Sump Pump: How Does it Work, Specifications, Discharge, and Benefits

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

The sump pump is a submersible pumping system in the basement that is used to remove seeped water in the basement. A sump pump is a compact system that consists of a sump pump motor, sump pump basin, discharge pipe, check valve, floor drain water level alarm, float rob, float switch, and power cord. The main task of the sump pump is pumping out the accumulated water in the sump basing from the basement french drain system.

Sump pumps are mainly 4 types such as submersible pumps, floating sump pumps, pedestals, and centrifugal pumps. The size of the sump pump is measured by the horsepower of the pump. These are available as 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP, and 3/4 HP. Among them, a 1/3 horsepower pump is highly recommended for domestic usage. The capacity of the sump pump is measured by the GPM (Gallon per minute). A standard 1/3 HP sump pump will consume 250 watts, 1/2 HP will consume 375 watts, and 3/4 HP will consume 560 watts per day on average.

You should discharge the sump pump water into the municipal storm drain or a proper ditch to prevent the water from reentering the cellar. Sump pump water discharge should not directed to neighborhood property and the public sideways because improper sump pump dischargeing can cause the water table to rise at the basement.

A sump pump can last for about 7- 10 years on average. When you maintain and repair it, you can use it prolonged. Using a sum pump can prevent basement flooding, control the humidity level, maintain structural integrity, increase the value of the house, safeguard the belongings, and increase mental freedom.

When you use a sump pump, you can observe problems such as the smell of the sump pump, loudness of the sump pump, sump pump clogging, and hose freezing due to lower temperatures. In order to protect the sump pump, you should always follow the proper manufacturer guidelines.

What is a Sump Pump?

Sump pump is a submersible pumping system in the basement that is used to remove accumulated water in the sump basin due to leaks, dampness, and seeping water in the basement.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

The sump pump is installed in the sump pit. The sump pump power cord will provide energy to the sump pump motor and supply power to the sump pump. During rainy periods, excessive water collects into the sump pit. When the water rises gradually, the float switch starts to work, and when it reaches a pre-defined height, it activates the pump.

The sump basin collects the excess water through the french drain system and transports it away from the house through discharging pipes. When the water level is reduced, the float switch lowers and switches off the sump pump. The check valve installed in the discharging pipes will prevent water from flowing back.

What are the Main Parts and Tasks of the Sump Pump?

These are the 8 main parts of sump pump system. Each parts are designed for specific tasks.

1. Sump pump motor: The sump pump motor’s primary role is to provide electrical energy to power the sump pump.The sump pump motor is a brushless DC motor with a wattage range of 400-1050 Watts. The average speed is 1725 RPM.
2. Sump pump basin: The sump pump basin can receive the accumulated water from the french drain. It is placed below the ground level and made out of polyethene, fiberglass, plastic and concrete. The average basin size is 18-24 inches in diameter and 30 – 36 inches in depth. The sump pump basin is a central hub that connects drain and discharge pipes.
3. Discharge pipes: The main function of the discharge pipe is to transport water collected into the sump pump basin away from the basement. Discharge pipes should connect to the municipal storm drain system.
4. Check valve: Check valves reduce the short cycling and improve the sump pump’s performance.
5. Floor drain water level alarm: The floor drain water level alarm signals users when the sump pump basin reaches its maximum capacity by triggering an audible alarm and visual indicators like LED bulbs.
6. Float Rob: Float Rob acts as a water level sensor and signals when the sump pump is activated.
7. Reliable float switch: A reliable float switch acts as a water level sensor and controls the activation and deactivation of the sump pump automatically.
8. Sump pump power cord: The sump pump power cord provides electrical energy to the sump pump motor. It indirectly helps to maintain the water tightness by delivering electrical energy.

Read more: Read more: What you should Know about Basement Waterproofing?

What are the Types of Sump Pumps?

These are the 4 main types of sump pumps. These types are based on the behaviors and operation of the pump.

1. Submersible sump pump: The submersible sump pump should be installed at the lower level of the basement, closer to the exterior walls, to collect water naturally. Submersible sump pumps are more efficient, generate less noise, reduce clogs and occupy less space.
2. Floating sump pump: The floating sump pump should be installed on the lowest floor of the basement. Floating sump pumps have advantages such as being lightweight and easy to use in emergencies, easy to remove and clean, and easy to install without a sump pit, occupying less space.
3. Pedestal sump pump: The pedestal sump pump should be installed on the lowest floor of the basement, closer to the exterior walls. Pedestal sump pump generates less noise, is easy to maintain, is easy to use in shallow sump pits, and is less expensive.
4. Centrifugal sump pump: The centrifugal sump pump should be installed in the lower part of the basement or the crawlspace. Centrifugal sump pumps are cost-effective, can handle clean and dirty water, have a simple design to avoid breakdowns and can remove large volumes of water with a high flow rate.

