How sump pump works

Even a small volume of water can cause extensive damage to a house, and it will cost thousands of dollars to get the damage fixed. And even though there is no flooding, the moisture in a basement can lead to mold and mildew growing, which is hazardous to the health of the house or building’s occupants. Water damage sometimes can be difficult to spot but if you want to learn more about it check out our tutorial on How to spot hidden water damage in your home. To prevent that kind of damage and danger, that’s where sump pump comes in. Its job is to prevent flooding in the house or building and to keep that area dry.

Not all homes have sump pumps, but for areas that have flooding, it is advisable to have one. During the rainy season where there is heavy rainstorm or maybe a damaged plumbing, the accumulated water will always go to the basement, the lowest point of the house.

Here are some facts that homeowners should know about how sump pumps work and how purchasing one can benefit their households.

A sump pump has four parts – the parts are the groundwater collection system, the sump tank, a pump and the outlet drain. The process is simple enough, the water is collected and brought to the sump tank, also called basin, then brought away from the house, sometimes to a sewer. Homeowners need to make sure that each part is attached properly to ensure that the process will not be disrupted and cause more damage to the house.

There are generally two types of sump pumps – most pumps fall under the pedestal or submersible type. Pedestal pumps have the motor mounted above the sump, making it easier to maintain. For submersible pumps, it is entirely mounted inside the sump and sealed properly to prevent any untoward short circuits.

Sump pump can be connected to a sewer, and then the discharge pipe has a check valve and may have an anti-siphon device to prevent back flow. The other way is to have a discharge pipe that is simply connected to a hose that carries the water well away from the house. Building codes in most areas dictate where the water must be discharged.

Maintenance is key to prolong its lifespan – most professionals would say that the life of a sump pump would span around seven years, but that could extend depending on the care given to it. To make sure that it is working in the utmost condition, checking it from time to time is needed. Homeowners should not wait until the rainy season to check if their pumps are working properly. They can check by putting water into the tank and wait for the float to rise and for the pump to quickly disperse the water inside. It should turn off once the water is gone.

Having a battery backup for a sump pump is wise – sump pumps are usually connected to the electrical system for its source of power. But having a battery back is a good idea. There may be times when there is power interruption, for example, during a particularly heavy rainstorm, and there is flooding in the house, a battery backup is needed. Aside from that, there may also be mechanical damage which would cause the pump to malfunction.

Sump pumps are beneficial, especially for areas that experience a lot of rain during the wet season. For those who are looking to buy one for their homes, here’s a list of the best sump pumps in the market today.