As we move into the peak of hurricane season—especially mid-August through September—homeowners along the East Coast need to take extra precautions against flooding and water damage. With storms like Hurricane Erin reminding us how quickly weather can turn severe, now is the time to ensure your home is prepared. One of the most critical defenses against flooding in your basement or crawl space is a properly working sump pump.
Why Hurricanes Bring Increased Flooding Risks
The Atlantic hurricane season ramps up in late summer. Powerful storms like Hurricane Erin bring heavy rainfall, storm surges, and widespread flooding, even in inland areas far from the shoreline. When these storms hit, local drainage systems quickly become overwhelmed, causing water to seep into basements and lower levels of homes.
Without a reliable sump pump, water damage can occur within minutes, leading to mold growth, damaged flooring, ruined belongings, and costly repairs.
What is a Sump Pump and Why Do You Need One?
A sump pump is a small but powerful piece of plumbing equipment installed in a pit—called a sump basin—at the lowest point of your basement or crawl space. When heavy rain from hurricanes or tropical storms causes groundwater to rise, the sump pump activates and automatically pumps water away from your home, keeping your basement dry.
Key benefits of a sump pump during hurricane season include:
Flood Prevention – Keeps water from pooling in your basement.
Mold & Mildew Protection – Reduces the risk of dangerous mold growth after storms.
Structural Protection – Prevents water from weakening your home’s foundation.
Peace of Mind – You won’t have to worry every time the forecast calls for heavy rain.
The Importance of Regular Sump Pump Maintenance
Just having a sump pump isn’t enough—it needs to be in top working condition when hurricanes strike. Too often, homeowners only realize their sump pump isn’t working once it’s too late. Before storms like Hurricane Erin or other late-summer hurricanes hit, it’s important to check:
Does your sump pump turn on automatically when water rises?
Is the discharge pipe clear and directing water away from your foundation?
Do you have a battery backup sump pump in case of power outages during hurricanes?
A well-maintained sump pump can be the difference between a dry basement and thousands of dollars in water damage repairs.
Don’t Wait Until the Storm Hits
Hurricanes don’t wait for you to be ready, and neither does flooding. If your sump pump is old, unreliable, or you don’t have one at all, now is the time to act. August and September are historically the most active months for hurricane season—so preparation is key.
At Applause Plumbing and Heating, we specialize in sump pump installation, repair, and replacement. Our licensed plumbers can assess your home, recommend the right sump pump system, and install it properly so you’re protected when the next storm hits.
Stay Safe This Hurricane Season
Don’t let storms like Hurricane Erin or other upcoming hurricanes catch you off guard. Protect your home, your family, and your investment with a sump pump you can trust.
👉 Contact Applause Plumbing and Heating today for sump pump installation and service. We’re here to help keep your home safe, dry, and prepared for hurricane season.