What Size Sump Pump is Needed for the Basement?

When choosing a sump pump, you should consider the sump pump size, sump pump capacity, basement size, rainfall in the area, water accumulation rate, and vertical height.

The sump pump size is measured by the HP (horsepower 1 HP = 735.499 W). The three main sizes of the sump pumps are 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP, and 3/4 HP. Among them, a 1/3 horsepower sump pump is the best solution for domestic use.

The sump pump capacity is measured by the GPH (Gallon Per Hour). A sump pump with a capacity of 14 GPH is needed for sandy soil, while an 8 GPH sump pump is needed for dense clay soil.

Large basements that exceed 2500 sq. ft need a 3/4 HP sump pump with a capacity exceeding 75 GPH.

The basement below 1500 sq. ft with heavy rainfall needs a sump pump exceeding 75 GPH.

The basement between 1500- 2500 sq. ft needs a sump pump exceeding 100 GPH

The cellar area above 2500 sq. ft needs a sump pump exceeding 125 GPH.

How Much Power Does a Sump Pump Use?

The power of a sump pump is measured by horsepower (HP), while the capacity of a sump pump is measured by gallons per minute(GPM). A standard 1/3 HP sump pump will consume 250 watts, 1/2 HP will consume 375 watts, and 3/4 HP will consume 560 watts per day on average.

The sump pump uses electrical energy to collect and pump excess water away from the basement. Using a sump pump depends on basement size, rainfall and water accumulation rate.

Where Should You Discharge the Sump Pump?

The sump pump should discharge 10 -20 feet away from the house’s basement. The sump pump discharging pipe should be connected to the municipal storm drain or a proper ditch to prevent the water from reentering the cellar.

Sump pump water discharge should not directed to neighborhood property and public sideways. Improper discharge of the sump pump can raise the water table in the basement, increase the basement leaking, cause continuous use of the sump pump and cause continuous failures in the sump pump.

How Long Can A Sump Pump Last?

The life span of a sump pump is 7- 10 years on average. The life span of the sump pump can be reduced due to frequent usage, the installation of a law-quality sump pump, and improper maintenance habits such as not cleaning the sump pit and not checking the pump switch.

The parts, such as the impeller, can wear out first due to irregular cleaning practices, accumulation of abrasive materials in the impeller’s blades, float switch due to short cycling, and pump motor due to overheating and frequent usage.

What are the Benefits of a Sump Pump?

6 benefits of using a sump pump in the basement. These benefits reduce the problems and challenging experience of basement leaking.

1. Prevents basement flooding: The sump pump pumps away the excessive rainwater from the foundation during rainy and snow-melting seasons. This helps to reduce water accumulation and basement flooding.
2. Controls the moisture and humidity levels: The sump pump removes excess water and keeps the basement dry, avoiding dampness. Therefore, the sump pump maintains the optimum humidity levels and keeps the basement dry, avoiding mold growth and musty odours.
3. Maintain structural integrity: The sump pump prevents the basement from exposure to excessive moisture. Excessive moisture can dampen and weaken the basement, reducing the property value.
4. Increases the value of the house: The sump pump provides a dry and healthy basement. A dry basement adds value to the house and will be more accessible when reselling the home.
5. Safeguard the belongings: The sump pump can divert the excess water and protect the stored furniture, electronic appliances and fabric items in the basement.
6. Mental Freedom: The sump pump can relax users during rainy periods by preventing basement flooding and leaks.

What are the Problems of a Sump Pump?

These are the 4 problems of using a sump pump in the basement. These problems cause for sump pump failures. As a result of that, the basement can flood and rise many water related problems to the house.

1. Smell of the sump pump: Since the sump pump transports excess water, water can stay longer and get spoiled. Spoiled water will spread musty and earthy smells to the basement.
2. Loudness of the sump pump: The sup pumps can generate whirring and grinding loud noises when running. These loud noises can be disruptive and irritating for users.
3. Clogging in the sump pump: The clogs in the sump pump will reverse the excess water into the basement. Due to clogs, basement flooding can happen, and the sump pump will have to operate continuously, causing money for energy.
4. Hose freezing in the sump pump: The hose freezing can occur when the temperature drops below 32℉ and forms ice inside the discharging pipes. The hose freezing can directly affect the sump pump’s performance and tend to malfunction.