| From pumping gas into a vehicle to | | | | This unit is placed inside the sump. In |
| cleaning the home with a vacuum cleaner, | | | | the second type known as a pedestal sump |
| pumps are all around us. Sump pumps are | | | | pump, the motor is placed on a column |
| simple mechanical devices used to move | | | | above the floor of the basement, whereas |
| fluids by altering pressure levels. | | | | the pump is located in the sump. While |
| There are several different types of | | | | using a pedestal sump pump, care should |
| pumps, each with their own individual | | | | be taken that the motor does not get |
| application. One common pump that is | | | | wet. |
| used in several households is a sump | | | | Both pump types are connected to a long |
| pump. This pump keeps the basement and | | | | outlet pipe, which drains the water a |
| the space beneath it from flooding, | | | | safe distance away from the house. The |
| especially during excessive rainfall. A | | | | pumping capacity of the sump pump can |
| sump is a small reservoir under the | | | | vary, depending on the horsepower of the |
| basement that fills up when groundwater | | | | motor and the size of the outlet pipe. |
| level rises. This prevents water from | | | | Although electricity is the main power |
| seeping into the basement and cause any | | | | source, a battery backup may prove handy |
| damage. However, when the sump level | | | | in times of emergency. A plastic or |
| overflows, water may seep into the | | | | rubber floater is used to trigger the |
| basement, which will not only ruin the | | | | pump. Once the water level rises beyond |
| items stored but also damage the | | | | a certain level, the floater rises and |
| foundation of the house. | | | | flips the switch. |
| A sump pump is used to pump out this | | | | Sump pumps are essential for those |
| excess water, keeping the basement dry | | | | living in areas with high rainfall. The |
| and free from any damage. These handy | | | | pump will not only prevent flooding but |
| devices are of two types. The | | | | also save thousands of dollars on repair |
| submersible variety combines the pump | | | | work. |
| and the waterproof motor in one unit. | | | | |