What is a Sump Pump?

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Your Home's Best Defense Against Water Damage!

You will almost never think about your sump pump, unless it's broken, and that is the way it should be. A sump pump has one purpose and that is to make sure you never think about it because it is doing its job perfectly of keeping your home safe and dry. But what, exactly, is a sump pump?

Below your basement is a catch basin that is designed to accumulate water from around your home so that it does not seep inside the foundation, which is known as a sump. When the water accumulation begins to fill the sump, a pump is used to move the water out of the basin and into a storm drain. This pump, the sump pump, keeps water out of your basement, leaving it dry. 

There are different types of sump pumps. Some are automatic, while others need to be manually operated. There are also submersible sump pumps, pedestal, battery operated, water-powered, and a variety of others. The type of sump pump you have depends on your budget, preferences, and the environment around your home. 

A sump pump is your home's best defense against water damage. While it can't prevent damage from broken pipes, leaks in the roof, or appliance malfunctions, a sump pump can prevent water around your home from causing any problems. Without a sump pump, your basement could have a constant influx of moisture which would cause weak floors and walls, odors and mold growth. A worst case scenario would be completely flooded basement because there was nothing pumping the water out. 

Keeping your sump pump in working condition is crucial, having a broken sump pump is better than not having one at all. Typically, a sump pump is good for 5-10 years and will either need replacing or repairs afterwards. Hopefully, once you set it in place, you won't have to think about until after those 5-10 years, which is when it is time for replacement. 

How do you know when to replace a sump pump? If it is making unusually loud noises, this could be due to several factors, including debris jams, worn out parts, or constant use. If you are concerned about your sump pumps condition, test it by dumping water around the pump and see if it starts automatically and drains the water quickly. If it appears to be operating incorrectly, contact a service provider to replace it. You don't want to wait to do this as you never know when a heavy rainfall could occur.