A sump pump is a crucial device for protecting your home from water damage and keeping your basement dry. They’re designed to remove water that has accumulated in a sump basin, typically located in the basement, and discharge it away from your home. With different types of sump pumps and factors to consider when sizing one for your home, it’s essential to understand how they work and which type is right for your specific needs. In this blog post, we’ll dive into how a sump pump works, explore the different types available, and provide tips on how to size one for your home.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
A sump pump works by collecting water that has accumulated in a sump basin, typically located in the basement, and then pumping it away from the home. When water enters the basin, the sump pump is activated and begins pumping the water through a discharge pipe. The pump is powered by electricity and has a float switch that senses the water level in the basin. When the water reaches a certain level, the float switch triggers the pump to start. As the pump removes water, the float switch will automatically turn off the pump once the water level has dropped below a certain point. The pump will then be ready to start again if water begins to accumulate in the basin. This process is repeated continuously, ensuring that the basement remains dry and protected from water damage.
Types of Sump Pumps
There are two main types of sump pumps which work in slightly different ways:
Pedestal sump pumps
These pumps work with a motor above the sump basin and are less expensive than submersible pumps. They are more durable, easier to service and less prone to clogging, but they are also louder and less efficient than submersible pumps.
Benefits of pedestal sump pumps:
- Cost-effective
- Durable
- Easier to service
- Less prone to clogging
Submersible sump pumps
These sump pumps work by being fully submerged in the sump basin and are quieter and more efficient than pedestal pumps. They have a sealed motor that helps to prevent clogging, but they are more expensive and harder to service than pedestal pumps.
Benefits of submersible sump pumps:
- Quieter operation
- More efficient
- Sealed motor prevents clogging
- Submerged design helps to keep the pump cooler.
Sump Pump Backups
Sump pump backups are systems that can take over if the primary sump pump fails or if there is a power outage. These backups provide peace of mind and extra protection for your home during heavy rain or other circumstances that may cause the primary pump to fail. There are several types of sump pump backups, including battery-powered backup pumps, water-powered backup pumps, and generator-powered backup pumps.
Battery-powered backups use a rechargeable battery to power the pump and can run for several hours in the event of a power outage. Water-powered backups use water pressure to power the pump and do not require electricity. Generator-powered backups provide a more permanent backup solution for those who live in areas with frequent power outages. When choosing a sump pump backup system, it’s important to consider your needs and the size of your sump basin to ensure you get the right backup.
What Size Sump Pump Do You Need
To ensure that your sump pump works effectively and efficiently, it needs to be sized appropriately. To determine the size of sump pump you need, you should consider several factors, including:
- Water flow rate: The water flow rate is determined by the amount of water that enters the sump basin and the size of the discharge pipe. A larger discharge pipe will require a larger pump to move the water efficiently.
- Basin size: The size of the sump basin will determine the size of the pump needed. A larger basin will require a larger pump to move the water out efficiently.
- Water head: The water head is the height the pump must lift the water to discharge it from the basement. The greater the water head, the larger the pump needed.
- Water volume: The volume of water entering the sump basin will also determine the size of the pump needed. The greater the volume of water, the larger the pump needed.
- Frequency of use: A larger pump may be needed if the sump pump will be used frequently to handle additional water flow.
Consult with a professional plumber or contractor to determine the exact size sump pump you need. If you are interested in installing a sump pump, call Stewart Plumbing today! Don’t forget to check out our Google reviews!
