Sump Pumps

There are two main types of sump pumps. The first one we will look at is called a pedestal pump. This is a motor that is mounted on a small pedestal. A pipe goes from the motor down to the bottom of the sump pit. A float is attached to a separate metal rod that is connected to a switch on the pump. When the basement floods, the water will start to fill the sump pit. As the water rises, the float will rise until it gets high enough to switch on the sump pump. Water is then sucked up through the pipe and into another pipe or hose that leads to your septic system or sewer system. The pedestal sump pump motor is not designed to be under water.

The second type of sump pump is called a submersible pump. This pump is just like it sounds. It is able to be submersed under water without doing damage to the unit. It does not have a connecting pipe that draws the water out, instead the water is filtered right through the bottom of the sump pump. There is an advantage to this because the bottom of the pump has a screen or filter that keeps out gravel or debris that could be sucked into the impeller of the pump. The impeller is the device that creates suction and if it becomes damaged, you have to replace your sump pump. A lot of pedestal pumps have been ruined by debris being sucked into the impeller. The submersible pump can have a hard plastic bubble that encases the electrical switch. As the water rises the bubble floats and when it gets to a level above the pump the switch kicks on and the pump starts to do it's work.

A submersible pump runs off of electricity and is able to function beneath water. It is placed below ground level. They run in a more silent fashion than pedestal pumps. The submersible operates from a float stimulated switch.

Pedestal pumps are electrically driven with a motor placed above it, so the motor doesn't come in contact with the water. When water approaches a particular level the float is stimulated and the pump will start automatically. They are ideal for basements requiring alot of water pumping, but can make alot of ruckus.

Water powered pumps is operated through a house's plumbing system. Water pressure is used to eliminate water from flooding situations. A float switch does turn the pump on but the water pump has fewer mechanisms that can go out. 

Floor sucker pumps extract water within 1/8" of floors in cellars, basements, roofs, and subterranean areas. These are great in areas where the pump cannot be placed under ground.

Q. How do you check or test a sump pump?

A. First, make sure the outlet pipe is not frozen shut or plugged and that it directs water away from the house. Next make sure the pump is plugged in. Remove the lid (if the sump has one) and use a flashlight to check if the sump is clean and that the pump inlet is not plugged. Then slowly pour about 5 gallons of water into the sump. Try to simulate the speed that water would normally flow into the sump. Watch the action of the on/off switch and listen to the pump. Make the pump turn on and off at least twice. If something doesn't work right, fix it as soon as possible.

Q. Can you burn the pump out if the outdoor pipe is frozen shut, or will it automatically shut off?

A. Most pumps will not burn up, but they can overheat if left in this condition. Almost all sump pump motors have thermal protection built in. If they do overheat you just have to shut them off and let them cool down. The thermal relay will reset.

• Home
  
  What Is A Sump Pump? - A sump pump is usually an electric pump that is placed in the basement of a home, and used to pump water from the basement to outside the home.
  
  


• How Does a Sump Pump Work?
  
  A sump pump is a must have in you live in a home that has a basement in a flood prone area. Nothing is worse than having a flooded basement every time it rains...
  
  


• Who Needs a Sump Pump
  
  Who Needs a Sump Pump - Anyone who lives in a known flood plain should definitely own a sump pump.
  
  


• Basement Moisture Sealing: Top Four Steps to Sealing Basements
  
  Basement Moisture Sealing: Top Four Steps to Sealing Basements: Basements can let in water, especially during heavy rains. Sealing basements from excess moisture is a great way to add an extra layer of protection against the elements. Problems resulting from water leaks and moisture damage can result in thousands of dollars worth of damage. Here are some tips that will help you seal your basement properly.
  


• Sump Pump Types
  
  Sump Pump Types - If a homeowner isn't a mechanical genius wading through the array of sump pump types can be quite intimidating.
  


• Water Powered Sump Pump
  
  Water Powered Sump Pump - A water powered sump pump functions by taking your existing water supply from your city or town supply and forcing it through an ejector.
  


• Electric Sump Pumps
  
  Electric Sump Pumps - Shopping for electric sump pumps can be an arduous and frightening experience for all.
  


• Submersible Sump Pump
  
  Prevention, as they say is better then cure, so why not get yourself a submersible sump pump to make sure that a flooded basement is something that never happens to you!
  


• Commercial Grade Sump Pumps
  
  Commercial grade sump pumps are a necessity for any business building with a basement
  


• Buying and Maintaining Sump Pumps and Basement Sump Pump Systems
  
  Buying and Maintaining Sump Pumps and Basement Sump Pump Systems: Do you have a basement that, during a heavy rain, looks more like a swimming pool? Basement flooding is a common problem, particularly in houses situated on flat terrain where rain and snow melt have little chance for runoff. When the ground becomes saturated, ground water pressure builds, forcing water towards any path of little resistance. If the water finds cracks and fissures in your foundation walls or floors, it easily seeps in to fill the "pool"--your basement.
  


• Foundation Leak Repair
  
  Foundation Leak Repair: Water is the main culprit in a major portion of foundation problems. Whether the foundation is of poured concrete, block concrete or stone, continuous water seepage creates cracks which can often be disastrous if ignored.
  


• How To Understand Your Sump Pump
  
  How To Understand Your Sump Pump: Do you have a sump pump? Do you not really understand it? It's not an alien from outer space. We can help make it not so mysterious.
  


• Information On Sump Pumps
  
  Information On Sump Pumps: A sump pump is a pump used for drainage that removes accumulated water from a sump pit. A sump pit, commonly found in the home basement, is simply a hole dug in the ground to collect water. The water may enter via perimeter drains funneling into the pit, or may arrive from natural ground water in the earth.
  


• Sump Pump Installation
  
  
  
  • Sump Pump Installation for Do-It-Yourselfers
    
    Sump Pump Installation for Do-It-Yourselfers: According to recent surveys, over 85% of all homes with basements will experience some form of wet basement problems in their lifetime. Installing a sump pump in the basement can be a great benefit, even if it's only to keep the water from getting deep or to act as a floor drain.
    
  
  
  
  


• How to Repair a Sump Pump
  
  The dilemma a homeowner faces as to whether to replace or repair a sump pump can be confusing at best.
  


• Sump Pump Questions
  
  Sump Pump Questions: For many homeowners the first line of defense against water in the basement is a sump with a pump in it. The sump may be connected to drain tile that drains the footings of the house, under the entire basement, or just the area where the sump is located. Many houses have tiling installed only around a portion of the house. The water that drains into the sump must be removed, and this is accomplished with a sump pump.
  


• Sump Pumps - Basement Guardians
  
  Sump Pumps - Basement Guardians
  


• Sump Pit Installation
  
  A sump pump is used to divert water away from the foundations of your house and your basement to prevent flooding. For the sump pump to work effectively you will need to install a sump pit...
  


• The Scam We Call Homeowners Insurance
  
  The Scam We Call Homeowners Insurance: Judging by the title you would think I am a customer that got ripped off when he made a homeowners claim, right? Well, that is not the case. I work for a major international insurance company. Actually, I work in a sales office for this company. Prior to becoming a manager for this company I used to think insurance was meant to protect you in the event of a loss. I have learned differently.
  


• Preventing Water Damage in the Basement
  
  Preventing Water Damage in the Basement: A wet basement can quickly develop into a complete disaster. Many maintenance systems are installed in the basement. These systems generate moisture leading to potential water related problems. A periodic inspection will provide accurate indications for a water problem somewhere else in your home and can help preventing a much bigger damage.