Find A Plumber Near You Call Us Now: Hamilton (289) 768-9099

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

Oct 18 2022
a sump pump located on the perimeter of a home

When it comes to minimizing the risk of water damage in your basement, you can put your trust in a sump pump

A sump pump is a device that helps prevent flooding in underground sections of your home. These machines come in handy when there is a surplus of water in the ground surrounding your basement. Whether the water came from heavy rains or melted snow, a sump pump can move that water away from your home. 

If you live in an area with frequent rainfall, your house could definitely benefit from a sump pump. But how does a sump pump work exactly? Find out below!

How Does a Sump Pump Work? 

Most homes have a small area that is dug into the floor of the basement. This pit, so to speak, is designed to collect water that filters through the loose earth surrounding the foundation. 

A sump pump keeps this area in check by detecting the water and moving it away from the house via a network of pipes. In terms of size, sump pumps typically measure two feet deep and 18 inches in diameter. When the water rises to a particular level, a floating switch triggers an electrical circuit and engages the sump pump. 

A sump pump system usually comes with a built-in one-way check valve that prevents the initially expelled water from re-entering the pit. 

Modern Models Can Send Notifications Straight To Your Phone

On top of that, most sump pump systems also alert homeowners through an alarm in case the water rises beyond its limits. This indicates that the sump pump is failing. Keeping in sync with the times, modern sump pump systems are equipped with the technology to send alarm notifications straight to your phone.  

It Needs a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

In terms of their power source, sump pumps are fueled by electricity. Given that sump pumps operate near or in the water, it is of the highest importance that the outlet you connect your device to has a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).  

It Needs A Back-Up Power Source In Case of Power Outages

Naturally, flooding is often associated with storms, which could eventually lead to power outages. In case of a power failure, make sure that you have your sump pump connected to a back-up power source in advance. Because if the sump pump detects water but isn’t plugged into an operational power source, it won’t be able to do its job.  

A flooded basement caused by the lack of an operational sump pump  

The Types of Sump Pumps 

A comprehensive sump pump system is made of a primary and backup pump. Primary pumps are in charge of most of the work, while backup pumps are engineered to take over in case the primary one fails or is unable to handle the influx of water. 

Here are the types of sump pumps further broken down into subversive, pedestal, battery-powered, water-operated, and combination types:

Subversive Sump Pumps

Subversive sump pumps are the bulkiest of their kind. They are placed right inside the sump pit and function while submerged in water. As they run underwater inside the pit, they make a lot less noise versus pedestal pumps, which we will be discussing next. 

Pedestal Pumps

Pedestal sump pumps are long and upright devices. Their motor is installed at the top, with the intake mechanism sitting at the bottom. Unlike the subversive sump pumps, the motors of pedestal pumps are not meant to make contact with water. 

One of the biggest perks of having a pedestal sump pump is that it is cost-friendly. Moreover, it offers easy access when repairs and maintenance are needed. 

Battery-Powered Backup Sump Pumps

This is the most widely-used type of backup sump pump. While they don’t serve as a replacement for the primary sump pump, they do spring into action when the main pump needs a helping hand. 

Water-Powered Backup Sump Pumps

Just as the name suggests, water-powered backup sump pumps are fueled by water pressure, which means that they can just do their thing without the need for an electric current. 

Sump pumps driven by water power have an edge due to their unlimited runtime. However, they do need a steady, high-pressure flow of water in order to function. So, if your home has low water pressure, you might want to resort to battery-powered backup pumps instead.

Combination Sump Pumps

Combination sump pumps are all-in-one devices that include a primary pump and a backup pump. Investing in a comprehensive deal like this one is generally more cost-effective than purchasing the primary and backup pumps separately. 

A plumber installing a sump pump in a basement

Keep Your Sump Pump In Optimal Condition 

Whether you need sump pump installation or maintenance, you can rely on 1st Rooter’s team of plumbing experts. 

For over 25 years, 1st Rooter Plumbing has been the most trusted plumbing service provider in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and the surrounding areas. When it comes to quick, effective, and reliable plumbing services for residential and commercial establishments and emergency plumbing repairs, look no further than 1st Rooter. 

Reach out today to learn more!

 

Leave A Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *