How Does a Sump Pump Work?

Dealing with basement flooding? If so, you need a sump pump. The purpose of a sump pump is to prevent water from accumulating on your basement floor. In this article, we’ll walk you through how a sump pump works, what it does, and if you could benefit from one in your basement or crawl space.

What Is a Sump Pump, and What Does It Do?

A sump pump is a device installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawl space. The purpose of a sump pump is to remove water from these spaces. A sump pump helps prevent water damage and mold in the foundation, walls, or belongings.

A sump pump is particularly good for flood-prone basements, homes with high water tables, or areas that experience heavy rainfall.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

Here’s a look at how a basement sump pump works:

1. Water from the ground collects in a perforated perimeter pipe that circles your house where the basement wall meets the basement floor. The pipe is pitched toward a sump basin, a pit installed in the lowest part of the area.
2. A sump pump sits inside the sump pit (or basin). It is equipped with a float switch that detects the water level in the sump basin and triggers the pump when it reaches a set height.
3. The pump pushes the water upward through a discharge pipe and then out to a storm drain, dry well, drainage ditch, or sloped area. The water is pushed far enough from your home’s foundation to prevent it from flowing back into the sump pit. This process prevents flooding and water damage.
4. As the water level in the sump pit drops, the float switch or sensor deactivates the pump. The system resets and waits for the next water accumulation.

This system works continuously to ensure that water doesn’t accumulate, helping to keep your home dry.

Why Do Homes Have Sump Pumps?

Homes prone to flooding often have sump pumps to stop water from pooling on the floor. This can include homes that:

• Are located on a floodplain
• Have a high water table
• Receive a lot of heavy rainfall

If homes like this didn’t have a sump pump, water would soak the basement floor every time it rained. Sump pumps keep basements dry and safeguard against structural issues like foundation cracks and mold growth.

Yes, there is a cost to install a sump pump and sump system, but it’s far less expensive than the cost of dealing with a complete basement remodel after heavy rain. In this way, sump pumps have great preventative value.

Do All Basements Have a Sump Pump?

Not every basement has a sump pump. Some homes, especially older or unfinished basements, may lack a sump pump, but they can still benefit from one. A sump pump becomes necessary when water intrusion is a frequent problem or when floods during heavy rains. Installing a sump pump is certainly a step you can take if you’re experiencing these issues.

The Different Types of Sump Pumps for Your Home

Keeping your home dry and free of water damage or mold is critical to saving on long-term costs and repairs. Sump pump systems are essential to meeting these needs by channeling groundwater into a sump pit before pumping it out to a storm drain. The sump pump’s job is to move groundwater away from the house’s foundation. However, sump pumps come in a few different types and models, and it's important to understand the differences in order to choose the one that's best for your home. Here are some of the main types of sump pumps that you can choose for your basement:

Pedestal

A pedestal sump pump is ideal for smaller pits where there isn’t sufficient room for a submersible pump and its piping inside the pit. Pedestal sump pumps have a motor mounted high (and dry) on a shaft sticking up well above the sump basin, making it easier to access and repair. The vertical float switch is on the part of the unit that sits down inside the pit where the water collects. It's important to ensure that the motor is mounted in an area where it won't get wet or submerged since it is not waterproof.

Submersible 

Directly opposite of the pedestal option, a submersible sump pump sits below the water level inside the sump basin. This model is quieter, less obtrusive than the pedestal pump, and safer if children are in the house. Overall, the submersible pump is easier to handle, operates more efficiently, and lasts longer than the alternatives. This option could save you money down the road due to better performance and longer lifespan.

Effluent

Effluent pumps are often confused with sump pumps but they have different jobs altogether. Effluent pumps are generally only used if a home has an effluent basin or tank. These fixtures differ from sump pumps because they remove wastewater that collects from laundry, bathroom sinks, and showers. These pumps run automatically once installed and can either be installed into the septic tank or a separate pump chamber. This option isn't necessary for every home, so make sure you read the label on each fixture to ensure you’re getting the pump you need.

Battery Backups 

If the power in your home ever goes out during a storm, your sump pump will stop functioning. This is where a battery backup sump pump can make all the difference to keep your house dry. Although these options may cost more upfront, they pay for themselves during critical situations. They are powered by a marine-grade car/boat battery and will continue pumping away ground water from the sump pit for up to 12 hours without a recharge. They also come with alarms that will sound to alert the homeowner that they’ve taken over sump pump duties from the primary pump.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Sump Pump?

Without a sump pump, your home is at greater risk of water damage, mold growth, and expensive repairs. When water accumulates in your basement or crawl space, it can quickly lead to:

• Water damage to drywall, insulation, furniture, and appliances.
• Mold growth on walls and floors can damage property and pose health risks.
• Costly repairs, like replacing flooring, drywall, and appliances.

This is particularly true in older homes or unfinished basements, where waterproofing may not be up to date.

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

You might be wondering: How do I know if I need a sump pump? Here are a few signs to be on the lookout for:

• Frequent flooding: If your basement floods every time it rains, you need a sump pump.

• Damp basement walls: Sometimes, it’s not as obvious as a big puddle on the floor. Water may be trickling down your walls instead.

• High water table: Checking this is a little more difficult, as you have to measure the water level in a shallow well near your home. The USGS National Water Dashboard also lists areas with high water tables.
• Poor drainage: You might notice puddles of water around your foundation or near entry points.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sump Pumps

How big of a sump pump do I need?

The size of your sump pump depends on the size of your basement or crawl space, the type of sump pump you choose, and the amount of water it has to handle. For example, bigger homes require bigger sump pumps. For more personalized advice, contact a professional like Roto-Rooter.

Do I need a sump pump in my basement or crawl space?

Both basements and crawl spaces can benefit from a sump pump, particularly if they accumulate water. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall or high water tables, installing a sump pump is a smart preventative measure.

Can a sump pump run without rain?

Yes, a sump pump can operate without rain if the water table around your home is high. It’s designed to remove any groundwater that may accumulate.

Does a sump pump prevent sewer backup?

While a sump pump helps manage water in your basement or crawl space, it does not specifically prevent sewer backup. For that, you may need additional backflow prevention systems.

Keep Your Home Safe with a Sump Pump

A sump pump protects from water damage, especially in areas with frequent flooding or high water tables. It removes excess water from your basement or crawl space and prevents long-term issues like mold growth or structural damage.

If you’re noticing signs of water intrusion or just want to safeguard your home, contact Roto-Rooter to schedule a sump pump inspection or learn more about installation options.