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A flooded basement is a homeowner’s nightmare. A sump pump protects your home from heavy rains and rising waters that leave behind enormous repair costs and structural damages. It's important to know which of the different types of sumps pumps best fits your needs. Below, we will guide you through how a sump pump works and how to choose the right one for your home.

What is a sump pump?

A sump pump is a device that moves water from your basement to the outside of your home. A sump is a naturally constructed pit, usually a hole carved below the main surface of your basement floor. This pit, known as a basin, holds the sump pump. The pump is equipped with valves that sense escalating water levels or pressure. When the water gets too high, sump pumps automatically pump excess water out of the basement and away from your property using a discharge line. This line, called an effluent, connects the sump pump to a designated drainage area.

How does a sump pump work?

A sump pump is a mechanism that detects elevating water levels and pressure to ensure that these levels do not rise too high. These pumps use a switch to detect water levels in the basin. When the switch is activated by a rising water level, the pump turns on and directs water into a discharge pipe and away from the home’s foundation. A pump can be powered electrically, by battery, or by water. Primary pumps are typically wired in, but many sump pump systems contain a backup pump that is powered by either water or battery in case of a power outage.

Types of sump pumps

There are 4 common types of sump pumps: submersible, pedestal, battery-powered backup, and water-powered backup. Read on to find information on these 4 types of pumps.

Submersible sump pumps

Submersible pumps contain the pump and motor in one unit. They sit submerged and closed inside a basin in your basement. Because submersible pumps are completely submerged in the water basin, they are often quieter, save space in your basement, and clog less than a pedestal. However, due to the effects of water submersion, they may not last as long as other sump pumps. This is still the best option for homes with major flooding concerns.