Those things love to fail at the worst possible time...
Ain’t that the truth. I’d add—don’t just rely on the sump pump. I put my valuables in plastic totes and got shelving to keep stuff off the floor. Cardboard is basically a sponge, learned that one after a minor flood last spring.
Cardboard is basically a sponge, learned that one after a minor flood last spring.
That’s spot on—cardboard just soaks it up and holds onto the moisture. I’d add, check your basement floor drains too. Sometimes they’re clogged with debris or even paint from old projects. Doesn’t matter how good your pump is if the water can’t get out. I’ve seen folks use water alarms as an early warning system—cheap insurance, really.
Doesn’t matter how good your pump is if the water can’t get out.
That’s the truth—seen too many folks with fancy sump pumps and nowhere for the water to go. I’d also say, ditch any cardboard boxes in the basement, or at least get stuff up on shelves. Had a neighbor who stored all his holiday decorations in cardboard... let’s just say he ended up with a soggy mess and some very sad-looking tinsel. Water alarms are solid, but I’m always curious if anyone’s tried those automatic shutoff valves for main water lines? Worth it, or just another gadget?
