A Sump Pump Is a Device That Transfers Unwanted Water

A sump pump is a device that transfers unwanted water, such as ground water that is leaking into the basement from underneath a home to outside of the home. Sump pump systems are designed only to pump water, not solids. It is like a vacuum, it is a pump used for drainage, removing water from a sump pit. Sump pits are common in the home basement, a hole dug in the ground to collect water. The sump pump is a critical device that can help save a basement from flooding, whether it be due to the rise of the water table level or water leaking from outside of the home. They are common in areas that frequently have wet climates. A sump is a type of reservoir that collects water in the event that there is a rise in the ground table level and if there is a flood caused by a storm. The sump pump takes the excess water that has been collected in the sump and pump it approximately six meters away from the location so that it can be drained using a storm water draining system system or some other disposal system. The purpose of installing the sump pump is to extract the water as soon as it begins to collect in the sump, avoiding the possibility of water entering the basement or even worse the ground floor. They are also used in sanitary sewer applications. Most systems consist of a sump pit, a pump, and a discharge pipe. The pit collects water from the weeping tile that is around the foundation. Once water begins to accumulate in the pit, the pump will start automatically, and push the water outside through the discharge pipe, where it is directed away from the building. Types of Sump Pumps There are two types of sump pumps, submersible, and pedestal, the former is entirely mounted inside the pit and is sealed to prevent short circuiting. The latter has its motor mounted above the pit, where is easier to service. Both can pump between 2,200 to 3,000 gallons of water per hour. Note that the pump rate will depend on the fluid height as well as the device’s horsepower rating. For the submersible version, make sure to consider the head pressure and water level when designing for your application. As far as features are concerned, some the systems have pressure switches (or a float switch) as well as backwater valves to prevent backflow through the pump. Some even come with backup components in case a failure mode occurs. Sump pumps are also used in commercial structures to control water table related issues in surface soil. As long as the sump pump functions, the surface soil will be stable. These types may have electric control systems with alarms. Source: pumphelp.org