How a Sump Pump Works

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Sump pumps can either be submersible or pedestal styles. Submersible sump pumps go into a hole in the ground and are submersed in a low level of water. Pedestal sump pumps stand out of the basin.

Submersible Sump Pumps are often chosen over pedestal styles because they more dependable and operate quieter. They also require less maintenance and are more efficient.

Submersible pumps are considered a better choice because of their design. They has a casing which will protect the motor and inner workings from debris and dust. They also are stationary which means they will always kick on at the same water level.

Pedestal Sump Pumps can move or become dislodged quite easily. They simply stand within the basin and are not as compact or well anchored as a submersible pump. When the motor kicks on it can move the pump about which can change the trigger level.

Both types of sump pumps work by a trigger system. When the water level reaches a certain height it hits the trigger that causes the pump to begin pumping out the water. Once the water level has been decreased below the trigger the pump stops.

Either kind of sump pump removes water effectively, yet pedestal pumps are less expensive and tend to last longer because they do not sit in water and they are easier to fix.

When installing a sump pump, head to the lowest part of your basement to find the tank that'll have a heavy cover over it with a discharge pipe coming up out of the top of it. There should be a conduit or an electrical wire close, too. If the pump is up like a commode, there should be a motor over the lid.

Here are the materials you need for installing a sump pump:

• sump pump


• drill, with drill bits and hole saw


• post hole digger


• filter fabric


• pre-mixed concrete


• sledgehammer


• gravel or crushed stone


• 12"-diameter corrugated drain pipe or 5-gallon bucket


• PVC primer and cement


• check valve


• PVC pipe and connectors


• hacksaw


• Teflon tape


• wrench


• measuring tape


• work gloves and safety glasses

Installing a sump pump can be a pretty easy do-it-yourself project if you know what to do. By installing it yourself, you can save a lot of money and can provide protection for your basement and its contents.

After assembling all the products and materials that you will need for installing a sump pump, the process tends to go pretty fast.If this is a new build that you're trying to install on, begin by clearing away concrete from where the pump will need to be installed. And dig a pit with the post hole digger about 2 feet in diameter by 2 feet deep.

Drill some holes into the large corrugated draining material or 5-gallon bucket to make a liner for the pit. When done, wrap the filter fabric around the liner to stop debris from passing through the holes.

Drop a couple of inches of crushed rock in side the pit, and then drop the liner on top of them. Hopefully the top of liner will be flush with the floor - if not, adjust rock underneath it as necessary. Fill in any gaps round the liner with crushed rock, and then seal the gap with concrete.

While this dries, wrap tape around PVC connector threads, tighten to pump, maneuver pipes to drain outdoors, place in pit, hook up to drain and you're done.

Sump pumps can fail to work. This can happen for many reasons.

Since sump pumps are electrical they need to have an electrical current to operate. If the electricity goes out then the pump will not work until it comes back on. This can be a problem since common causes of water levels getting too high are from storms and storms are also a common cause of electrical problems.

Sump pumps also require maintenance to ensure they are working properly. As mentioned, pedestal pumps can often move and will need to be adjusted to ensure the trigger is at the right level.

The hose of a sump pump can often get clogged. This can cause the water to not be able to be pumped out. If this happens the sump pump will keep running and this can cause the motor to overheat and burn out.

As with any machine debris and dust can wear it down. Over time without properly maintenance the sump pump can break down.

Homeowners will want to make sure that their pump is in good working order. Most homes have such a pump located in the basement area to help keep it from flooding. Damage caused by flooding can be costly and installing a sump pump is a better alternative.