How Does a Sump Pump Work?

A sump pump works by collecting groundwater in a basin at the lowest part of the home. For many homes, this is in the basement. But it could also be in a utility closet, laundry room, or bathroom if your home is built on a slab foundation. When enough water collects at the lowest spot, a float switch rises, triggering the pump to turn on. The pump then directs water away from the home, preventing flooding.

Sump pumps help protect against flooding, water damage, and mold problems, and can be especially valuable in areas with heavy rain and snowmelt, such as Dayton and Columbus, OH.

Here’s what you should know about how a sump pump works and how you can test your own equipment.

What Is a Sump Pump and What Does It Do?

The purpose of a sump pump is to prevent flooding and the water damage that flooding can cause. It’s typically installed at the lowest point in the home because this is where the water level will start to rise; if you have a basement, but you install a sump pump on the first floor of your home, your basement will already be flooded by the time the water is high enough to trigger the pump to turn on.

Keep in mind that sump pumps are not designed to prevent all moisture from entering the property. If you have a water leak in your upstairs bathroom, a sump pump isn’t going to help. But in the case of heavy rain or excessive snowmelt, a sump pump will prevent water from collecting around the foundation of your home, which can cause major damage.

What Are the Main Parts of a Sump Pump?

The pit/basin and the pump are the two primary parts of the sump pump. But understanding how they work together, as well as the other smaller parts of a sump pump, can help you make sure it’s working as it should and better communicate with your plumber if it needs repair.

The parts of a sump pump include:

• Sump pit or basin: Collects groundwater entering beneath or around the foundation.
• Pump and motor: Draws water from the basin and pushes it out of the home.
• Float switch: Detects rising water and activates the pump to turn on automatically.
• Impeller: Creates the force needed to move water into the discharge pipe.
• Discharge pipe: Carries pumped water away from the house.
• Check valve: Prevents discharged water from flowing back into the basin.
• Power supply and battery backup: Operates the primary pump and provides protection during an outage.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

The functionality of a sump pump is relatively simple. Here’s how it works:

1. The float switch lifts. When groundwater enters the sump pit, the water level raises the float switch, similarly to a toilet.
2. The pump is activated. The float switch lifting turns on the motor, and the impeller kicks on.
3. Water is directed away from the home. The impeller pushes water into the discharge pipe, which carries it away from the home. Sometimes it’s directed several feet away from the foundation. Other times it may go to a storm drain.
4. The check valve prevents water from returning. The check valve is essentially a one-way door in the discharge pipe that keeps backflow from re-entering the pit.
5. The float switch drops. Once the water level is low enough, the float switch drops back down, turning the pump off.

How Can You Test a Sump Pump Yourself?

While a professional can help with sump pump repairs, it can help to know if it’s working, so you can give your plumber clearer information about what’s wrong. Use these steps to test your sump pump:

1. Confirm power. Check to see that the pump is plugged in and the power cord is undamaged.
2. Check the float switch. Use your hand to move the float manually, and make sure there is no visible debris blocking the pump.
3. Add water. Slowly pour a bucket of water into the basin until the float rises.
4. Observe. Confirm that the pump starts, removes the water, and shuts off afterward.
5. Check the discharge point. Make sure that water is flowing away from the home of the foundation, where it’s supposed to.

If the pump doesn’t activate, fails to remove water, only hums, or continues running after the pit empties, it’s best to contact a plumber. Schedule this at-home testing routine every 3 to 4 months, and before Ohio’s heavier rain seasons. This regular maintenance can help ensure your sump pump works properly when it does come.

When Should You Consider Sump Pump Installation or Replacement?

If you have experienced basement flooding, recurring groundwater intrusion, or persistent dampness in your home, a sump pump installation may be the right move. It can also be a good option if you store valuable items at the lower levels of your home.

While repairs may be necessary now and again, frequent failures, unusual noises, or a pump that can’t keep up with incoming water may indicate that replacement is a more realistic option. Sump pumps typically last 8-10 years, so an older one may also need to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sump Pumps

Schedule Sump Pump Service in Dayton or Columbus, OH

A working sump pump can bring peace of mind when heavy storms hit, ensuring that your home and your belongings are protected against groundwater damage.

If your sump pump isn’t working as it should, or you want to schedule sump pump installation or repair in Dayton or Columbus, OH, contact Apex Pros today.