How Do Sump Pumps Work?
Category : Basement Care , News
You’ve probably heard of sump pumps before. They are often mentioned by people after severe flooding or heavy storms. It’s unusual that you will hear people moaning about them, instead you will hear people talking about how the sump pump has saved their home, ensuring that they aren’t knee deep in water and their home is flood free.
What Is A Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a pump that is used to remove water that accumulates in a water-collecting sump basin and is commonly found in the basement of homes.
Water entering a home, due to heavy rain or high water table levels, is collected through the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system. The drains will funnel the water into the sump basin and the pump will then remove the collected water to the nearest drainage point.
The job of a sump pump is to direct water away from the house, to a place where it is no longer problematic, because of this, the pump will often be used in the basement of homes or areas where the water table is above the foundation level.
It is very easy for groundwater to collect in basements and crawl spaces. It will rise through cracks in your foundations and penetrate through your walls, often during long periods of rain or heavy storms.
If there is a possibility of flooding in your home, it is recommended that you have a sump pump installed as this will collect the water and redirect it away from your home, protecting your home from flooding and any waterproofing system from damage.
How Much Does It Cost For A Sump Pump To Be Installed?
It can cost upto £600 plus VAT for a sump pump to be installed in an average domestic property. However this is dependent on whether any additional pipework is required. If larger pumps or foul pumps are required, then the cost can be higher.
Here at Basement Sump and Pump, as a trusted sump pump installation company, we install numerous sump pumps every year. Around 80% of the installations we complete will cost between £400 and £500 plus VAT. However, if a replacement sump is required it will be double this cost.
We would be happy to arrange for one of our sump pump specialists to visit your home and give you a free, no obligation quote for a sump pump to be installed in your property.
How Does A Sump Pump Work?
A sump pump will be installed in the lowest part of your basement where a hole around 2 feet deep and 18 inches across is cut into your concrete floor and the pump is placed in the sump pit, also known as a sump basin. The water will flow into the sump pit where it will be collected until the pump is activated.
A sump pump is activated by a float, similar the one in your toilet tank, when the float rises to a set level the pump will start and the water will be pumped out of the sump basin. The water is then taken by the pipes out of the home via a drainage point and safely discarded several feet away from the foundation of the property.
Sump pumps work really well when there is heavy rainfall, strong storms or rapidly melting snow. Instead of these weather elements flooding your home, they will be collected in the sump pit and pumped to a safe drainage area.
The Types of Sump Pumps
There are two types of sump pumps; a pedestal sump pump and a submersible sump pump.
The pedestal sump pump is often the more economical sump pump option. As it is mounted above the sump with an exposed motor it makes it easier for repairs to take place if needed. The pedestal sump pump is the more visible pump, but often won’t last as long as the submersible sump pumps.
The submersible sump pump is completely mounted inside the sump and sealed. This makes it the more visually appealing sump pump, but it does mean it is tricky to complete repairs if needed. The submersible sump pump will tend to cost more than the pedestal sump pump, but it will last longer, be less obtrusive and quieter too.
Why Do You Need A Sump Pump?
If you have a beautifully finished basement that is nicely converted into the perfect space to relax and unwind with gorgeous carpets, latest electronics and more, then you definitely need a sump pump installed. It will help avoid the risk of bad weather, or a change in water table levels, destroying your dream basement space.
You should also be considering a sump pump if your basement has flooded before. If you live in a flat or low lying area with soil that readily and easily traps water, if you live somewhere that has lots of extreme weather such as frequent heavy rain or snow or if your existing pump is 6 years old or more as they will usually last up to 10 years.
In order to get the most out of your pump, it is vitally important that they receive a regular service to keep them working efficiently and prevent any unwanted build up.
If you would like a basement sump and pump service then get in touch with us by calling 0800 019 9949 or contact us online.
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