on scene, we will assess the situation and most likely deploy some our temporary pumps to start draining your basement flooded Tacoma of the current water. We will then check for the point of origin. Most likely a dead sump pump, clogged drainage line or a basement crack that has been compromised by the pressure o rising water.

A great way to prevent your basement from flooding is to install a drainage system that will remove the water BEFORE it comes up to the basement. We can typically use a gravity or sump pump extraction method to get the water out and away from your home.

PRO TIP: Sometimes your gutter downspouts get clogged and discharge water right next to your homes foundation and causes your basement flooded Tacoma. We see this all the time in Tacoma. Check that first, sometimes this is the cause of basement flooding. 

Another thing you can do is to ensure that your basement drainage system is functioning properly is to ensure they systems is properly maintained. We suggest maintaining our basement drainage systems once a year. You can do it or you can have us do it for you, but the key is to do everything that needs to be done YEARLY. 

Different Types of Sump Pumps: A Comprehensive Guide

webmaster basement, Seattle Drainage, sump pump
Seattle area Sump Pump in basin. - Northwest Drainage

Sump Pump Introduction

A reliable sump pump is essential for safeguarding your home against basement flooding and water damage. Living in the Pacific Northwest, where heavy rainfall and damp conditions are common, choosing the right sump pump becomes even more critical. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of sump pumps available and their ideal applications. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, understanding these options will help you make an informed decision to protect your property.

Submersible Sump Pumps

Different types of sump pumps: Zoeller 53 submersible sump pump 1/3hp - Northwest Drainage
  • Description: Submersible sump pumps are designed to be fully submerged within the sump pit. These are the sump pumps that are typically used here in the Greater Seattle area.
  • Advantages:
    • Powerful: These pumps have high-powered motors capable of moving large volumes of water quickly.
    • Debris Filtration: Submersible pumps can filter out debris, preventing clogs.
    • Aesthetically Appealing: Since they sit within the pit, they don’t affect the visual appeal of your basement.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Cost: Submersible pumps are more expensive than other types.
    • Access Difficulty: Replacing or servicing them can be challenging due to their location within the pit.
    • Shorter Lifespan: Expect a lifespan of 5 to 10 years.
  • Best For: Areas with heavy rainfall and low elevation.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

Dayton pedestal sump pump - Northwest Drainage
  • Description: Pedestal sump pumps have motors mounted above the sump pit.
  • Advantages:
    • Affordable: These pumps are budget-friendly.
    • Easy Access: Their design allows for straightforward maintenance and replacement.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Less Powerful: Pedestal pumps are less efficient than submersible ones.
    • Visual Impact: The exposed motor may affect the basement’s aesthetics.
  • Best For: Narrow or shallow sump pits.

Battery-Backup Sump Pumps

Different types of sump pumps: batter backup Zoeller sump pump - Northwest Drainage
  • Description: These pumps operate on battery power during electrical outages.
  • Advantages:
    • Reliability: Ensures continuous operation even when the main power fails.
    • Peace of Mind: Protects against floods during storms or power cuts.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Battery Maintenance: Regular battery checks and replacements are necessary.
    • Limited Runtime: Batteries have a finite backup duration.
  • Best For: Ensuring uninterrupted pumping during power failures.

Water-Powered Sump Pumps

Different types of sump pumps: Northwest Drainage water powered sump pump - Northwest Drainage Seattle area
  • Description: These pumps use water pressure from your home’s supply line.
  • Advantages:
    • No Electricity Needed: Ideal for areas with frequent power outages.
    • Simple Installation: No battery or electrical connections required.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Lower Flow Rate: Water-powered pumps move less water per minute.
    • Higher Water Bills: Increased water usage.
  • Best For: Backup in emergencies when electricity is unavailable.

Combination Sump Pumps

Combination Sump Pumps installed and maintained by Northwest Drainage
  • Description: Combination pumps integrate features of both submersible and battery-backup pumps.
  • Advantages:
    • Versatility: Operates on main power and switches to battery backup during outages.
    • Best of Both Worlds: Combines the power of submersible pumps with backup reliability.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Cost: Typically more expensive.
  • Best For: Comprehensive protection against floods and power failures.

Conclusion

Different types of sump pumps have different types of drainage purposes. Choosing the right sump pump depends on your specific needs, budget, and local conditions. Here in the Northwest, Puget Sound area, most homes and businesses go with a Combination Sump Pump system. A main sump pump with a battery backup pump. Often times falling trees take out the power, and abundant rain hits at the same time. This is a reason why many folks go with a gravity drainage system, gravity never runs out of power.

As always, our suggestion is to consult with a professional drainage company to assess your requirements and select the best sump pump for your property. Remember, investing in a reliable sump pump is an investment in your peace of mind and the safety of your home. Stay dry, stay protected! 🏠💧