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