You don’t understand the importance of a sump pump until you are dealing with your flooded basement. You might have heard a lot about sump pumps after every hurricane and storms from your friends or neighbors but never got the chance to actually know about them.
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You have an idea about sump pumps but don’t know what type is best for you and how to use them, then we have got you!
In this article, we will guide you in detail about each and everything about sump pumps from basic to professional use.
So, let’s get into the basics first.
What is a Sump pump?
As the name indicates, a pump which collects the water from the sump (naturally constructed pit or basin) and pushes it outwards to the basement is a sump pump. It is a small submersible pump which is mostly placed in the pit or basin to remove the water when it crosses the limits.
Furthermore, sumps pumps can also be used to remove the water from pools if users need to drain it quickly and can also use it as an alternative to pool pumps.
However, in order to know about how a sump pump works and how it looks, you need to know about its types first. Let’s have a look at them.
Types of Sump Pump
To know about the types of sump pumps is important as it will help you decide the best one according to your needs, preferences and budget.
Basically, there are two types of sump pumps on the basis of the location of their motor and how they are put in basements. And, they are further categorized which we are going to explain to you in detail.
1. Pedestal Sump Pumps
The pedestal pumps are the cheapest options and are placed on the basement floor to pump out the flooded water.
These pumps are most commonly used in households and have motors placed on the top of the rod. That’s why these pumps are not placed inside the water.
Repairing these pumps is very easy and users have easy access to them.
Unlike the traditional sump pumps, these pumps can easily fit in small and compacted pits or basins due to their compact and slim stature. There are three options available to run a pedestal pump;
- On electricity.
- Water-powered (which requires enough water pressure to run the pump and is recommended where power goes out frequently).
- Battery-powered.
Our Recommendation
In our opinion, these sump pumps are suitable for those who have a low budget and where high flooding is not practiced as these sump pumps are less powerful than submersible sump pumps.
Also, a pedestal sump pump makes noise and there are chances of a user or trip over it as it is placed on the basement floor.
PRO TIP: Make sure to prevent the motor from having contact with water as it will lose its functionality.
2. Submersible Sump pumps
Unlike pedestal pumps, submersible sump pumps can be fully submerged in the water as their motor is placed inside the pump case and these pumps are powerful.
The distinguishing feature of these pumps is; they don’t pump out huge amounts of water efficiently (due to high motor power) but also filter out the dirt and debris.
Furthermore, these pumps offer silent performance and can pump out huge amounts of water easily.
However, they are a bit expensive and to access them for repairing or for service is a bi tricky task as they are submerged in water.
Our Recommendation
If you live in any area which is prone to floods and storms, then opting for a submersible sump pump would be a good option. And, if you have a good and open budget, then this one would be a considerable option.
3. Battery Operated Sump Pumps
The battery backup sump pumps are basically submersible sump pumps which are powered by a battery. Although you can attach a battery backup with a pedestal sump pump as well, mostly submersible pumps come with battery backup.
These pumps work the same way as submersible sump pumps do but run on a battery when power goes out. Just like submersible pumps they are hard to access when needed to repair them.
Another important feature to know about these pumps, they aren’t as powerful as submersible because they are not connected to electricity output. These pumps can drain out the water for straight 12 hours (depending upon the battery power as well) in a single charge.
After that, the batteries need to be recharged.
Our Recommendation
If your power goes out frequently, then these pumps would be a good consideration as they are powered by a marine-grade car or boat battery.
Another alternative for it is to opt for water-powered sump pumps.
4. Combination Sump Pumps
Last but not the least, combination sump pumps can be used with a battery and electrical outlet. As the name indicates itself, these pumps are the combination of both.
They run on electricity and when the power goes out they use battery power. In short, all-in-one package.
Unlike others, these sumps pumps are a bit bigger in size and are good to pump out large flooded areas. Also, when these pumps are running on electricity, they are as powerful as submersible pumps.
Our Recommendation
In our opinion, these sump pumps are highly efficient when removing water but are a bit expensive. However, in order to install these sump pumps, you need a large sump or pit.
Now that you know the types of sump pumps, it would be easier to know how they work.
Also, if you are confused about which model of the sumps pumps are good according to experts and consumers, then we have also compiled a complete review guide and consumer reports of top rated sump pump. So, you can check it as well.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
No matter what type of sump pump you use, the basic working of every sump pump is the same.
As the sump pumps are placed in the sump or pits, when the water level crosses the limit, the sump pumps automatically turn On and pump out the water out of the house premises.
The sump pump pipes basically through the water out of the house boundary and these pipes should be carefully installed and maintained.
Furthermore, the motor which is placed inside the pump or above the shaft helps to pull out the water from the pipes.
Just like a toilet tank which comes with a floating switch, the sump pumps also come with the three types of switch (electronic, tethered floating and vertical floating) which automatically turn On when the water level rises and then drains the water.
