Why do our houses flood? And if there is a more important question what should we do in case our basements flood? Which solutions should we seek, how much time should we spend, how much effort should we put in, and how much money should we spend in order to get rid of this wet and damp trouble? There may be tens of answers to all these questions and we want to analyze one of them, maybe the best one, in detail: Sump pumps, also known as sub pump or submersible pump in various shapes. We have not only prepared a road map for you to follow while choosing or buying the best sump pump but also compiled everything related to sump pumps from what it is, what it does and its working mechanism to if it is included in your insurance day and night and designed this website.

 

Our articles will help you to choose the best sump pump for you while slowly moving down the little slider on the right. We will be very happy to be on your side when you are choosing the best sump pump for your basement, share all the information and analysis that we have with you and save your house from the wet problems.

Top 5 Best Sump Pumps Comparison Chart

Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump

Price: $$$$  

Hp: 1/3

Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches

Item Weight: 21 pounds 

Material: Cast Iron

* * For latest prices and detailed information

WAYNE CDU980E Submersible Sump Pump

Price: $$$ 

Hp: 3/4  

Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 12 inches 

Item Weight: 12 pounds 

Material: Cast Iron, Stainless Steel

* * For latest prices and detailed information

WAYNE CDU790 Submersible Sump Pump

Price: 

Hp: 1/3 

Product Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 12 inches  

Item Weight: 16.4 pounds 

Material: Cast Iron

* * For latest prices and detailed information

Superior 92250 Thermoplastic Sump Pump

Price: $$$$$ 

Hp: 1/4 

Product Dimensions: 12.7 x 6.9 x 7.1 inches 

Item Weight: 8.1 pounds 

Material: Thermoplastic

* * For latest prices and detailed information

Little Giant GIDDS 1/3 HP Sump Pump(Automatic )

Price: $$  

Hp: 1/3  

Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 9.7 inches 

Item Weight: 17.66 pounds 

Material: Cast Iron

* * For latest prices and detailed information

Best Sump Pump Reviews – List of Top 5

Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 HP 

This 50 Series of the Zoeller sump pump is one of the top-rated sump pumps which are in great demand throughout the worldwide and the countries and maybe the best ones. The reason why it is on top of our list is that we chose Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 HP as the best sump pump. This pump is produced by Zoeller Pump Company. The brand has a respectable place among other pump companies in terms of both performance and durability. The pump is corrosion and rust resistant thanks to its cast iron motor on thermoplastic base. So it has the capacity to be under water for a long time.


1/3 HP motor requires a 115 V or 230 V power supply and discharges 2400 gallons of water at 5 feet per hour from your house or basement in a very short time without any effort. At first glance, it looks like the perfect sump pump for this duty compared to cast iron and stainless steel sump pumps. It must be getting its robust appearance from this feature: cast iron. As it has to work under the water for a long time, thick and solid body to protect the motor is acceptable as one of the basic features preferred in a sump pump.


Its compact design includes the handle used for placing the sump pump in the basin easily where this type of sump pumps stay in to discharge the accumulated water.

For detailed information about M53, please check our full-page Best Submersible Sump Pump review.

Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 HP 

This 50 Series of the Zoeller sump pump is one of the top-rated sump pumps which are in great demand throughout the worldwide and the countries and maybe the best ones. The reason why it is on top of our list is that we chose Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 HP as the best sump pump. This pump is produced by Zoeller Pump Company. The brand has a respectable place among other pump companies in terms of both performance and durability. The pump is corrosion and rust resistant thanks to its cast iron motor on thermoplastic base. So it has the capacity to be under water for a long time.


1/3 HP motor requires a 115 V or 230 V power supply and discharges 2400 gallons of water at 5 feet per hour from your house or basement in a very short time without any effort. At first glance, it looks like the perfect sump pump for this duty compared to cast iron and stainless steel sump pumps. It must be getting its robust appearance from this feature: cast iron. As it has to work under the water for a long time, thick and solid body to protect the motor is acceptable as one of the basic features preferred in a sump pump.


Its compact design includes the handle used for placing the sump pump in the basin easily where this type of sump pumps stay in to discharge the accumulated water.

For detailed information about M53, please check our full-page Best Submersible Sump Pump review.

WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Sump Pump with Integrated Vertical Switch

When it comes to sump pumps, Wayne is one of the first brands that comes to mind. Because it has experience in the industry since the 1940s. It reflects its dominant role in the industry on each of the sump pump models and it produces “durable”, “reliable” and “stable” sump pumps as you can see on the title of its website. After a short historical introduction about Wayne Company, we can now briefly review the WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Sump Pump with Integrated Vertical Switch.

 

WAYNE CDU980E is a model that Wayne is very proud of and has every right to be thanks to its quietness. Due to its strong structure consists of cast iron and stainless steel, it seems like it can effectively respond to corrosion, rusting, molding and functioning failures. The detailed technical specifications that we are going to mention in the next chapters like air locking and impeller include various qualifications that separate this submersible sump pump from the others. Its parts consist of many different and durable materials.

 

Discharging water from your basement or crawl space with the capacity of 5490 gallons per hour is one of the main technical specifications of this sump pump. We find the Wayne sump pumps as the best-looking pumps based on the design and appearance. Judging a machine which is in charge of pumping the water out of the places that no one can see by its design is, of course, disputable; however, you may want to check our WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Sump Pump with Integrated Vertical Switch review for a detailed analysis.

WAYNE CDU790 1/3 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Steel Sump Pump with Integrated Vertical Float Switch

Another model of Wayne Company which is one of the most trusted brands in the water pump market stands in our top five sump pumps list: CDU790 1/3 HP. As you can also appreciate, brand safety is one of the most important factors and maybe the most important one for a product. Because the support that you are going to get after you buy the product, availability of the product components and your trust in the product to work without any problem or with the least possible problems are always directly related with the brand safety. In this regard, Wayne which tests its products to 1 million cycles gives you the comfort and assurance as its products are already tested before you buy the product.

 

This model differs from the CDU980 with its black epoxy coating. When your basement or crawl space floods unexpectedly, CDU790 promises to keep the structural elements of your building dry by discharging 3800 gallons of water per hour. Thanks to the top suction design, CDU790 takes the necessary precautions against undesired problems such as clogging and air locking. This is another specific feature of the Wayne which separates it from the others. As all Wayne products, this model is produced and assembled in the USA as well.

 

For detailed analysis and review, please visit our WAYNE CDU790 1/3 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Steel Sump Pump with Integrated Vertical Float Switch review page.

 

Superior Pump 92250 1/4-Horsepower Thermoplastic Sump Pump with Tethered Float Switch

Although it is a young brand compared to others in the market in terms of history and experience, Superior Pumps has gained a respectable place in the market with its quality, durable and budget-friendly (cheap) sump pumps. As it comes to sump pump price, Its affordable price separates it from its counterparts and makes it one of the most-selling sump pumps.

 

The thermoplastic and single-unit motor housing rather than a more robust material such as cast iron or stainless steel provides thermal protection to the motor and forms a durable and waterproof base for this product that will work underwater for a long time. You can guess that the leaking rate of a single-unit product is higher than a product consisted of many parts. This is a strong feature separating it from the other brands in the sump pump race.

There are stainless steel shaft seal in the base and double seals in the motor plate to prevent water leaking in the motor. Cleaning the intake screen is fairly easy by separating it. You probably understand the importance of water-proofing for such products even though you have no idea what submersible pump is.

 

Please visit our Superior Pump 92250 1/4-Horsepower Thermoplastic Sump Pump with Tethered Float Switch review page for detailed information about this sump pump.

Little Giant GIDDS 1/3 HP Sump Pump(Automatic)

As a model of Franklin Electrics, Little Giant GIDDS 1/3 Hp sump pump series, GIDDS has the light blue motor housing and looks flattened on the top compared to other sump pumps. Therefore, you may think that this is a disadvantage. However, this look brings an advantage in terms of strength and robustness.

 

The epoxy coated cast iron light blue motor housing guarantees durability against corrosion and rusting. We can say that its name –little giant- and its light blue motor housing attract sweet sympathy at first sight but sweetness in such a machine is probably the last thing to think as they generally do not stay in sight and their duty is really heavy.

 

Inside the light blue motor housing, there is a shaded pole motor which is protected against thermal overload. Little Giant Pumps designed this sump pump, especially for continuous work. it has, unlike tether and float switches, its own unique switch type. It differs from any other float switch types like tethered or vertical switches: internal diaphragm/piggybackmechanical float switch. It discharges 2760 gallons of water per hour and protects your building and house not only from dampness and moisture but also any kind of damage caused by them.

