A sump pump is a special type of pump that is designed to help prevent your basement and more specifically, the area underneath your basement, from being damaged by excessive water accumulation during heavy storms or seasonal flooding. There are two basic types of sump pumps available, and both of them perform the same basic function. Most houses built in extremely wet climates or areas feature sumps, which are reservoirs designed to collect water that appears beneath the basement and home foundation when groundwater levels rise. Here is a basic guide to sump pump systems.
In areas where a lot of rainwater is collected on a regular basis, sumps can reach overflowing point, and water could spill into your basement or below, potentially causing damage to the foundations of your household. The primary purpose of a sump pump is to pump excess water out of the sump and into an area where it can be drained effectively. Sump pumps are typically powered by electric motors, and are triggered automatically with a floating device. When water in the sump reaches a critical level, the floating device will move and trigger the sump pump to start pumping out the excess water. Sump pumps are especially important in homes located in wet climates or places that experience a lot of annual rainfall, flooding, or intense storms.
The two kinds of sump pumps currently available are submersible sump pumps and upright sump pumps. All sump pumps will send water through a long drainage pipe that will expel it into an area where it can be drained easier and will be less likely to cause damage.
Sump pumps do require maintenance, and should be cleaned thoroughly every year or so. Cleaning a sump pump basically involves removing any bits of dirt, gravel, sand, or other debris that might collect within the lining and clog up the pump, affecting the performance of the pump itself. Keep in mind that submersible sump pumps are more difficult to maintain and clean than the upright variety. This is because submersible pumps are left at the bottom of the sump pit and the motor is also left in an impermeable case.
You might want to occasionally check the float switch used to trigger your sump pump. Make sure that it is not restricted or damaged in any way, as this small piece is extremely important to the overall efficiency of the drainage system. If your float switch doesn't move with the water increase during flooding, your sump pump will not automatically activate and you might end up with water damage that could have been avoided.
Although sump pumps are especially important in wet climates, this does not mean they are not useful or even necessary to just about any home. Throughout the year groundwater deposits can cause fissures in the foundation of a building, which could lead to structural damage over time. Sump pits prevent the accumulation of groundwater by absorbing it and containing it, but over time they tend to fill up. This is where the sump pump is used to pump all of that excess water out and keep the sump pit with water levels at a manageable state. For this reason, even if you live in a relatively dry climate, if you have a basement you should consider installing a sump pump within your sump pit. Keeping water out of your sump pit can also help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew within the interior of your basement.
In conclusion, there are two different types of sump pumps available for homes with dug out sump pits. If your home has a basement, the purchase of a sump pump could definitely prove to be a worthwhile investment, as it could help to prevent damages to your basement and items located inside it in the event of a storm or unexpected flooding. Sump pumps require occasional maintenance from time to time and should also be cleaned regularly in order to ensure that they continue to function correctly.