How Does a Sump Pump Work?

A wet basement is the last thing you want to deal with after a heavy rainstorm. Even a little bit of water in your basement can damage your home’s foundation, ruin personal property located there and lead to mold and mildew issues.

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If you live in a low-lying or flood area, recently refinished your basement or noticed water or a musty odor in your basement, a sump pump is a necessity. This device works to remove water from your home before it has a chance to cause damage.

What Is the Sump Pump Purpose?

Rainwater, floods and snowmelt cause water to accumulate in the ground surrounding and under your home. This water can seep into your home's foundation, causing your basement to flood.

A sump pump prevents this from happening. It’s a small device installed in or near a sump pit in your basement or a low-lying area of your home. It doesn’t prevent water from gathering near your foundation. Rather, it manages this water by collecting it in one location and pushing it away from your home before it can cause damage.

Without a sump pump, this water will continue to rise and can cause extensive damage to your home and property.

Parts of a Sump Pump System

Before answering the question, “How does a sump pump work?” it's important to explore the main components of the sump pump system.

Sump Pit

Typically, a sump pit is located in the basement. However, if you have a slab foundation, it could be in a laundry room, a closet or another inconspicuous location. The pit is recessed into the groun,d so it's lower than your home's foundation. The sump pit prevents flooding by providing a collection point for any water flowing under your house.

Sump Pump

The sump pump is the main motorized component. Submersible sump pumps are installed directly inside the sump pit, while pedestal sump pumps are located at floor level near the sump pit. Pedestal sump pumps tend to be less expensive than submersible ones but can also be louder and less powerful.

Battery backup sump pumps provide extra protection in case of an emergency. If you lose power, the battery backup system automatically switches on to ensure your sump pump continues to work. These backup systems are available in both submersible and pedestal models.

Discharge Line

The basement sump pump pushes the water out of the pit and into the discharge line. This line is a long piping system that carries water away from your home. It’s often drilled through your home’s foundation and remains underground until it reaches the discharge location.

It’s usually made of PVC material and should extend at least 10 feet from your home. It’s important to discuss with a plumber the best place to discharge this unwanted water.

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How Does a Sump Pump Work?

There are several steps the sump pump system takes when removing water from your home.

1. Water Collects in the Sump Pit

The goal of the sump pit is to collect water accumulating under your home’s foundation before it has time to cause damage. Water entering your home, such as during a storm or flood, can also collect in the sump pit. Water continues to gather in the pit until it reaches a certain level.

2. Float Activated Sump Pump

Most sump pumps include a float switch. Typically, this float switch includes a floater that stays on top of the water in the sump pit. As the water in the pit continues to rise, so does the floater. Once the water reaches a set level, the sump pump's motor activates.

Some sump pumps also include a sump pump alarm as an added safeguard. This device alerts homeowners if the sump pump overflows or has other issues. If this alarm goes off, sump pump maintenance may be necessary.

3. Sump Pump Draws Water Out of Pit

Once alerted, the sump pump's motor activates the impeller, which is a small, fan-like device. The impeller spins rapidly to create low-pressure areas that work to pull water out of the pit. It pulls that water up and toward the discharge line.

4. Water Removed Through the Discharge Line

The water is then transferred away from your home via the discharge line. It should include a check valve that prevents water from pushing back into the sump pump. This feature ensures a steady outward flow of water and prevents damage to your sump pump.

If your basement gets even a little wet or has a musty smell, now is the time to invest in a sump pump. Don’t wait for a major storm to destroy your property or damage your home. Contact a professional plumber to learn more about protecting your home with a sump pump installation.