 

Please visit our full-page review of Little Giant GIDDS 1/3 HP Submersible Sump Pump for detailed features.

What is a Sump Pump?

What It is…

A sump pump is a pump with a motor and it is used to pump the water out of the residential places, houses, basements and crawl spaces that floods due to any reason. In summary, this is how we can define sump pumps. We thought that it would be better to start with explaining what is a sump pump because it is possible that most of you hear it for the first time and want to learn about it or again you hear it for the first time and try to find the best protection method for your basement. No matter what is the reason for you to read our articles, you can be sure that you will get the most detailed information about the best sump pump brands, comparisons, and reviews about sump pumps.

What It does…

First of all, if we ask most of the house owners to list the technical equipment their house needs in accordance with the order of priorities, the answers will probably range from a kettle to electric stove, from fridge to oven. However, sump pumps which will solve the problems in your house that affect/may affect the building blocks of a house’s base are mostly ignored or forgotten and are not even known.

In fact, a sump pump plays a life-saving role when water leaks and fills your basement and crawl spaces and causes big problems which may affect your whole life. Most important ones of those problems are the cracks and fractures in the building’s structure; moisture and its unpleasant smell in your house; rodents, snails, cockroaches and all kinds of insect pests; allergy-causing organisms such as fungus and mold; painting, renovation and whitewashing costs. In summary, sump pumps which have the capacity to eliminate those countless problems which may affect your daily life on their own either never come to your mind or when they do, it is too late. We hope that none of you reading this article is too late.

Types…

Yes, sump pumps are a type of water pumps which have several categories separated into tens of different types. There are many factors which form these categories. The cleanliness of the water for example. Or the direction of pumping (inside or outside). Also, the working principle of the motors, place of use and several standards and conditions, etc. These pumps which have different names such as effluent pumps, well pumps, sewage pumps, grinder pumps, pool pumps, and lawn pumps are designed for specific purposes. Sump pumps belong to dewatering pump group, because they are used to dry the wet and damp area by transferring the water accumulated on the surface of the structure due to different reasons (rain, storm, underground, etc.) outside to a relatively safe area where water can cause no harm such as municipal drainage well.

Choosing the one…

This is the point we step in to help you choose the best sump pump for your needs and budget. Of course, sump pump cost matters and it depends on the various properties. None of us would like to have equipment of poor quality which won’t function properly or won’t work at all especially when it is related to the infrastructure of our houses, briefly when we need it the most. Because having such equipment in the house would cause damage to your building’s structure, carpets, floors and furniture and consequently you would end up with a waste of time and money which are hard to recover. We guess that none of you want such chaos in your house.

Flooding Basement and Crawl Spaces

How does a sump pump send the water out?

Most of our houses or basements flood due to many reasons. Either rain or burst pipes causes water accumulation over the concrete which leads to cracks in the concrete structure of the building because of the water pressure and as a result of that water leaks through these cracks. In order to decrease the pressure that accumulated water puts on the concrete and prevent the cracks, running water is generally accumulated through perforated pipes or weeping pipes installed around the building. Then water reaches to the sump pump system inside the pit and will be pumped outside through a drain system connected to these pipes.

 

The sump pump is placed into a hole surrounded with gravel stones known as pit or basin in the basement, the lowest part of the house and the water flowing through the perforated drain tiles installed around the building is accumulated here. The gravel stones around the sump pit are also placed around the perforated pipes and act like a filter which cleans the water from mud and different particles.

 

Inside the pit, a basin lid covers the sump pump and the device has to stay under the water for a while because of the water accumulated in the pit through the drain system. Therefore, this type of sump pumps is also called “submersible pumps” or shortly “sub pump”. As the water in the pit reaches a certain level, it triggers the switch of the sump pump and the pump starts working. The pump discharges the water in your basement through the discharge hose to a safer place outside, maybe to a sanitary main or stormwater pipe.

How does a sump pump send the water out?

As basements are in the lowest part of a building, it is normal that they are sometimes filled with water. The surface water accumulated over the surface due to any reasons such as clogged or overflowing sewer lines that heavy rain causes will start to flow into your basement thanks to gravity if the basement level is under the ground level. There is a system originally designed to deliver the water flow from your house to sewers, but in this case, water will flow from the sewers into your house.

