A sump pump is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basements of homes. The sump pump is usually powered by an electric motor, and is installed as part of a home’s plumbing system.
Sump pumps are often installed in homes that are located in areas that are prone to flooding. When a sump pump is activated, it will remove the water from the sump basin and discharge it away from the home.
Sump pumps come in a variety of sizes, and are available in both manual and automatic models. Manual sump pumps must be operated manually in order to pump the water out of the sump basin, while automatic sump pumps will activate automatically when water levels reach a certain point.
They are often installed in basements and crawl spaces where the highest incidences of flooding could occur.
What Is A Sump Pump Used For?
The sump pump removes water from the sump basin and discharges it either outside of the home or to a municipal sewer system.
Sumps are common in homes because they provide an effective way to collect and remove groundwater or surface water that accumulates around the foundation of a home. In some cases, a sump pump may be installed as part of a home’s drainage system in order to help prevent water damage.
There are two types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal.
- Submersible sump pumps are designed to be submerged in water, and they are typically more powerful than pedestal sump pumps.
- Pedestal sump pumps are designed to be mounted on a pedestal, and they are typically less powerful than submersible sump pumps.
How Does A Sump Pump Work?
A sump pump works by using an electric motor to draw water from a sump basin and expel the water out of the basement through a discharge pipe.
The sump pump is activated when the water in the sump basin reaches a certain level, and it will continue to run until the water level drops below the activation point.
Where Does A Sump Pump Drain Into?
A sump pump can drain into a variety of places, including the city sewer system, a septic tank, or a dry well.
It is important to consult with your local municipality to find out if it is legal to discharge storm water into the city sewer system.
If you have a septic tank, then you will need to install a check valve on the discharge pipe to prevent the sump pump from draining the tank back down into the sump basin.
If you do not have a place to discharge the water, then you may need to install a sump pump alarm that will sound when the water level in the sump basin reaches a certain level.
How Often Should A Sump Pump Run?
Most sump pumps should only run for a few minutes at a time, and then rest for a while. This allows the pump to cool off and helps to extend the life of the pump. You should also check the sump pump every so often to make sure that it is running properly.
Why Do I Need A Sump Pump?
A sump pump can help to protect your home from water damage in several ways. For example, if your home is vulnerable to flooding or has a history of flooding, then a sump pump can provide an extra layer of protection.
In addition, if you have a plumbing leak in your basement, a sump pump can help to prevent the leakage from turning into a flood. By keeping water out of your basement, sump pumps can help to protect your home and your belongings from damage.
Sump pumps can help to prevent mold and mildew by keeping your basement dry. If your basement is prone to flooding, or if you have a plumbing leak, a sump pump can help to reduce the chances of mold and mildew growth.
How Long Do Sump Pumps Last?
The lifespan of a sump pump depends on several factors, including the type of sump pump, the quality of the sump pump, how often it is used, and how well it is maintained. Generally speaking, however, most sump pumps will last for several years.
How Much Does A Sump Pump Cost?
Sump pumps vary in price depending on the size, capacity, and features of the sump pump. Generally, sump pumps range in price from $50 to $300.
How Do I Choose The Right Sump Pump?
When choosing a sump pump, you will need to consider the following factors:
- The size of your sump basin
- The water flow rate
- The horsepower (HP) rating
- The warranty
You should also consider the features that are important to you, such as an automatic shut-off feature or a battery backup.
How Do I Know What Size Sump Pump I Need?
The size of sump pump you need will depend on the following factors:
- The size of your sump basin
- The water flow rate
- The horsepower (HP) rating
To determine the size of sump pump you need, you will need to know the following:
- The capacity of your sump pit (measured in gallons)
- The height of your sump pit (measured in inches)
- The diameter of your sump pit (measured in inches)
You will also need to know the following information about your home:
- The square footage of your basement (measured in square feet)
- The number of basement windows (measured in number of windows)
- The number of basement doors (measured in number of doors)
- The type of soil your home is built on (sandy, clay, or loam)
Once you have all this information, you can use the following formula to determine the size of sump pump you need:
Sump Pump Capacity = (Basin Capacity) x (Window Area) / ( Soil Type )
So, for example, if you have a sump basin that holds 10 gallons and your basement has 150 square feet of floor space, you would need a sump pump with a capacity of at least 1,500 gallons per hour (10 gallons x 150 square feet / sandy soil). If your sump pit is 18 inches deep, you would need a pump with a capacity of at least 2,700 gallons per hour (10 gallons x 18 inches / sandy soil).
How Many Horsepower Should My Sump Pump Be?
The sump pump horsepower (HP) you need will be based on the capacity of your sump pump. A sump pump with a higher capacity will require a higher horsepower.
If you have a sump pump with a capacity of 1,500 gallons per hour, you would need a 1/3 HP sump pump. If you have a sump pump with a capacity of 2,700 gallons per hour, you would need a 1/2 HP sump pump.
You can also use the following formula to determine the sump pump horsepower you need:
Sump Pump Horsepower = Capacity in Gallons Per Hour / 3,960
So, for example, if you have a sump basin that holds 400 gallons of water and you want to calculate the sump pump horsepower you need, you would use the following equation:
400 gallons / 3,960 = 0.1 HP sump pump
You would need a sump pump with at least 0.1 HP to make sure your sump basin is emptied in a timely fashion.
Keep in mind that the sump pump horsepower you need will also be affected by the height of your sump pit. A sump pit that is deeper will require a sump pump with more horsepower to move the water out of the pit.
We recommend you talk to your plumber about which best model of pump would work for your home.
Can A Sump Pump Be Too Powerful?
Yes, a sump pump can be too powerful for your sump pit. If you have a sump pit that is shallow, you may not need as much horsepower to empty the pit in a timely fashion.
A sump pump with too much horsepower can cause the water to be pumped out of the sump pit too quickly. This can cause the sump pump to cycle on and off more frequently, which can shorten the lifespan of your sump pump.
It is always best to consult with a professional plumber before purchasing a sump pump. They will be able to help you determine the size and power of sump pump you need for your home.
How Many Sump Pumps Do I Need?
In most cases, one sump pump is all that is needed to keep your basement dry. However, if you have a very large basement or if your sump pit is located in a particularly wet area, you may need more than one sump pump.
If you are not sure how many sump pumps you need, it is always best to consult with a professional. They will be able to assess your basement and sump pit to determine the appropriate number of sump pumps for your home.
Also, be aware that there are battery backup sump pumps available if you happen to live in an area where electrical power often goes down.
You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your home from the elements. A sump pump with battery backup is an excellent investment for any homeowner because they will continue working even if there’s a power outage or inclement weather that causes problems with flooding at one point in time!
What Are The Different Types Of Sump Pumps?
There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible sump pumps and pedestal sump pumps.
Submersible sump pumps are designed to be placed in the sump pit. These pumps are usually more powerful than pedestal sump pumps and can pump larger volumes of water.
Pedestal sump pumps are designed to sit outside of the sump pit. These pumps are not as powerful as submersible sump pumps, but they are less likely to break down since they are not submerged in water.
If you are not sure which type of sump pump is right for your home, it is always best to consult with a professional. They will be able to assess your basement and sump pit to determine the appropriate type of sump pump for your needs.
If you have any questions about sump pumps or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.