What Does a Sump Pump Do?
A sump pump is a mechanical device used to remove water that has accumulated in a sump basin, typically found in a basement or crawl space of a building. The sump basin is designed to collect excess water that may result from heavy rainfall, flooding, or groundwater seepage. See the diagram below for abetter understanding of “What does a sump pump do?”
The sump pump is installed at the bottom of the sump basin and works by pumping the collected water out and away from the building to a location where it can safely drain away. This helps prevent flooding and water damage to the building’s foundation and basement.
Sump pumps are commonly used in areas with high water tables or in areas where flooding is common. They are also commonly used in homes with finished basements or in buildings with sensitive equipment or valuables that could be damaged by water.
Below is the very popular and highly rated WAYNE CDU790 – 1/3 HP submersible sump pump.
- Indoor Use Only – This 1/3 HP WAYNE basement sump pump is perfect to keep your basement dry during heavy water flow. Whether it’s rain, snow melting, etc. WAYNE model CDU790 can pump up to 4,600 GPH to keep your basement dry.
- Tough And Durable – Corrosion-resistant epoxy coated steel motor housing and stainless steel fasteners come with a cast-iron volute that provides long life in tough sump pump applications.
- Efficient Design – The top suction design eliminates air lock and minimizes clogging from any debris in the bottom of the sump pit. Easy to install in about 15 minutes with no need to drill a weep hole!
- Additional Features – 1-1/2” NPT discharge for compliance with building codes. The vertical float switch has been tested to 1 million cycles for long-lasting use, up to 10 time more than our competitors.
- Quality You Deserve – Proudly assembled in the USA for quality you can trust. Warrantied for 3 years for dependable, efficient, & ultra-quiet performance.
The next sump pump is a combination 115 volt primary pump and a battery operated backup pump that will run when the electric power is shut off during storms or other reasons. The Wayne WSS30VN upgraded combination 1/2 HP sump pump and 12-Volt Battery Back Up Sump Pump System does not include the battery. Reccomended battery: WSB1275 75Ah Maintenance-Free Battery.
![WAYNE - 1/2 HP Basement [Sump] [Pump] System with Integrated Vertical Float Switch and 12 Volt [Battery] Back Up Capability, [Battery] Not Included - Up to 5,100 Gallons Per Hour - Heavy Duty](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QwOPf-mFL.jpg)
- Indoor Use Only: This 1/2 HP WAYNE indoor sump system is perfect to keep your basement or indoor area dry during heavy water flow, even if you lose electricity; whether it’s rain, snow melting or more, WAYNE model WSS30VN can keep your basement dry
- Back-Up Ready: WSS30VN will pump up to 5,100 GPH and remove/evacuate/expel/get rid of up to 10,000 gallons on a single battery backup charge; WAYNE WSB1275 75 AH Battery is required for back-up but not included
- Efficient Design: Comes preassembled and ready for drop-in for easy installation in 15 minutes or less with no need to drill a weep hole; fits in 16” diameter or larger sump basins
- Additional Features: The system has been tested to 1 million cycles for long-lasting use; comes with 8-foot SJTW power cord
- Quality You Deserve: Proudly assembled in the USA for quality you can trust; warrantied for 3 years for dependable, efficient, & ultra-quiet performance
Table of Contents
Where Does Sump Pump Water Come From?
Sump pump water comes from the sump pit, which is a hole dug in the basement or crawlspace of a home to collect excess water that may seep in during heavy rainfall, melting snow or rising groundwater levels.
The sump pit is typically located in the lowest part of the basement or crawlspace and is designed to collect water and direct it away from the home’s foundation. The sump pump is installed in the pit and is used to pump out the collected water to prevent flooding or water damage to the property.
How Does A Sump Pump Work?
A sump pump works by removing water that has accumulated in a sump pump basin, typically located in a basement or crawl space of a building.
The sump pump is designed to be installed at the bottom of the sump basin and is activated by a float switch or pressure sensor when the water level in the basin rises above a certain level.
Once activated, the sump pump uses an impeller, which is a rotating device with vanes, to create a low-pressure area that draws water into the pump.
The impeller then forces the water out through a discharge pipe, which carries the water away from the building to a safe location where it can drain away.
Some sump pumps are also designed to be water-powered, meaning they use the water pressure from a municipal water supply to create suction and remove water from the sump basin.
Water powered sump pumps use about one gallon of city water to remove about two gallons of sump pit water. So, they are only used as a backup sump pump for when the electric power is shut off.
Shown below is the Liberty Pumps SJ10 SumpJet Water Powered Back-Up Sump Pump. It uses city water pressure to operate the pump. No electricity needed.
- Made In America
- MECHANICAL COMPONENTS
- Commercial Brand: Liberty
- Package Dimensions: 18. 0″ L x 18. 0″ W x 21. 0″ H
Regular maintenance of a sump pump is important to ensure it is functioning properly. This includes checking the float switch, cleaning the impeller, and testing the pump periodically. A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to water damage and flooding, so it is important to address any issues as soon as they arise.
Final Thoughts on: What Does a Sump Pump Do? How Does a Sump Pump Work?
A sump pit is just a low spot where water naturally drains into. Sump pumps remove water that collects in a sump pit. Normally the sump pit is lined with a plastic sump basin where the sump pump is located inside of the basin. Also, drain tile is used to direct the water towards the sump basin.
When the sump basin fills with water the sump pump automatically turns on and pumps the water out of the house.
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Author at Best Sump Pumps
The first time I helped to install a drain tile and basement sump pump system was 1978.
Since then I have worked for a city water utility where I worked with and maintained pumps.
My rental properties and personal homes all needed sump pumps.
As a modular home dealer/builder, those new homes needed sump pumps.
I put that experience to good use by providing reliable, useful, and practical advice on buying, using, and maintaining sump pumps.