So, what is the reason behind the flooding and leaks? Do these phenomena happen only in a rainy and stormy day or in certain seasons? Or is it possible that your basement floods unexpectedly at any time and in any way? Our answer to the last question is: yes, it is possible. Flooding doesn’t happen only because of rain. It happens as a result of many reasons and they can happen any time irrespective of the season, place, etc. What are the reasons for flooding? What are the necessary conditions for it to happen and what kind of precautions can you take in the first place? If you like, let’s start with the reasons first.

Main Causes of Basement Flooding

Rain, storm and snow melting – Causes based on climate

Imagine yourself in your warm and peaceful home sitting by the window in your pajamas when it is raining outside and drinking your hot coffee while reading one of the books that you recently bought. As you want to run away from the problems and sadness while calmly drinking your coffee in your corner, what could go wrong? What could be worse than dealing with anything annoying and make you feel insecure? We claim that one of the most annoying things that will upset you is all of those raindrops that you watch from your window to fill into your house with thousands of germs inside.

Think about the regret you will feel when you discover that you made a mistake or ignored something. We guess that the picture that we drove is a portrait that none of the house owners likes. Seasons come and go, summer ends and heavy rains in fall, melting snow after harsh winter or powerful hurricane passing by your state (especially in the cities or states of the countries bordering ocean such as the USA) may completely damage, clog or fill your plumbing. And what is the result? Of course, water flowing into your house or basement.

Clogged, aging or improperly installed downspouts or gutters​

Every building has its own drainage system. The main reason is simply preventing water from entering the house. But water does not only flow, But it also collects various particles and pieces. For example leaves on the ground, stones, sand, dust, mud. Besides, domestic and human waste and drags them along. These may get stuck in the drainage systems and pipes and harm the pipes. We must also admit that no matter how solid it is, nothing lasts forever. It ages, corrodes, wears off, rusts and breaks to pieces in time.

 

The same situation also applies to your pipes and drainage system. Apart from that while building the foundation of your house, it is possible that some building elements are not correctly placed due to engineering or architectural failure or faulty workmanship or a lazy worker who didn’t do his job properly. In any of these cases, water starts accumulating and flooding your building if it does not flow as it supposed to be through your aging, improperly installed or clogged pipes.

Leaks in the sanitary sewer lateral (sewer water back up) as a result of clogging or accumulation of debris

Breaks and clogging can also be seen in the pipes and sewer systems installed outside by municipality. In the best-case scenario, your house is on a hill and therefore, water cannot come into your house or basement. Otherwise, you will end up with wetness, dirty water and moisture in your basement and under the floor.

Leaks in the hot water tank

Every building has its own drainage system. The main reason is simply preventing water from entering the house. But water does not only flow, But it also collects various particles and pieces. For example leaves on the ground, stones, sand, dust, mud. Besides, domestic and human waste and drags them along. These may get stuck in the drainage systems and pipes and harm the pipes. We must also admit that no matter how solid it is, nothing lasts forever. It ages, corrodes, wears off, rusts and breaks to pieces in time.

 

The same situation also applies to your pipes and drainage system. Apart from that while building the foundation of your house, it is possible that some building elements are not correctly placed due to engineering or architectural failure or faulty workmanship or a lazy worker who didn’t do his job properly. In any of these cases, water starts accumulating and flooding your building if it does not flow as it supposed to be through your aging, improperly installed or clogged pipes.

Poor lot grading

What is Lot Grading?

Lot grading consists of sloping the land within a lot in order to direct the flow of surface water away from a building’s foundation and towards a suitable outlet where water can be discharged safely without affecting abutting properties.

 

As you may guess, if the ground around your house is sloping, water flowing around the house is likely to fill into your house.

Aging or clogged pipe system installed around the house called weeping tile

Corrugated pipe system called weeping tile (also known as the drain or perimeter tile) surrounds most of the buildings. These pipes are porous and surrounded with the pebbles. The water flowing among the pebbles seeps into the pipes through the holes and then these pipes drain the water into solid pipes which lead the water to a sump. Here, the sump pump discharges the water. This system might fail due to the environmental circumstances or other causes and result with flooding.

