How Does A Sump Pump Work?

When it comes to keeping standing water out of your home, you won’t find a more recommended device than a sump pump. Made to move water from inside your home to a drainage area outside it, these devices are often installed in rooms that are partly or entirely below ground level, in areas that get frequent rainfall or that have high water tables.When a sump pump breaks, many homeowners are faced with a serious dilemma. Not only do they have to deal with a precarious puddle of water inside their home, but often haven’t any idea how to fix their pump or how it works.In this short blog, we’ll cover exactly that. Follow along as we explain how your sump pump works, and what to do if you need professional sump pump repair in Austin.

How Do Sump Pumps Work?

Sump pumps are specialized pumps that are installed in sump basins—man-made pits that collect water below the main surface of your floor. Typically installed in rooms that are partly or entirely below ground level, sump basins collect water runoff from below or around your home’s foundation.A sump pump, in contrast, is a device that moves the water from a sump basin to the outside of a home. Sump pumps work by using a switch to detect the water levels inside the sump basin. When the water level or pressure rises too high, the switch is activated and automatically pumps the water into a discharge pipe. This pipe connects the sump pump to a designated drainage area outside the home, where the water is then quickly discharged out.

Where Does My Sump Pump Drain To?

Your sump pump will generally discharge your water to a specific drainage area that’s at least 10 feet away from your home’s foundation. This could include a neighborhood drain, a creek or pond, or even a dry well. Some cities have local building codes that determine where your sump pump can drain, so you may be able to check with your local government if you can’t find the spot.

Types of Sump Pumps in Austin

Sump pumps generally fall into 4 different categories, each of which operate differently. This includes:

Submersible Sump Pumps

Submersible sump pumps sit completely submerged in your sump basin and contain both the pump and motor in one unit. They tend to clog less and operate more quietly than pedestal sump pumps, and are a great cow option for homeowners with major flooding concerns.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

Pedestal sump pumps have a separate motor and pump, and sit on a pedestal above your sump basin. Since the motor isn’t submerged, pedestal pumps tend to last longer than other types of pumps, and are easier to get to in emergencies. Unfortunately, that also means they’re louder and take up more space.

Battery Operated Sump Pumps

Battery operated sump pumps use a float in your sump basin to initiate drainage. Since they’re battery-powered, they can operate even when your main power goes out. They’re great for many homeowners who are concerned about flooding and who are plagued by frequent power-outages.

Water Powered Sump Pumps

Finally, water powered sump pumps operate using your home’s water supply, channeling water to disperse the drainage water from the pipe. Water powered pumps often require less maintenance but could increase your water bill if used frequently.Think you might need a sump pump in Austin? Not sure which type is best for you? Give Stan’s a call today to find out which type of sump pump is best for your home.

Choose Stan’s for Your Sump Pump Repair in Austin

We hope this post has given you a good idea of how your sump pump works, what yours looks like, and where to find it in your home. If you have additional questions about how your sump pump works or how to fix it, give us a call today. We’ll connect you with one of our professional Austin plumbers who can give you an expert recommendation right away.

Need help repairing your sump pump? Contact Stan’s today to schedule your professional sump pump repair in Austin!