Why You Might Need a Sump Pump | Des Moines Basement Protection

In Des Moines, basement flooding is more common than many homeowners realize—especially during periods of heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt. Whether your home is in a newer subdivision or part of an older neighborhood, excess groundwater can seep through foundation walls, floor cracks, or poorly sealed window wells. When that happens, the damage can be fast and costly—ruining furniture, weakening your home’s structure, and promoting mold growth.

One of the most effective ways to prevent this is with a sump pump. At Lazer Home Services, we’ve helped countless Iowa homeowners install and maintain sump pumps that protect their homes from water intrusion and the financial burden that comes with it. In this article, we’ll explain what a sump pump does, why you might need one in Des Moines, and how our team can help you choose the right solution for your property.

What Is a Sump Pump and How Does It Work?

A sump pump is a device installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawl space—typically in a pit called a sump basin. Its job is to remove water that accumulates in this pit before it can rise to floor level and cause flooding. The pump is activated automatically when water reaches a certain height, pumping it out and away from your home through a discharge line.

In areas like Des Moines where the water table can rise quickly after rainstorms, a sump pump acts as a critical safeguard. It’s especially important for homes with finished basements, walk-out lower levels, or properties built on flat terrain with poor natural drainage.

Top Reasons You Might Need a Sump Pump in Des Moines

1. Heavy Rainfall and Flash Floods

Des Moines receives significant rainfall during the spring and summer months. When the ground becomes saturated, water has nowhere to go—and that often means it flows toward your home’s foundation.

Without a sump pump, even a moderate storm can result in basement flooding. If your neighborhood experiences flash floods or water pooling after rain, installing a sump pump is more than a precaution—it’s a necessity.

2. A History of Basement Moisture

Have you noticed musty smells, damp walls, or water stains on your basement floor? Even small amounts of moisture can signal a larger problem with water intrusion. These warning signs shouldn’t be ignored, as repeated exposure to moisture can degrade concrete, ruin insulation, and create ideal conditions for mold. A sump pump prevents water from ever building up to that point.

3. Finished Basement or Valuable Storage

Many homeowners use their basements as living spaces, home gyms, or offices. Others store appliances, electronics, or heirlooms in lower levels. These valuable assets are at risk if your home is unprotected. Installing a sump pump offers peace of mind that your investment—whether in renovations or belongings—won’t be lost in a storm.

If you’re remodeling or planning upgrades, talk to our team about sump pump installation during the process to protect your improvements from potential water damage.

4. High Water Table or Poor Drainage

Certain areas of Des Moines are built on low-lying ground or have naturally high water tables. In these homes, even dry weather can lead to gradual water buildup. If your yard drains slowly, your gutters overflow, or your downspouts are too close to the foundation, water can accumulate around the base of your home and seep inside. A sump pump can act as your last line of defense against this steady pressure.

5. You’ve Experienced a Flood Before

If you’ve dealt with basement flooding in the past—even once—you’re already at increased risk of it happening again. Every storm becomes a gamble, and every new leak risks further damage to your home’s structure. Installing a sump pump now ensures you’re not caught off guard during the next severe weather event. Our licensed professionals provide expert recommendations and install sump systems designed for your specific home size, elevation, and water exposure.

How to Know If You Need a Sump Pump Now

You don’t have to wait for a disaster to know a sump pump is a good idea. If your basement has ever smelled musty, your floors feel damp, or you’ve noticed mold on lower-level walls, it’s time to act. These symptoms point to excessive moisture—and once water starts pooling, the damage begins.

At Lazer Home Services, we provide full inspections to determine if a sump pump is right for your property. We’ll assess your drainage, look for signs of past or ongoing water intrusion, and walk you through your options. Whether you need a brand-new system or your current unit isn’t working properly, our team can help with both installation and sump pump repair.

Serving Des Moines and Surrounding Communities

Our sump pump services are trusted by homeowners throughout Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Altoona, Waukee, Johnston, and other Central Iowa areas. We understand the unique foundation types, flood risks, and soil conditions across these neighborhoods, allowing us to recommend solutions that are both effective and reliable. Whether you’re installing a sump pump in a new home or upgrading an older one, Lazer Home Services is ready to protect your home from the ground up.

Why Choose Lazer Home Services for Sump Pump Installation

When it comes to protecting your home from flooding and water damage, a sump pump is only as reliable as the team that installs or services it. At Lazer Home Services, we bring years of experience helping Des Moines homeowners secure their basements and crawl spaces with high-quality sump pump systems. Our licensed plumbers don’t just install equipment—we assess your home’s layout, risk level, and long-term drainage needs to ensure the system is built for performance.

We offer both new sump pump installations and fast sump pump repairs, using trusted brands and components that are proven to hold up during Iowa’s heaviest rains. Whether you’re dealing with a failed unit, recurring flooding, or planning ahead for basement renovations, our team works efficiently, cleanly, and always with your safety in mind.

Our customer-first approach, transparent pricing, and prompt response times are just a few of the reasons Des Moines residents continue to trust Lazer Home Services. We’re more than plumbers—we’re your local partners in home protection.

Conclusion

Water doesn’t need much space to cause damage. And in a city like Des Moines—where spring thaw, summer storms, and shifting foundations are common—a sump pump isn’t just helpful; it’s smart planning. If your home has a basement or crawl space, installing a sump pump could save you thousands of dollars in water damage and keep your property dry and safe year-round.

If you’re unsure whether your home needs one, contact our team for a professional inspection and honest advice. At Lazer Home Services, we’re here to answer your questions, assess your risk, and install sump pump systems that give you peace of mind when the next storm rolls in.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my home needs a sump pump?
If you have a basement, live in a low-lying area, or have experienced water seepage or musty odors, a sump pump can help prevent flooding and moisture buildup.

2. Can I install a sump pump myself?
While DIY installation is possible, professional installation ensures proper placement, electrical setup, drainage routing, and long-term reliability.

3. What happens if my sump pump fails during a storm?
Without a backup system or prompt repair, water can flood your basement quickly. We recommend routine maintenance and offer emergency sump pump repair services.

4. How often should a sump pump be replaced?
Most pumps last 7–10 years with regular maintenance. If your pump is older, loud, or runs constantly, it may be time for a replacement.

5. Do you serve homes outside Des Moines?
Yes, we provide sump pump services throughout Des Moines and nearby communities like Ankeny, Altoona, West Des Moines, Johnston, and Waukee.