Plumbing failures such as clogging, breaks or cracks

Usually, our houses are surrounded by a complicated plumbing network. It consists of pipes and a drainage system which waterproof this complicated network. This drainage system keeps the water pressure under control in different ways. Sump pumps are in fact one of these drainage systems. As everything which removes water and moisture from the area where it is installed and keeps it dry is called drainage, we can surely include sump pumps within the drainage systems. Any failure in this network surrounding your house inside and out possibly causes flooding.

General problems in the structure of the building such as the lack of sealing on flooring and walls

Buildings are constructed based on a plan and program from the beginning of the construction. Various insulating materials used in the building which goes through different phases from its foundation to the roof protect buildings against certain external factors. Tiny holes which may happen during these phases because of mistakes or lack of materials and gaps between outside and inside of the building which may happen as a result of many reasons may cause problems in the insulation and lead to permeability. Such defects in the sealing of the basement might cause water to seep into the basement and therefore the foundation of the building.

Sump pump failures

When you have already installed a sump pump system in your basement and it doesn’t function as it supposed to be, flooding is inevitable. No matter how durable they are against extraordinary situations, sump pumps wear and age in time as the foundation of a house. The period may be too short or long depending on different factors. But if you consider all the risks in the beginning and do your research and calculation correct, you may end up with the most durable and long-lasting system. It is our aim to show you the right way during the sump pump installation process and provide you with the necessary information so that you can make the right choice which is perfect for your needs.

Eventually, you will find yourself looking for a certain solution. The solution does not cause you a headache to those natural or human-driven problems. These solutions may be expensive, temporary, permanent, long or short-lasting. But if there is one thing certain, it is that you will be seeking a solution. Surely, you won’t surrender your property which is built with many efforts, time and money to the chaos easily.

 

What would you say if we encourage you to continue reading the chapter below. So that you can discover the sump pump mechanism. Find out how it functions, go deeper in the details. And finally find answers to the questions in your mind? If your answer is yes, then here we go.

How does a sump pump work?

It is possible that one of the main questions that you have in your mind about sump pumps is: “How does a sump pump work?” Because we are aware of the fact that understanding the working mechanism of something will help us to understand what it actually does. It is also possible that you successfully use something without understanding the working mechanism and its logic. But when you think about it, which one gives you the advantage: only learning how to drive a car or learning the working mechanism of your car beside learning to drive? When your car stops working on a desolate road without any reason and you have no chance of help from around, will only learning how to drive be useful? Or will you wish that you had some information about the mechanism of the car so that to understand the problem and solve it?

 

Yeah, maybe we are only a user in the beginning, but when it stops working, we realize that we have no information about it and wish we knew at least the working mechanism. This is why we think is the best to provide you with information on the working mechanism of a sump pump.

Submersible or Pedestal Sump Pumps?

We mentioned before that sump pump is also called submersible pump or sub pump. But these names aren’t completely correct. Because the sump pump is, in fact, the main category and has two different types: submersible sump pumps and pedestal sump pumps. Most of the people call sump pump “submersible” or shortly “sub” pump probably because it sounds familiar. Submersible pumps are commonly used within the sump under the water. On the other hand, the motor of the pedestal (also known as vertical) pumps are above the sump. The working logic of these two types are different, thus their mechanisms are different. As one of them needs a pit, the other one doesn’t; because it won’t work under the water. Therefore, these two types need to be reviewed differently.

We mentioned the two most common types of the sump pump, but is there any other types? Yes, there is. However, they are not usually classified under the sump pump category as they are sold as a package. The sump pump systems on the market are as follows

 

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

So how does it work?

Technical Introduction

As we have stated before, a sump pump is a category as well as many other pump types and generally, they are listed under the main category called “centrifugal pumps”. Pumps principally convert the mechanical energy that the motor creates into kinetic energy. Then transport the water from one point to the other (transportation of fluid). A pump needs two unique parts in order to be classified as the centrifugal:

Impellers

Impellers are rotating discs with a part similar to propeller blades. Those are crooked on the edges and made out of special plastic or metal. This disc is connected to the motor shaft and placed in the volute case which is a specially produced pipe with a special shape.

