WHAT IS A SUMP PUMP AND HOW DOES IT WORK? ANSWERING ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS
Whenever our basement waterproofing technicians are called to clean up a flooded basement, our first action is to check the sump pump. And, in most cases, it is not working properly and the homeowners had no idea that there was anything wrong with it. This is why we decided to prepare this article.
So, what is a sump pump used for and how does it work to prevent basement flooding?
Let us start with a simple explanation. A sump pump consists of a pit situated below the basement floor level. This pit, called the basin, contains a pump equipped with valves. A discharge line, called the effluent, directs pumped water away from your building and into a designated drainage area. The drainage area can be a dry well, a body of water or a yard sloped away from the home.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
TYPES OF SUMP PUMPS
When you start looking for a sump pump for your home, you will find several models available. We will make a short presentation of each. However, when you decide on sump pump installation or replacement, you should always let specialists make the choice. They will examine your property, understand the dynamics of the water table and the grade of landscaping, and make the best recommendation for your needs.
SUBMERSIBLE SUMP PUMP
We already referred to this type of sump pump for home. It is the most silent model and takes up little space. The reason for this is that the entire equipment is located inside the basin. This type of sump pump is also less likely to clog than other models.
PEDESTAL SUMP PUMP
The pedestal sump pump is partly submerged and partly placed on the basement floor. The pump itself is in the basin, while its engine sits on a pedestal outside of the pit.
BATTERY-BACKUP SUMP PUMP
A battery-backup sump pump is an excellent choice if you live in areas with extreme weather conditions when heavy storms cut off your power supply. A regular sump pump will not work without power. Once the main power line is cut off, the pump will start using the battery to keep pumping water away from the foundation of your home.
WATER-POWERED BACKUP
This type of sump pump uses increased water pressure to remove water from the basin. With this model, you don’t have to worry about recharging the battery and monitoring the power supply. It is only used as a backup sump pump to the primary pump in case your power is out due to weather conditions. It will keep your finished basement safe during a storm and power outage.
HOW LONG DO SUMP PUMPS LAST?
- Loud noises – the sump pump is approaching the end of life
- The sump pump runs continuously – the sump pump may be undersized for your needs
- The sump pump does not run – either the power supply is interrupted, or there is debris clogging the pit; in the worst-case scenario, it needs repair or replacement
HIRE PROFESSIONALS TO HELP KEEP YOUR WATER ISSUES UNDER CONTROL
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