How to Use Sump Pumps
One of the significant problems that many households face after rainy seasons is the accumulation of water in the basement, not just stopping the inhabitants from entering the basement but also resulting in a pretty stinking smell. The solution comes in the form of a sump pit, a hole in the basement floor where the water can go down and stand. It is ideal to have the basement floor made in such a way that the slope is towards the sump pit, so that the water would go in there by itself.
If you let the water stand in the sump pit for long durations, it can grow algae and collect debris too, and may also promote some other unhygienic problems. A pump is most often useful when draining water out of the sump pit. While rainwater standing in the basement is the major problem that a sump pump solves, it is also helpful if water accumulates in the sump pit because of any other reason like a higher water table in the surroundings.
The sump pump takes water in and then pushes it away at the other side of the pipe. While dry wells or municipal storm drains are more ideal for dumping this dirty water, some old houses may have their pumps throwing water into the sewerage lines, which is usually prohibited by law as this can negatively affect the sewerage system. Now let's see how sump pumps work and what types are available.
Normal homes keep their pumps on automatic by connecting them with the main electrical supply. This is something you should do due to the possibility of water spilling out of the pit and flooding the basement. Because of this, a backup generator is used so that the sump pump will work even if your electricity goes out.
Sump pumps are available in two types: submersible and pedestal. Submersible sump pumps are shorter in height (around 12 inches) and are mounted into the bottom of the sump pits. Some of these pumps come with a floating electrical switch that is enclosed in plastic and floats above the water. When water enters the pit and the water level rises, the electric switch also goes up and automatically turns on when it comes to a specific height. In submersible pump systems, water is evacuated from the bottom; some of the systems come with a grille or lid on top of the pump so that debris won't be able to enter and choke the system.
Pedestal sump pumps, on the other hand, are fitted on a pedestal and are usually 30 inches high. A pipe goes all the way to the bottom of the sump pit and is connected to a motor placed above the pit. The identical kind of switch is used to power on the pump; however, these get switched on before water comes closer to the motors as the motors are non waterproof and may get harmed if they come into contact with water.
About the Author
Scott Rodgers is an experienced plumbing professional who has installed countless sump pumps. For more articles on the subject or to have someone like him install a sump pump for you, just visit http://www.eLocalPlumbers.com
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