| What Is A Sump Pump? | | | | the bottom of the pit and it too has a float |
| A sump pump is a pump that is used to remove | | | | switch to activate the pump. Since the motor of |
| water that has accumulated in the sump pit, | | | | this type of pumps is not designed for |
| usually in the lowest part of the basement or | | | | underwater use, the switch will activate the pump |
| cellar. This water can accumulate in two ways. | | | | before the water reaches the bottom of the |
| One way is when the water enters via the | | | | pumps motor. |
| perimeter drains of the basement waterproofing | | | | What Size Of Sump Pump Do I Need For My |
| system and funnels into the pit. Another way is | | | | Home? |
| when the basement is below the water table level | | | | Actually, houses have more of a horsepower |
| and water leaks into the basement. | | | | requirement for a sump pump instead of a size |
| How Do Sump Pumps Work? | | | | requirement. This is determined by the area of |
| While the water fills up the sump pit, the sump | | | | drainage that is connected to the sumps as well |
| pump starts up, and pumps the water out of the | | | | as the depth of the basement, groundwater and |
| basement. The water gets pumped either | | | | other factors. The more water that is expected |
| outdoors, away from the foundation of the | | | | to accumulate in the sump pit, the more |
| house, or into the main water drainage system of | | | | horsepower is required to move it. |
| the house. To keep the basement from getting | | | | How Big Should My Sump Hole Be? |
| flooded, the water is diverted into the hole and | | | | To allow space for the pump and the piping as |
| moved out by the sump pump. There are two | | | | well as the water storage between pumping, |
| types of sump pump; one type is submersible | | | | sump pits should be about 2 feet in diameter. |
| while the other type is called a pedestal. | | | | Should I Use A Liner For My Pit? |
| * A submersible pump is about 12 inches tall and | | | | It is advisable to use a liner when constructing a |
| is placed completely inside the tank inside the | | | | pit for your sump pump and plastic is a preferable |
| bottom of the pit. Some contain a float switch to | | | | material. Metal can also be used in it's construction. |
| turn the pump on when needed. This switch is | | | | Be sure to place 3 to 4 inches of course gravel |
| electrical and encased in a hard plastic bubble and | | | | should be placed in the bottom of the pit when |
| floats when the water rises. When the water | | | | installing the liner. |
| reaches a certain height, the switch turns on to | | | | One of the worst things a homeowner may |
| activate the pump. | | | | experience is a basement that constantly leaks |
| Submersible pumps are located on the bottom of | | | | with every rain or snow melt or a basement that |
| the units and the water is sucked up through the | | | | is flooded. One of the ways to prevent this from |
| bottom. This type of pump also comes with a | | | | happening is with a sump pump. Sump pumps are |
| grate or screen over the face of it to keep any | | | | handy devices that help you maintain the value of |
| debris from getting into the impeller, which could | | | | your home. Not only do they protect your |
| clog the pump. | | | | belongings and your foundation from water |
| * A pedestal pump is mounted on a small | | | | damage, but they also save you thousands of |
| pedestal and stands about 30 inches tall. The | | | | dollars in water damage repairs. |
| motor of this pump has a pipe that extends to | | | | |