How Does a Sump Pump Work?

If you have a basement, then you need a sump pump! A sump pump is an essential piece of equipment for keeping your basement dry. It works by pumping water out of the sump pit and sending it away from your home. Let’s take a look at how sump pumps work and what they are used for!

Why Should You Consider Installing a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a pump that is used to remove water that has accumulated in a sump pit. The sump pit is usually located in your home’s basement. Sump pumps are used to get rid of water that has collected in the sump pit and send it away from the home. Sump pumps are often used in basements that are prone to flooding.

sump pump

What Does a Sump Pump Do?

There are two types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal.

Submersible sump pumps are designed to be submerged in the sump pit. The Pedestal sump pump is not designed to be submerged in the sump pit. It is placed outside of the sump pit.

When using a sump pump, water is typically pumped out of the home and away from the foundation to avoid flooding. Sump pumps can be either manually operated or automatic and are often used in conjunction with a backup power source to ensure that they will continue to work even if there is a power outage.

Types of Sump Pumps

There are three types of pumps used in basements or crawl spaces:

Pedestal Sump Pump: Also referred to as a “column type” or “upright” sump pump, the pedestal sump pump has an open motor that is supported on top of a column attached to the pump casing. When installed, the motor sits outside the sump and above the basement floor. The motor is not designed to be submerged in water. This type of sump pump system cannot be sealed.

Submersible Primary Sump Pump: This pump uses a watertight motor designed to be immersed in water. It will typically kick into action when it senses that it’s become submerged. The motor is coupled directly to the sump pump casing. It is designed to be completely hidden within a sealed sump pit.

Primary Sump Pump with Battery Backup: Submersible primary sump pumps with a DC battery backup pump provide the ultimate protection to homes. During heavy storms, when sump pumps are needed the most, electrical power can go out. In this case, the sump pump becomes useless due to lack of power. When equipped with a battery backup, your sump pump system can continue to provide protection to your home.

A Working System

sump pit diagram, green

So what does a functioning high-quality sump pump system look like? There are usually four key pieces:

  • A Primary Pump
  • An Emergency Backup Pump
  • An Emergency Backup Pump Alarm
  • A Sealed Sump Pit

Homes sometimes lose power during thunderstorms. A quality sump system employs a backup pump for this reason. Emergency battery backup pumps work when the power goes out. Or when the primary pump does not remove the water fast enough. Or if the primary sump pump fails.

In this setup, primary pumps are powered with electricity, and backup pumps are battery powered. Using two pumps instead of one makes it unlikely that both pumps will malfunction at the same time. And with the alarm system, you’ll be able to tell when the primary pump has failed. Then the backup pump can be used.

Protect Your Basement from Flooding with a Sump Pump

There are several things that can cause your basement to flood, and a sump pump can help to prevent this from happening. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, or if your home has poor drainage, then a sump pump can be a great way to protect your basement from flooding. Sump pumps can also be used to remove water that has accumulated in your basement after a heavy rainstorm, or during a period of high humidity.

It is important to remember that sump pumps are not a cure-all for basement flooding. If your basement does flood, then you will need to take steps to clean up the water and repair any damage that has been done. But if you have a sump pump in place, then you can rest assured knowing that you have taken one important step to protect your home from flooding.


Do you need a sump pump in your basement? Contact My Foundation Repairs today to get a free quote. Our team can help you identify your foundation issues, the right course of action for your situation and budget, and preventative methods that will keep your family safe for years to come.