 

Contrary to the common belief, water doesn’t get sucked in as the propeller rotates. For the impeller to work successfully, it should be in the water, completely. Thanks to a section called suction eye which sends water to the center of the impeller, water coming inside the impeller rotate fast between the propeller blades and drifts away from the center. Then it is directed from the inner walls of the volute case to discharge pipes which will carry the water out with great force. This phenomenon is called the centrifugal force. It means an object rotating around a center and then drifting away from the center. As a result, the fluid absorbs the kinetic energy first from the motor and then the impeller. After that, it starts moving and rotating and lastly pushes itself out from an exit point. The spinning speed of the fluid depends on three factors:

 

Volute Cases

In order to push the fluid out, not only speed but also a certain amount of pressure is needed. Especially when it comes to a sump pump. Because the water that a sump pump needs to push out has to move from the bottom to the top. Thus there is a need for effective pressure to push the fluid. Well, how is this pressure provided? The answer is the shape of the volute case.

 

This casing is curved spirally and its diameter increases progressively from the inside out as it leaves the main body and reaches to the exit port. Impeller rotates the fluid and the rotating fluid first enter from a tight section as a result of the spiral nature of the volute case. It follows the body and slows down in the exit part. This part has a larger diameter compared to the entrance and creates pressure. As the fluid slows down when it comes to the larger part, it converts the kinetic energy into the pressure energy. When the motor works, the mechanical energy first turns into kinetic energy. In the last stage into pressure energy enabling the fluid to be pushed from the bottom to the top. I guess we owe Daniel Bernoulli a debt of gratitude for discovering the hydrodynamics.

How does water get into sump pit?

So how does the water outside flow inside the building and reach the sump pit? It must follow a certain way. But how is water which is outside or not only outside but also underground sucked inside the sump pit? Then sent outside again to a safer place through a sump pump? The answer is these pipes called drain tiles or weeping tiles. Those completely surround the building either inside or outside. They are buried under the ground and have holes on them so that the water can get inside.

 

As we have mentioned before, water accumulated outside or under the ground is sucked inside through these pipes thanks to the holes on them and these pipes send the water that they accumulate to another pipe connected to the sump pit. This is how the water flowing towards the sump pit finally fills the sump pit and activates the sump pump. Thanks to this system surrounding your house and the sump pump connected to this system, water is thrown out effectively before it affects the elements of the foundation of your building, leaks through the cracks or starts to fill your basement.

Sump Basins

We mentioned the sump basin or sump pit in the sump pump installation chapter. Here we will briefly explain how to place this device. It has a conical bucket shape and in which the sump pump is installed on the basement floor. We think that this brief explanation is necessary in order to explain systematically how a sump pump works.

 

Sump pits are placed in a hole which is 15 to 18-inches across and 24-inches in depth. The empty area around the sump pit needs to be filled with the coarse gravels which filter water. Because of that this area should also be taken into consideration. Concrete in the basement floor is cut with a water jet and the soil under the concrete is revealed. Then the soil is also dug in accordance with the dimensions of the sump pit. The sump pit is placed in this hole and immobilized with the coarse gravel put around it. After all these procedures, the hole between the sump pit and basement floor is cemented at the same level as the basement floor.

Sump Pump Switches, And Check Valve

We know that the accumulated water reaches to the sump pit through weeping tile. (or drain tile also called a French drain). Water accumulated around the building flows through the drain tiles. This tiles connected to the sump pit and fills it to a certain level. But how does the sump pump know when to work? Or more importantly, does the sump pump work automatically or do we have to turn the sump pump on manually? The answer is both. Sump pumps can be turned on automatically or manually. You can activate/deactivate the manual pumps simply by plugging in the power cord. The automatic sump pumps, on the other hand, have switches to activate them.

Cycle of water

There are different types of switches. The most common type is the float switch with a buoyant float which can stay over the water. Water filling inside the sump pit lifts the buoyant float which is made out of plastic or foam. As this float rises to a certain level, it triggers the switch connected to the system. Then the sump pump starts discharging water. When the water level falls to a certain level, buoyant float falls down to stop the device. And waits for the water to rise again. This cycle continues firstly as the water tries to seep into the house or basement. Then fills the sump pit. Finally is removed by the sump pump.

 

This cycle is the same both for the pedestal and submersible pumps. The difference is that the motor of the pedestal pump is above the ground. And the float switch and impeller are inside the sump pit below the ground.

