Sump Pumps are devices used to remove water that has accumulated, usually found in basements, crawlspaces, or other low-lying areas of a home. The primary purpose of a sump pump is to prevent flooding and keep the area dry by pumping water out of the basin and away from the building to a location where it can drain safely, such as a storm drain or a dry well.

Why are Sump Pumps important?

1. Flood Prevention: Sump pumps protect basements and crawl spaces from flooding by removing excess water that could otherwise seep into the foundation.
2. Moisture Control: By keeping the area dry, sump pumps help prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which thrive in damp environments.
3. Foundation Protection: Excess water around the foundation can cause structural damage over time. Sump pumps help protect the foundation by reducing the water pressure around it.
4. Property Protection: By preventing flooding, sump pumps protect personal belongings, appliances, and other valuable items stored in basements or crawl spaces.

How do Sump Pumps work?

1. Water Collection

• Sump Basin: Water collects in the sump basin through drains or by natural water migration through the soil. The basin is essentially a pit or hole that gathers excess groundwater or rainwater.
• Sources of Water: Water can come from various sources, including rain, groundwater, or drainage systems designed to channel water into the sump pit.

2. Activation of the Pump

• Float Switch: Inside the sump pit, a float switch is attached to the pump. As the water level rises, the float rises with it. When the water reaches a certain level, the float switch triggers the pump to turn on.
• Pressure Sensor (in some models): Some sump pumps use a pressure sensor instead of a float switch. The sensor detects the pressure of the water and activates the pump when it reaches a certain level.

3. Pumping Action

• Impeller: When the pump is activated, an electric motor powers an impeller (a fan-like device) inside the pump. The impeller spins, creating a centrifugal force that pushes water towards the sides of the pump, creating a low-pressure area in the center.
• Water Removal: This action forces the water out through the discharge pipe, moving it away from the home. The water is usually directed to a storm drain, dry well, or another area where it can safely disperse.

4. Automatic Shutoff

• Float Drops: As the water level in the sump basin decreases, the float switch also drops. When it reaches a certain lower level, the switch turns off the pump, stopping the water removal process.
• Standby Mode: The pump remains in standby mode until the water level rises again and triggers another cycle.

5. Check Valve

• Prevents Backflow: A check valve is often installed in the discharge pipe to prevent the pumped water from flowing back into the sump pit after the pump shuts off. This ensures that the sump basin does not refill with water that was just removed.

6. Backup Systems

• Battery Backup: Some sump pumps have a battery backup system to ensure operation during power outages, which are common during severe storms when flooding is more likely.
• Secondary Pumps: Some homes also have a secondary or backup sump pump installed in case the primary pump fails or is overwhelmed by a large volume of water.

In summary, a sump pump automatically senses rising water levels in a sump basin, activates to remove the water, and then shuts off once the water is at a safe level, thereby protecting the area from flooding. If you are experiencing flooding, or want to protect your home from any issues, call K-Tech Plumbing today. We have professional plumbers that can install Sump Pumps and keep you and your home protected.