To elaborate you more about the working of a sump pump, let us tell you the function of each part of the sump pump system.
Sump pump pit
The sump pump pit of this whole system plays an important role in collecting the water from the basement and it should be constructed well (make sure of that).
Also, your sump pump pit should be cleaned from any debris and dirt.
The sump pump pit basically collects all extra/excess water from the surroundings, especially during heavy rainfall.
Sump pump
The sump pump pumps out the water from the pit and then directs it towards the pump pipes which further dump it out of the property.
Whether you are using an electrically powered sump or battery-powered one, make sure it works efficiently and you have installed it the right way.
Check Valve
A lot of people often ignore the function of the sump pump check valve. It is installed in the discharge pipe of the sump pump and prevents the sump pump from re-pumping the water to the drain (which has already drained).
This valve only opens when the water is draining outwards (one way direction) and closes automatically to prevent the water from moving backwards.
Where does the Sump pump Water go?
As sump pumps are installed in the sump pits, the water gets collected in the pit when flooded and the sump pumps start pumping it out from the pits to outside the house via pipes.
In this way the walking place of the basement remains dry despite being flooded.
Also if you are having an above ground pool, then you can also use a sump pump to drain the pool water. And there could be many reasons behind this, like cleaning the pool or even winterizing the pool etc.
How to Use a Sump Pump?
Using a sump pump doesn’t require any manual power. All the sump pumps have electronic switch mechanisms which get active when water rises to its limits.
That being said, sump pumps mostly get active on their own and people don’t need to do anything when the basement is flooded.
However, there are some manual sump pumps available as well which only turned On when a user turns it On to drain the water.
Which Sump Pump do you Need?
Well, it depends upon your budget, location, your basement area and your preferences. Here we will guide you how to choose the best sump pump. Follow these instructions;
- On average, the sump pumps with ⅓ HP can manage most of the water tables and can handle 7feet to 10feet vertical lift and 3 to 25 feet horizontally. So, if your water table (underground boundary) is small or medium then pumps with ⅓ HP (horsepower) would suffice.
SIDE NOTE: Higher the HP of the pump the higher the motor’s capacity to pump out the water.
- If the water table is above average size with higher levels of water, then go for ½ HP pumps. These pumps are 40% more efficient than ⅓ HP sump pumps.
- Similarly, if you want to handle the depth of 20 to 30 feet, then opting for ¾ HP of sump pumps would be the best option.
- In our opinion, electronic and vertical switches are the ones and can be fit in any sump pit size.
- Always look for the pumping capacity; GPM (gallons per minute) and horsepower of the sump pump before making a purchase.
- Also, in our opinion, combination sump pumps are the best to opt for as they offer silent performance and come with high efficiency.
- Lastly, if you have a low budget, then opting for pedestal sump pumps would be a good option.
Steps to Install a Sump Pump
Installing the sump pump mostly takes place when the basement is under construction. Most of the homeowners install them when constructing the basements.
However, one can install it after that as well.
For that you need to follow these simple steps;
- Find out the lowest point of the basement.
- Dig a sump pit (don’t dig too wide or narrow, it must be of average size).
- Install the sump pump and connect the plug to the electrical outlet.
How to Maintain a Sump Pump?
Here are some tips and tricks to consider in order to enhance the shelf life of your sump pump.
- When a sump pump is running or doing its work, it is vibrating and when it vibrates, it sometimes shifts to another position. And, you need to make sure it sits in an upright position.
- If using the pedestal pump, make sure to not put any water on it as the motor is placed on the rod and it will get damaged.
- When installing the sump pump, add the water in the pit to test it whether it is working accurately or not. If not, then seek help from the manufacturer of it.
- After using the sump pump, remove the dirt and debris by undoing the check valve.
- If you are using the backup battery sump pump, make sure the battery is fully charged to prevent yourself from any inconvenience.
FAQs
Do Sump pumps turn On automatically?
Yes! Most of the sump pumps turn On automatically when the water level crosses the limits which is indicated by the floating switch and then the sensor present in the pump sends signals to the motor and the sump pump starts doing its job.
However, there are some manual sump pumps as well which requires manual operation to start the pump. Manual sump pumps are budget-friendly though.
How do Sump pumps work in basements?
Sump pumps are basically designed to work in basements. They fit in the sump pits or basins of the basement and drain the excess water from there to the outside of the house and keep the basement dry and clean.
Wrapping Up
This was all about sump pumps and we hope you got the detailed information about these pumps.
If you live in an area which is prone to heavy rainfalls and your basements usually get flooded, then having a sump pump in your basement is a must.
No matter what type of sump pump you choose according to your budget, just make sure to look after it on a weekly basis.
If you ask us about our opinion, combination sump pumps are best as they can help you when power goes out and when you need to pump out huge amounts of water.
Nonetheless, if you want to ask something related to this topic, you can ask us.