 

Please click for the information about sump pump check valves

Choosing a sump pump​

Three factors will play an important role while choosing a sump pump. Your personal choice, your budget, and your house’s structure. The structure of your house plays a bigger role. But your personal choice might determine the type of the sump pump as well. For example, if you are thinking that choosing a sump pump whose motor works under the water is wrong, then you will choose the pedestal type. But if the structure of your building is not appropriate for the pedestal sump pump, then you will end up with the submersible sump pump. Maybe you will want to buy a battery backup sump pump to supplement your primary. Or maybe you will think more comprehensively and want to buy a spare sump pump system –combination sump pump system- which will continue working when your primary sump pump fails.

 

What we are trying to tell you is that if you want to have a sump pump, you need to get information about the types and functions of the sump pumps irrespective of your need. Just do not go and research sump pump ratings one by one on the popular sites. We already gathered all the information for you.

 

The types that we have mentioned until here are limited to submersible and pedestal sump pumps. What about the battery backup sump pump and combination sump pump that we have mentioned above?

Battery Backup and Combination Sump Pump Systems

Battery Backup

These types are often confused with each other or the difference between them is not known exactly. Manufacturers designed and introduced them as an alternative to the primary systems. They may be considered not as an alternative but as a need to back up. As we all know and experience, the serious need for electric energy in our daily life urged us to look for new ways to back up this energy.

 

The simplest example, one question motivated us to create power banks. “How to meet the need to charge our phones when we have no access to electricity?” Thanks to these devices, we can charge our phones at power outages. Or in the case when we are on the road, away from the power outlet. When they are first introduced, they didn’t attract much attention. People did not consider them as a need at first. But in time they have gained importance. The fact is that we cannot always access electricity when we need it the most. So, consequently, they have become a real need.

A Solution for power outages

As a result of the same need, sump pump producers came up with a solution. They offered the backup systems called secondary systems alongside the primary systems. Let’s say there is a storm and heavy rain outside. As you know, we experience power cuts quite common in such situations. Therefore, it wouldn’t be unusual to estimate beforehand that there will be power cut soon. Especially at the time fierce climate events going on outside such as rain, hail, and storm.

 

So, how will the potential power outage affect the sump pump that you placed in your basement? The answer is simple, when there is a power cut, your sump pump will stop working. As a result naturally, it will let your basement flood. It is understandable that you have not considered a solution to this problem yet. But from now on probably you will have to. Because you won’t want your basement flood whether there is power or not. So this is why the manufacturers introduce battery backup sump pump systems for these situations. They come with a backup battery and you charge this battery beforehand. The battery automatically operates and continues to discharge water out of your house. Consequently, you stop worrying about the flooding when there is a power outage (Battery power matters, of course).

Combination Sump Pump Systems

Power cut is a serious problem in such situations and we handled it with a backup battery. Although we have solved this problem, we can still face other problems. What kind of problem can interrupt the water pumping operation or completely stop it? The answer is again simple: sump pump failures. As you know all kinds of devices have a certain lifetime. It doesn’t matter what kind of material they are made out of. Break downs because of manufacturing problems, several unexpected reasons or misuse. You have handled the backup energy based on the phones. But when your phone breaks down and you face the fact that you won’t be able to use it for a while. So, what would be your solution? Either you will live without your phone for some time or you will use a backup or a temporary phone.

 

Your answer will probably be the second one. This is how most of us react, right? We will use the backup phone until service fixes our actual phone. This is actually how sump pump manufacturers handle the sump pump failure. They introduced the combination sump pump system. The system has a battery backup and a second sump pump in case the primary sump pump fails. As a result, you have no reason to worry in case of power outage or sump pump failures.

Conclusion

When you need a sump pump and visit one of our review pages. You will find the answer to your first question: “My house floods, what do I need to prevent this?”. After you determine what you need, here comes the second question: “how do I meet my need in the most efficient way possible?”. There are certain criteria that you need to consider in this phase. Such the quality of the brand, mechanism power you need, your personal choice, availability of spare parts, warranty, etc. Apart from all these, there is another criterion that we won’t mention here a lot. But, probably will pay the biggest role; your budget.


Whether you consider your own budget or family budget, in the end, you will, of course, make your decision in line with your budget. For instance, you want to buy a more durable and more expensive product for long-term use or you want a product which will give you the best result in a short time because you will move to another place soon. Such examples can be multiplied according to personal situations. But we hope that you find every information you need and answers to your questions. No matter what your purpose is.

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