Schedule Service  901-248-1961

Do All Basements Have Sump Pumps? Your Guide

September 11, 2024

sump pump

If you're wondering if all basements have sump pumps, the answer is no. But many do, and whether your home needs one depends on where you live.

A sump pump is a pumping system that removes accumulated water once it hits a specific level in a sump basin and safely sends it through your home's wastewater system. It helps prevent basement flooding when there is a lot of rain. Keep reading, and we'll explain more about sump pumps and how adding one can protect your Memphis, TN, home.

Do All Basements Have Sump Pumps? Your Guide

Why Don't All Basements Have Sump Pumps?

The main reason not all basements have a sump pump is simply that not all homes need one. Homes that don't experience high water levels, sit high on hills, or don't have a basement or crawlspace don't need a sump pump.

However, homes on flat or sloped land, clay or silt soil, or with basements or crawl spaces typically need sump pumps. Those factors combine to make a home more vulnerable to flooding. When surface water begins to accumulate and can't drain away naturally, gravity will bring it toward the lowest point in the ground—your basement, foundation, or crawlspace.

sump pump basement

How Does a Sump Pump Work in a Basement or Crawlspace?

A sump pump sits in a sump basin or a specially made pit under the basement floor or crawlspace. It's usually placed at the lowest area where the water will pool.

When water starts to enter the pit or basin and hits a certain level, the sump pump activates. Once activated, a sump pump sucks up the water and drains it into another area, like a well or up to a grassy area outside. This process stops water from accumulating in your basement.

What About Backup Sump Pumps?

A sump pump operates on electricity, so if the power goes out, so does the pump. Luckily, no loss of power can stop the one-two effectiveness of a main and backup sump pump.

The two types of backup sump pumps are battery-powered and water-powered.

High-quality battery-powered sump pumps offer several key features:

  • An alarm sounds alerting you that the pump has been activated.
  • Pump capacity of up to 2,400 gallons per hour (more than many main pumps) and up to a 10' lift.
  • An optional second battery for double the potential running time.

Additionally, a self-test option extends the life of the pump while breaking upscale and corrosion that may have built up over time.

Then you have the water-powered option for a backup sump pump. No matter how heavy the rainfall or the amount of melting snow, a water-powered sump pump requires no battery, power, or moving parts. Provided your home water supply (well or city) isn't cut off, a water-powered sump pump will operate as long as necessary.

Do I Need a Sump Pump in Memphis, TN?

Yes, you do need a sump pump in Memphis, TN. Tennessee is very vulnerable to flooding thanks to the Mississippi River, not to mention heavy rains and snowfall via rapid melting that could occur. A sump pump is the best way to guarantee your home stays dry if you live in the state.

A sump pump is especially essential if you live on flat or downward-sloped land. Flooding is more likely to occur at your home than on higher ground when heavy rains occur.

If you're in the Memphis area, Conway Services can help you with all your sump pump needs—we're just a call away!

5 Benefits of Installing a Sump Pump

5 Benefits of Installing a Sump Pump

Here are five benefits of installing a sump pump system in your basement.

1. Prevents Flooding

A sump pump's primary job is to catch water around your property and remove it safely through your plumbing and wastewater system. A properly functioning sump pump can effectively deal with most water buildup, from small accumulations to relatively large-scale flooding.

Without a sump pump, incessant rains can start a flood of water around the foundation of your home that seeps into your basement, causing up to 1 foot in flooding within hours.

2. Reduces Fire Risk

It may sound strange that a system that keeps water out of your house can also help stop a fire from starting. Most homeowners don't know that flooding is one of the primary causes of electrical fires inside the home.

When water seeps inside your electrical system, it short-circuits appliances in the basement, such as washers and dryers, televisions, water heaters, and heating systems. Aside from ruining these valuable appliances, the short-circuiting caused by flooding can also cause an electrical fire.

3. Mitigates the Risk of Mold and Mildew

Water buildup means dampness, which is the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. Continually damp conditions inside your basement are usually the result of water that has pooled around your foundation.

This water can damage your home and contribute to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause further damage and pose serious health risks. Installing a sump pump to keep your home and basement dry will also help mitigate the risk of mold and mildew.

4. Saves You Money

A sump pump is a high-quality investment in your home because it saves you money in the long run. Imagine all the damage that could occur if the Mississippi River floods. This type of flooding is common in Tennessee, with heavy rains and snowmelt. It can cause thousands of dollars in damages to your belongings and the condition of your basement in a matter of hours.

And while personal items are irreplaceable, replacing appliances and repairing your home can get costly fast—especially if you don't have flood insurance or the insurance doesn't cover certain items.

5. Increases Home Value

Did you know a sump pump can make your home more valuable—especially in Memphis, TN? It's true! Because high water levels are common, buyers are always looking for homes with sump pumps.

Most people don't want to deal with the installation process (even though it's so easy with a call to Conway Services) and are willing to pay more for a home where it's already complete. Having a sump pump also gives potential buyers a sense of security because they know there is protection from floods.

What Size Sump Pump Do I Need for My Basement?

Choosing the right sump pump size for your basement may seem like a challenge, but it's easy when you look at the following factors:

  • Sump basin size: The size of the basin or pit is crucial because it indicates how much water it can hold before overflowing. Most homes built on average water tables use a 1/3 HP pump, while those with higher water levels use a 1/2 HP pump.
  • Gallons per minute/hour: This number is the rate at the pump that can remove water. If flooding is rare or you have a large basement, you could have a lower-rate pump. Of course, if flooding happens a lot or you have a small basement, you want a pump with a high rate.
  • Vertical lift: This measurement is how high the water has to go before reaching the discharge pipe. The higher the lift, the more power is needed to pump the water away.
  • Horsepower: You're probably already familiar with horsepower—it's the power level of the pump's motor. It affects the pump rate and how high the vertical lift can be.

However, if you are still unsure what size pump to get, call Conway Services! We're happy to provide advice and we guarantee you will love our work when we install the perfect pump for your home.

Alternatives to Sump Pumps

While sump pumps offer the highest level of protection against flooding, there are a few ways to waterproof your basement or crawlspace without one. Different draining systems are available, like a French drain, baseboard drainage system, or gravity drain. However, they aren't as effective as sump pumps, and the installation process can be complex.

Other preventive alternatives include:

  • Cleaning out your gutters regularly
  • Getting rid of water-loving plants from your garden
  • Resealing any cracks in the foundation or outside of your home

Conway Services Can Protect Your Home

A sump pump is crucial when you live in Memphis, and so is having a trustworthy service provider. Conway Services has decades of experience helping Memphis homeowners keep their homes comfortable. When it comes to any sump pump work, you should always work with local professionals to ensure the best results.

Our technicians will explain our installation process and answer any questions you have. We also offer financing options for our customers.

Call or Book Today

Experts are standing by to help you. We’re available 7 days a week.

Schedule Service
 901-248-1961

Last Updated: August 20, 2025