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How Does a Sump Pump Get Rid of Water?

Oct 28

Ever wondered how your sump pump worked and how it is able to remove water that enters your basement?

We have the answers!

Centrifugal force

A sump pump is a device that utilizes the centrifugal force of water to remove water from the ground. When water accumulates in a sump pit, the pump activates and draws the water up a discharge pipe that drains outside the foundations of a house. The discharge pipe should be buried at least five inches below frost line and run downhill.

A sump pump is different from a regular pump in two ways. One is radial, which develops pressure through a combination of centrifugal force and an impeller. The other type, called a mixed flow pump, uses centrifugal force as well as an impeller. Both pumps require maintenance and replacement to from a sump pump pluming expert to ensure they are working properly.

A sump pump's duty point is the pressure point at which the pump activates. If the pressure in the basin rises above the trigger point, an electrical switch will activate the pump.

Float sensor

The Float sensor on a sump water pump helps control how much water is allowed into a basement. It is used to prevent a pump from running when the water level is too low. It may also sense a low resistance in a pit or basin, triggering the pump to run. If this occurs, the pump could get damaged or even burn out.

The operation of the float sensor is quite simple. When the water level in a sump basin rises, the float rises. The pump activates when the float reaches a certain height. When the water level drops again, the switch flips back to turn off the pump.

This type of switch is best suited for small basins. It travels on a rod attached to the pump. The length of the sensor rod is important as it determines the cycle length of the sensor.

A failed float sensor on a sump pump can result in a flooded basement. A flooded basement can cause damage to property and belongings. It can also lead to the growth of black mould. An efficient sump pump is essential to protect your property from all of these problems.

Check valve

Before installing a new check valve on a sump pump, make sure you have all of the tools you will need handy. A minimum set of tools includes a pipe cutter, utility knife, PVC cement, and glue applicator. Also, be sure to turn off your sump pump before attempting this task.

There are three basic types of check valves for sump pumps. They can vary in size and connection type. A standard check valve should be 10 inches above the sump pump's discharge pipe. Some municipalities have different requirements, but that's an average.

Regardless of your particular situation, it's important to install a check valve to avoid water from entering your sump pump.

A check valve should be installed on a pipe between the top and bottom of the discharge pipe system. It should point upward and the gate should be set so that water hits the check valve from the top. Tighten the check valve with a wrench or by hand.

Air gap

When installing a sump pump, make sure there is an air gap between the pump and the piping. This is to prevent water from clogging up inside the pump.

The discharge pipe should be insulated, leaving no flat spots for water to freeze. The pipe should also be connected to the city storm sewer or a PVC line. It is important to test the sump pump periodically to ensure it is working properly.

In addition, make sure the drainage pipe is free of any dips or curves. These can interfere with the discharge flow. It's best to install the discharge pipe near the foundation, at least 10 feet away.

The discharge pipe is often equipped with a flexible hose that should be tightened to prevent leakage. My discharge hose was leaking and the tarp wasn't doing much to fix the situation. The cause of the leak was a low point near the foundation.

A good sump pump installed by a quality professional plumber should be able to pump water up to several feet. A high-quality sump pump can cost as much as $350-500. Be sure to choose a pump that meets local codes. You should also consider the cost of a sump basin.

Amherst Plumbing
165 Ferndale Road
Buffalo, NY 14221
(716) 271-5761