Sump Pumps 101

Home insulation, attic insulation & crawl space encapsulation

sump pumps near baltimore The sump pump is one of the most important pieces of equipment for preventing severe water damage to a property. The sump pump is a small pump installed in the low part of a basement or crawlspace. It collects water that flows into the sump pit, pumping it away from the building to keep the building dry and prevent flooding. To learn more about sump pumps near Baltimore , read on. And for quality sump pump repair, replacement, or installation, contact Storm Waterproofing.

Flooded Basements

The American Society of Home Inspectors found that more than 60 percent of homes in the United States experience below-ground wetness. Knowing this, it’s not surprising that most homeowners have to deal with water in the basement at some point. Unfortunately, water can cause extensive property damage, and may require home mold remediation.

How a Sump Pump Works

A sump pump is placed in the sump pit, a hole located in the lowest part of the basement or crawlspace that is approximately two feet deep. When water starts to fill the pit, a pressure sensor turns the pump on. This pulls the water out of the sump pit and relocates it to a drain spot away from the foundation. The pipe is oftentimes equipped with a check valve that keeps water from flowing back into the sump pit. Most sump pumps use a centrifugal pump to relocate water. The motor causes the impeller to turn, which pushes the water to the sides of the pipe and creates a low-pressure area in the center. Water from the sump pit is pulled to this area to fill the pressure void.

Sump Pump Design

There are two types of sump pumps. Submersible pumps sit in water, protected by waterproof housing. When the pump turns on, it sucks water through the gate and into the pipe, which routes it to an area outside of the home. Pedestal pumps, on the other hand, are located away from the water, even when the pit is full. These pumps are louder, but less expensive, than submersible pumps.