Installing a sump pump is the plumbing solution recommended to keep basements, crawl spaces, and areas below the foundation dry. Without sump pumps, overflowing water around the foundation can cause massive damages to the structure, calling for expensive repairs or destruction. As such, sump pumps play a vital role in home drainage, and some provinces have codes that determine where they should be installed.
Here’s a quick overview of sump pumps, available types, and how they work.
What Does a Sump Pump Do?
A sump pump is a device used to pump water away from basements, crawl spaces, and areas beneath the foundation. There are various types of sump pumps:
- Submersible – These pumps feature the pump and motor in one unit, so the motor sits submerged in the collection unit. It is a lot quieter than other sump pumps and saves more space. Submersible sump pumps are also the recommended option for homes with major flooding concerns, although they might not last as long because of water submersion issues.
- Pedestal – These sump pumps feature a pump separated from the motor. The pump sits atop the basin and sends water to the designated area using pipework. Pedestal sump pumps are easy to access for maintenance and also last longer. However, they take more space and tend to be loud.
- Battery-operated and water-powered backups – Battery-operated backups use a float switch to trigger the sump pump battery backup in case of an outage. This ensures your drainage system keeps working during storms and heavy rains associated with power outages. On the other hand, water-powered backups use pressure to force out water from the basement. However, it requires excess water, which can raise your bills and isn’t allowed in some places.
All sump pumps do the same thing: pump excess water away from the basement and foundation areas to protect the structure from water damage.
How Does A Sump Pump Work?
A standard sump pump will consist of three main components, drainage pipes, the pump, and the collection basin (sump pit/basin). The drainage pipes collect water from around the foundation, channeling it to the sump basin, which is drilled below the lowest surface in the basement or crawl space. When the water reaches a given level in the basin, valve sensors trigger the sump pump, which forces the water through discharge (effluent) pipes to a designated drainage area. Pits, neighborhood drainage, and rivers are common designated drainage areas for sump pumps, but you should check with your local codes to determine the ideal location.
Trusted Plumbing Services in Toronto
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