A basement sump pump is important, as it helps prevent water damage and flooding in your home. This blog post will help you understand the basics of sump pumps and why you should consider installing one.
What is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a device in the basement that helps protect your home from flooding and water damage at the foundation by moving water from the basement to outside your house. It uses valves to detect rising water levels and pressure levels then activate when needed to rid your basement of excess water.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
What do sump pumps do, exactly? They collect water from around the home’s foundation and are stored in a sump basin underneath the basement floor. Attached are valves that sense changes in water levels and pressure inside the pump basin. When the levels get too high, the valves activate a switch, which turns on the pump.
The pump then sends water from the basin into a discharge pipe, which moves water outside and away from your foundation. An alarm alerts you if the pump stops working correctly and if the water rises too high.
Types of Sump Pumps
Submersible
Submersible pumps contain a pump and motor that are enclosed and submerged in water inside the basin. This type of pump is often more expensive than a pedestal pump, but typically works better and lasts longer, making it a cost-effective option. It’s also typically quieter than other types of sump pumps.
Pedestal
In a pedestal type, the pump sits inside the basin and is connected by a hose to the motor, which is located on a pedestal above the basin. This type can be louder than others and take up more space, but it’s also typically easier to maintain.
Battery-operated
A battery-operated type runs on battery power and can be used during a power outage or other times when the primary pump stops working.
Maintenance
Maintenance helps keep your pump working properly. After installing a pump, you should clean it every six months to prevent dirt and debris from clogging and causing it to malfunction.
Contact the Sump Pump Experts
Installing and maintaining a sump pump is just one step in basement waterproofing. To further protect your basement from water damage, contact K. Kuypers for expert advice and service. Want to learn more? Explore our basement waterproofing services or read our testimonials.