A licensed journeyman plumber would be able to tell in about the 2 nd minute of a visit to the home if there is a sump pump, but it got us to thinking that maybe there are some clients out there who are interested in figuring this out for themselves.
If your house is built on a slab no basement then odds are there is no sump pump. Sump pumps are designed to take water that surrounds your foundation and pump it outside before it can seep into your basement.
Sooooo—no basement—no need for a sump pump. So when you do find the pump, you will see a pit in the floor with a pipe coming out of it then exiting the home or going to the main sewer pipe. In most areas it is illegal to attach the sump to the sewer line so it will usually discharge outside the house. If you do have a basement or crawlspace, the easiest but not only way to see if you have a sump pump is to take a short hike around the exterior of your home.
If you find one, that may be a sump pump discharge line. These are usually not always directly above the location of your sump pump. 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.
Here are some steps you can take: First, make sure your sump pump's circuit breaker hasn't blown. If electricity isn't the problem, check your pump's float activator arm: It might be stuck in the off position again, remember to turn your pump's power supply off before proceeding. Then, remove any buildup or debris from your sump pit. If it still doesn't work, disconnect your pump and pull it out of the pit; remove your pump's bottom cover and check its impeller for clogs.
Here are four things to remember when you go shopping for a sump pump system: Choose the Right Horsepower for Your Situation Higher-horsepower pumps aren't necessarily better. Select the Right Float Switch Mechanical float activator arms are obvious and easy to inspect, but they do occasionally get stuck.
Consider a Backup Sump Pump System Some stores offer sump pump bundles, which include backup sump pumps. The cord length might seem to be a minor factor but in reality, it has an impact on the efficiency as well as safety aspects. You should make sure that the sump pump can be directly plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter, and not into an extension cord.
The voltage of the sump pump should be between volts and volts in case of industrial buildings. As the sump pump will need to operate even if there is a power cut, it is important to make sure that there is a suitable backup system. It is also important to invest in a water alarm attachment in case the sump pump you choose is not already equipped with a water level or flood alarm.
This will provide some additional peace of mind as it will alert you in case the sump pump fails. Some more sophisticated sump pumps even send you a notification to your cell phone should the water rise at an alarming rate. As with any other device, it is important to keep an eye for any faults or repairs that need to be carried out from time to time.
However, it is better to be cautious by carrying out preventative maintenance rather than allow for problems to develop. First of all, you would be able to notice any minor problems before they become more substantial, and secondly, repairs would most likely be less costly if you notice a problem at an early stage. Generally speaking, sump pumps are considered to be reliable pieces of equipment that do not require too much maintenance. As a rule of thumb, you should arrange regular inspections of the sump pump by a qualified engineer at least once a year.
Here are some basic sump pump maintenance tips that you could carry out:. It is important to consider the various factors outlined above to make a good decision when buying a sump pump, as well as to be aware on how to correctly maintain it. It will also affect your house or premises from a safety point of view, and the occupants health-wise. Make sure to hire a fully trained and qualified sump pump contractor who can see to the sump pump installation process properly. Their services and their products were pretty cool and amazing.
Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Skip to content. What Does a Sump Pump Do? Check for Potential Water Damage When buying a home with a sump pump, you should be sure to check for potential water damage that may have occurred before the installation of the sump pump.
Check for Structural Damage Flooding is a nasty business and large amounts of water can do severe structural damage to your home. Invest in Battery Backups During a storm, severe winds and lightning can knock out your power lines. Regularly Test Your Sump Pump Keep your sump pump functioning properly by periodically testing it to ensure all its parts are still working.
Sump Pump Lines can Freeze Just like water lines, sump pump lines can freeze if temperatures drop too low. The Two Types of Sump Pumps Believe it or not, there are two main types of sump pumps: pedestal and submersible. Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Sump Pump Just like any device in your home, you need to maintain sump pumps properly to make them last longer.
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