What Does a Sump Pump Do? How Does a Sump Pump Work?

(Last Updated On: November 17, 2023)

What Does a Sump Pump Do?

Sump pumps are typically used in basements or crawl spaces of buildings to pump out water that has accumulated in a sump basin. The sump basin collects excess water that accumulates due to groundwater seepage, flooding, or heavy rainfall. The diagram below clearly depicts “What does a sump pump do?”

A sump pump is normally installed at the bottom of a sump basin and pumps the water that is collected out and away from a building to a location where it is able to drain away safely. This helps in preventing flooding as well as water damage to the basement and foundation of the building.

Sump pumps are normally used in areas where flooding is common and in areas that have high water tables. They are also often found in homes with finished basements or in buildings where valuables or sensitive equipment is kept that may be damaged by water.

What does a sump pumpdo How does a sump pump work
The same configurations are used in a crawlspace or a basement. Image credit: Richard Quick
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Related article: Zoeller M53 Sump Pump Review: 1/3 HP Cast Iron Mighty Mate

There are sump pumps available that are powered by water. This means they use a municipal water supply’s water pressure to create suction to remove the water from a sump basin.

Water powered backup sump pumps are used with a 120 volt primary sump pump. This is because most water powered sump pumps are not able to remove as much water as a 120 volt primary sump pump.

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Sump pumps powered by water typically use around a gallon of municipal water to pump out 2 gallons of water from the sump pit. They are normally used only as a backup system when there is no electric power available.

Where Does Sump Pump Water Come From?

Sump pump water is collected in a sump pit basin. The basin is a plastic liner within the sump pit.

The sump pit is simply a hole dug into the earth that is in the crawlspace or basement of a building.

The sump pit basin collects excess water that may seep into the crawlspace or basement due to rising groundwater levels, melting snow, or heavy rainfall.

Where does sump pump water come from?
Where does sump pump water come from? It can either seep through a crack in the basement floor or through a basement wall’s concrete blocks. Water is also able to force its way through solid concrete through hydrostatic pressure. Image credit: Richard Quick

The sump pit and basin are normally positioned in the lowest part of the crawlspace or basement to collect water and keep it away from the foundation of the building.

A sump pump is then installed in the basin, and it will pump out the water collected. This prevents water damage to the property or flooding.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

A sump pump is normally placed in a crawl space or basement of a building, and it removes water that has been collected in a sump pump basin.

The sump pump is installed at the bottom of the sump basin and when the water level in the basin reaches a certain level, it is activated by a pressure sensor or float switch.

Once the sump pump has been activated, it uses a rotating device with vanes, called an impeller, to create a low-pressure area. This pulls water into the pump.

The water is then forced out by the impeller via a discharge pipe and is carried away from the building to a suitable location where it can drain away safely.

Sump pumps need regular maintenance to ensure they function properly. This includes testing the pump periodically, cleaning the impeller, and checking the float switch. As a sump pump that malfunctions may result in flooding and water damage, it’s important to address any issue as soon as it is identified.

Summary of: What Does a Sump Pump Do? How Does a Sump Pump Work?

A sump pit is simply a low area where water drains to naturally. A sump pump is then used to remove the water that accumulates in the sump pit. The sump pit is normally fitted with a plastic sump basin and the sump pump is placed inside the basin. Drain tile is used to direct water to the sump basin.

When water fills the sump basin the sump pump turns on automatically and the water is pumped out of the house.

Related articles:

Do I Need a Sump Pump in Crawl space, Basement, or on A Hill?

Why Do I Need an Exterior Sump Pump and How Does It Work?

Last update on 2024-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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