What the Heck is a Sump Pump?

Water…Am I right? We need it to survive, it flows with gravity, and it can completely destroy your home. Your home is designed to divert water away but somehow that sneaky liquid can still find a way in. Thus, we have a sump pump.

The sump pump ideally resides at the lowest point of your home. Some homes don’t have an entire  pump, but rather just the housing, known as the sump, where the pump could be added if needed. Most new homes are built with this housing (sump) installed and it’s important to keep an eye on this huge bucket after a good rain or snow melt. If you do see water in the sump, you’ll want to install a pump and get the water moving to the exterior of your home. If you don’t like checking, you can install a smart leak detector in the base of the sump to do the work for you. Here’s an example: Smart Leak Detector

A visual example of a house sump pump:

Source: https://www.fema.gov/node/356171

If you do have a pump, it will need to be maintained and replaced from time to time (generally, every 10 years). There are two main types of sump pumps: pedestal and submersible. In pedestal sump pumps, the motor is mounted above the basin, while submersible sump pumps have the motor enclosed within the basin. Submersible pumps are more popular because they are quiet and less obtrusive, but pedestal pumps are easier to repair and maintain.

Regardless of the type, all sump pumps need a power source, such as an electrical outlet, to operate. Some pumps also have battery backup systems to ensure they continue to work during power outages.

So, to recap… water will drain into the sump and then the pump will pump it through a discharge pipe to the outside of your home. Do make sure that the drain lines are directing the water 3 feet or more from your home.

Hope this was helpful and insightful for you!

Cheers,

Steve Redder

Steve Redder, based in Fort Collins, CO has over 20 yrs. experience in construction, home maintenance, repairs, and remodeling.