Selecting the Right Sump Pump

Page 1 of 2 ( 1 2 )

A sump pump should be covered to prevent evaporation and moisture buildup in the home, have a perforated drain in case of flooding, and have adequate discharge for the main pump and additional backup pumps. While hot water tanks and broken plumbing may flood a basement, the typical flooded basement is caused by undiverted rainwater, a basement below the water table, or saturated soils around the foundation. The first lines of defense against flooding are proper grading, properly diverted downspouts, a foundation drain and foundation waterproofing. The last defensive stand is the sump pump. Pumping the Sump A sump is a basin or pit located below the basement floor that includes a container and a pump to remove standing water. Some homes also have a perforated drain system around the foundation that directs water to the sump. Others may only have a sump that collects the groundwater around it as it flows into that area naturally. Some homes have no sump at all. The perforated sump container is surrounded by coarse gravel that filters out debris as water enters the container. The sump pit cover prevents anything from falling in and moisture from flowing out. The system's pump sends accumulated water through a pipe to the outside and away from the house. Whatever sump pump is used, it should have a check valve on the sending or discharge pipe to prevent water from flowing back into the basin once the pump turns off. Sump Pump Types There are several types of sump pumps with prices that vary depending on horsepower, lift, and operational extras like alarms and battery backup. Pumps may be hard-wired into the home's electrical system, work off a standard three-prong grounded outlet with a ground fault interrupter, or be connected to the home's municipal water supply, using pressure from the main to draw water out of the sump. Backup pumps may be powered by battery or generator. A pedestal sump pump is an upright electric pump with its motor—not meant to get wet—at the top. It works by means of a float-activated switch. When the water rises to the point of the float, the switch turns on the pump. Prices range from $60 to $200. An electric submersible sump pump is meant to work underwater. Its motor is sealed and oil cooled. It may work off of a float-activated switch or a sealed interior switch. Prices range from $100 to $600.

...Continued - Page 1 of 2 ( 1 2 )
Next Page >