How Does a Basement Sump Pump Work?

A basement sump pump keeps moisture and dampness from causing flooding or mold in homes. It's a good idea to have one in your home, and you may even run into them during a home inspection. They work by draining water through pipes that lead away from the house. They typically sit in a pit and are attached to a discharge line.

Water goes into the sump pit

A sump pump works well when heavy rains, strong storms or rapidly melting snow threaten to flood your basement and damage your property. The water is collected in the pit and then pumped away to a drainage point several feet away from your home.

You can do some routine maintenance to keep your sump system working properly. For example, pour a bucket of water into the basin periodically to make sure it activates and drains as it should.

Make sure the discharge line isn’t clogged with sediment build-up. Also, if you live in an area with frequent power outages, invest in a battery backup for your Zoeller M53 sump pump to keep your basement safe during severe storms.

It’s best to have a licensed and experienced plumber install your sump system. They’ll cut a hole in your rim header both inside and outside the house, fit a PVC drain pipe through it, and then cement the end to it. They’ll also caulk around the hole and attach the pipe to walls or joists for stability.

The pump turns on

A basement sump pump is powered by standard household electricity and doesn't require specialized wiring. However, since it is always near water, it should be plugged into an outlet with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

A vertical or tethered float switch sits in the basin of the pump. As the water level rises, the switch ascends to a point where it sends an electrical signal to turn on the pump. When the water level descends, the switch lowers and an electrical signal tells the pump to turn off.

You can check whether the float switch is working by opening the cover of your basement's sump pit or basin and looking inside. If you see a lot of mud, rocks or debris, clear it out to keep the pump from getting clogged. You can also try pouring a few buckets of water into the basin and observing the operation of the pump to see how it responds.

The water is pumped out

If everything goes well, the flooded water will be automatically pumped away from your house and into a safe drainage area. Check the pump to make sure it is operating properly and that no blockages or clogs are hindering the process.

If the pump is having trouble, it may sound like it's in distress - clanging, screaming or rattling noises are all signs that something is wrong. A faulty sump pump or improper installation could result in costly basement flooding and water damage.

Since a basement sump pump relies on electricity, be sure to keep a backup generator charged and ready for flood situations. A generator can be used to power a wet vac and the pump until professionals arrive. Also, remember that a battery-powered back-up sump pump is a great option for a flooded home, as it will continue to operate when the primary source of electricity is cut during severe storms or other emergencies.

The water is pumped away

Sump pumps prevent basements from flooding and help keep the area under buildings dry. They are cylindrical pumps that are installed in a specially constructed pit called a sump basin. When the water level rises and reaches a predetermined height, the pump activates to begin dispersing floodwaters through a discharge line. Ideally, the pump should continue to run until the area is completely drained. The pump operates via a float switch that’s placed inside the basin.

Summary

The sump pump also helps prevent dampness in the basement, which can lead to mold. Mold can lead to serious health problems, including upper respiratory infections and asthma complications. A sump pump can also prevent moisture from damaging electrical circuits and outlets. It’s best to install one in homes that are prone to flooding or built below the water table. Before installing the pump, figure out where your water, sewer and utility lines enter your home and where you want the pump to be located. You’ll also need to figure out how you want the outlet pipe to be routed.