What Is a Sump Pump?

What Is a Sump Pump​?

Water in your basement is never a good sign. Whether you stumble across a small puddle or experience a full-on flood, excess moisture leads to mold, foundation damage, and costly repairs. That’s where a sump pump comes in.

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a device that helps prevent basement flooding. It sits inside a sump pit, a small basin dug into the lowest point of your home’s foundation. When water collects in the pit, the sump pump activates and redirects it away from your home, keeping the area dry and protected.

Without a sump pump, many Illinois homes would constantly be at risk of water damage, mold growth, and foundation issues. The moderate rainfall and variable water tables in DuPage, Will, Kendall, and Kane Counties make sump pump installation a smart investment.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

Sump pumps aren’t complicated, but they are incredibly effective. Here’s how they do their job:

1. Water collects in the sump pit, a small, dug-out basin designed to collect rising groundwater, intrusive flood water, or moisture from plumbing leaks.
2. The float switch or pressure sensor activates the pump as the water level rises. This automatic activation prevents water from overflowing into your basement.
3. Water is pumped away from your home through a discharge pipe. The end of the pipe is positioned in a safe drainage area to ensure water doesn’t flow right back into your basement.
4. The pump shuts off automatically once the water level drops.

This simple yet efficient cycle keeps your basement dry without any intervention on your part.

Types of Sump Pumps

Sump pumps come in three main types:

• Submersible sump pumps sit directly in the sump pit and are completely submerged in water when running. They’re quieter and more powerful but tend to have a shorter lifespan because they’re directly exposed to water.
• Pedestal sump pumps have a motor that sits above the pit with a hose extending down into the water. They last longer since they’re not submerged, but they’re noisier and take up a bit more space.
• Battery backup sump pumps ensure protection during power outages. This is an important consideration because storms are prone to knocking out the power when you need your sump pump the most.

What Does a Sump Pump Do?

A sump pump’s job is straightforward—move unwanted water out of your home. In doing so, it provides several benefits:

• Prevents flooding: Whether caused by heavy rainfall, melting snow, or a burst pipe, a working sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding.
• Protects your home’s foundation: Excess moisture around your home’s foundation leads to cracks, weakening the structure over time. A sump pump helps the surrounding soil stay dry to prevent costly foundation repairs.
• Reduces the risk of mold: Mold thrives in dark, damp environments, making a wet basement a veritable paradise. A dry space keeps unpleasant, musty odors at bay and improves indoor air quality.
• Prevents electrical damage: Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If your basement floods, your appliances, wiring, and main electrical panel could be at risk. Install a sump pump to avoid these costly and hazardous situations.
• Adds value to your home: Potential buyers love knowing a home is protected from water damage. Highlighting your sump pump makes your property more attractive to buyers.

What Is a Sump Pump Used For?

While sump pumps are mostly associated with keeping basements dry during heavy rainstorms, they serve a few other distinct purposes beyond flood prevention:

• Keeping crawlspaces dry: Even if you don’t have a full basement, you might have a crawl space beneath your home. These areas are prone to dampness, which leads to wood rot, mold growth, and poor indoor air quality. A sump pump keeps crawl spaces dry and prevents structural issues.
• Avoiding sewage backups: Some sump pumps are equipped with additional features to prevent sewage from backing up into your home during heavy storms. This keeps nasty wastewater far away from your living space.
• Protecting finished basements: Many homeowners finish the basement to expand their living space. A sump pump ensures that all the time and money invested in finishing a basement isn’t ruined by a flood.
• Managing high water tables: Groundwater is naturally high in some areas, meaning water rises more readily into basements and crawl spaces from below. A sump pump constantly manages this water to keep homes dry and protected.

Who Installs Sump Pumps?

While a DIY sump pump installation might be tempting, the job is best left to a certified plumber or basement waterproofing specialist. After all, there’s more to it than just placing a pump in a hole.

Why Hire a Professional?

Professionals have the experience to assess your home’s needs and recommend the right type of sump pump, including a possible battery backup. They’ll also determine the best location for your sump pit to maximize water collection and removal.

Discharge routing is another consideration. The pump needs to drain water far enough away from your home to prevent re-entry. Following installation, the professional will test your sump pump to ensure it’s sealed correctly and functions properly, avoiding surprises during a storm.

Protect Your Home with Expert Plumbing Service

If you need a sump pump repaired, maintained, or installed, Expert Plumbing Service is here to help. We’ve been serving Illinois homeowners and businesses for over 30 years, giving us the expertise to tackle even the most challenging plumbing issues. Our full-service, family-owned company provides same-day service, 24/7 emergency support, and fully stocked trucks to handle most repairs on the spot. Don’t sit idly by while a storm turns your basement into an indoor swimming pool—contact us today for sump pump services in DuPage, Will, Kendall, and Kane Counties.