What does a sump pump do? This is a great question. At Wholesale Septic Supply, we’re here to answer this question, and more. When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, a crucial component of your home should be the sump pump. Often located within the lowest part of your home, usually within a specific style of pit (known as a sump pit), this pump will be your first line of defense against any forms of basement flooding. So what exactly does a sump pump do and why is it so important for maintaining the integrity of your property? Let’s explore the details and how Wholesale Septic Supply can help you determine the best sump pump for your home’s needs.
A sump pump is a small, yet mighty pump which is usually installed in the basement or crawl space of your home. When utilized for this purpose, it's primary function is to prevent water damage. The sump pump is installed in the lowest part of a sump pit. Water will flow into the pit via drains or through natural water migration into the soil. From there, the sump pump will lift the water out of the pit and away from the structural components of your home so the basement or crawl space can remain dry.
There are two primary types of sump pumps—submersible sump pumps and pedestal sump pumps:
Submersible Sump Pumps: Submersible sump pumps are installed completely underwater within the sump pit. Submersible sump pumps are specifically sealed to prevent electrical short circuits, and due to their submersion, they tend to be quieter and will often last longer than their pedestal counterparts.
Pedestal Sump Pumps: Pedestal sump pumps have a motor mounted above the sump, allowing easier service yet more obtrusive. Pedestal sump pumps are generally less expensive and can be a good choice if you have a shallow or narrow sump pit.
Sump pumps will typically be equipped with a float switch which will trigger the pump when the water reaches a predetermined level. When this float switch is activated, the pump will begin to draw water from the pit and expel it through a discharge line. This line will then carry the water away from your home’s foundation to a designated area where it won’t cause any issues, such as a municipal storm drain or a dry well.
The importance of a sump pump cannot be overlooked when it comes to proactively preventing water damage and the complications which could arise from water entering your home, such as mold, mildew, and rot. If your home happens to be within an area which has heavy rainfall throughout the year, or your home has high ground water levels; a properly working sump pump will ensure the following:
Water is kept away from electrical appliances or other vulnerable items stored in the basement
Structural damage to the foundation and walls is prevented
Living conditions remain safe and sound by thwarting mold and mildew growth
Ensuring your sump pump continues to operate at its peak levels of efficiency and effectiveness, will require regular maintenance:
Checking the operation by pouring water into the pit to make sure the pump starts and stops as it should
Cleaning the sump pit from any debris which may obstruct the pump’s intake or clog the discharge pipe
Inspecting the battery backup to ensure functionality during power outages, if your sump pump has one
A sump pump will play a crucial role in keeping your home safe from water damage. Now that you have a better understanding of how everything works and the steps required to maintain it, you can better protect your basement from turning into a costly problem area of your home. Whether you’re installing a brand new sump pump or maintaining an older sump pump, it will be a worthwhile investment for the health, safety, and wellbeing of your home. Having peace of mind and protection is always worth it. A sump pump may not be the most glamorous aspect of home ownership, yet it is certainly one of the most important aspects. Knowing what a sump pump does and maintaining it can save you from encountering issues later on down the road. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have and we’ll be sure to respond to your message as soon as possible. We look forward to working with you soon!
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