How does sump pit work

The drain tile is, in most cases, perforated and will allow excess water at the foundation to enter the system before it has the opportunity to seep in through the foundation. The sump pit, also known as a sump crock, is a basin at the lowest part of the basement or crawl space that the perimeter tiles terminate into. This basin is placed deep enough to allow the drainage pipe to fully evacuate all of the collected water and to not allow water to hold in the pipes.

Allowing water to hold in the pipes will keep unnecessary moisture against the foundation and provide for a damp feeling space and a potential for mold growth. These drain pipes are extended into the pit far enough to create a well-sealed union.

If the drainage pipe does not extend into the pit, there will be a high likelihood or opportunity to have the extra hydration erode under the foundation or not be fully collected. A pump is placed in the pit. So, what types of sump pumps are there?

There are two basic types of sump pumps; submersible and pedestal. Both pumps should activate and operate automatically, doing so without fail and without human contact.

If the system has to be manually operated, there is a high risk for failure. In order to operate automatically there has to be some form of switch. To dislodge this, unplug the power again and disconnect the pipe from the pump. Run high pressure water through it or use a plumbing snake to clear out the debris. So how do you determine if you need a sump pump? Check for the following:. History of floods. If your home has a history of flooding, then a sump pump might be a good idea. But your first line of defense is to look at the exterior and determine where the water is coming from.

Sometimes water gets in through clogged drainage systems or the landscaping forces water back toward the home. You have a wet basement. Damp air and moisture on the walls and floor can signal an issue with ground water. You live in a flat or low-lying area. Lots of rain and snow. Basement living space. If your basement is finished and serves as living space for your family, you could probably benefit from having a sump pump.

It can protect your walls, carpet, furniture and other items from water damage and mold. If you already have a sump pump, check with your American Family Insurance agent about adding sewer back-up and sump pump overflow coverage. How will you know if your sump pump may have loose wires? One indication is if your sump pump suddenly stops.

Unfortunately, without checking something simple as the wiring, you may very well be overlooking something that is a simple fix to get the pump back in working order. To check the wiring, first turn off power to the pump at the source. Next, disconnect the pump. Check the pump, inspecting for any loose wires and replacing any that you may find. Install the pump again, restore power, and then see if the pump begins working again.

If the motor and pump are both running, then you will need to inspect the outside pump where the water should be escaping. If no water is coming out, then you will need to do some troubleshooting.

Perhaps a water pipe may be blocked, or your check valve may be stuck. Some of these are fairly straightforward fixes that are easy to do yourself; other times, it is better to call in a team of professionals.

Which leads us to mistake 9, quite possibly the biggest mistake and also the most commonly made mistake of all…. If you have looked over your sump pump and inspected all of the minor details and you have exhausted troubleshooting any issues you may have discovered, you should always call a professional to get the repairs started. By simply checking if the water is discharging properly on a regular basis, you will easily be able to determine when your pump may need professional repairs.

At Triad Basement Waterproofing , we know leaky basements and everything that causes them. Consider adding a separate backup sump pump if you don't already have one. Some pumps have fancy extra features like water alarm systems — a few even connect to Wi-Fi, so they can send signals to your smartphone or smart home if they develop a fault.

With that said, most homeowners do just fine with simple good-quality automatic pumps. Being prepared for any home repair emergency is a good idea. With the right plan from HomeServe in place, you can have peace of mind.

They'll set up an appointment with an expert, local contractor to come to your home. Find out more about plans from HomeServe today. HomeServe uses cookies to recognize repeat visits and to enhance your experience on our site. By continuing to use this website you agree with our use of cookies. Privacy Policy. Please check back soon. HomeServe Logo Icon. The email field is required. Sign up! Check icon. What Is a Sump Pump?

Two main types of sump pumps exist: Submersible sump pumps, which are totally hidden in your sump basin Pedestal sump pumps, which are mounted above floor level on columns that protrude out of the sump basin Invented in by U. What Does a Sump Pump Do? Sump pumps are activated by one of two methods: A pressure sensor , which sends a signal to your pump when the water pressure in your sump pit exceeds a specific level A float activator arm with an attached buoyant ball, which floats on the surface of the water.

How Does a Sump Pump Work? My Sump Pump Runs Continuously If your sump pump runs endlessly , or more frequently than expected, check for burst pipes, overflowing washers and other water-related household problems. Other reasons your pump might run more often include: A frozen or clogged drain line A dirty sump pit A small or collapsed sump pit A seasonal subterranean spring you don't know about Sometimes, sump pumps are simply inadequate.