Sump Pump
Sump Pump Types
There
are three types of sump pumps commonly used
-
two electric and one water-powered.
Pedestal - An electric pump that stands
upright, with a motor a few feet above it that
is not meant to get wet. It has a float-activated
switch that turns the pump on when the water
reaches a certain level. This type of sump pump
is ideal for basements needing frequent water
drainage. They usually are the least expensive
but are noisier than the submersibles.
Submersible
- 
These
types of electrical pumps are installed in ground
and are designed to work underwater. They have
the same float-activated switch. They are more
expensive than the pedestal pumps but are quieter
and tend to have a longer life because their
sealed, oil-cooled motors are protected from
moisture and dust.
Plastic
vs. cast Iron
Plastic
sump pumps suit some applications for the cost-conscience.
Use cast iron models for contractor-grade, longer-lasting
applications.
No matter what type you have, each sump pump should have a check valve on the water outlet pipe so water does not flow back into the sump when the pump shuts off. Water flowing back and forth can cause the pump to turn on and off more than necessary and shorten the life of the pump.
Water powered - This type of pump runs off the water pressure from your home plumbing system and has the same float-activated switch. These pumps handle water at a comparable rate to the electric types, but require no electricity to operate. It can be installed along side an electric sump and is generally used as a back up system during a power failure.
Floor Sucker Pumps - New type of pump that is used mostly in basements, cellars or crawl spaces which do not have an actual sump pit. It is called a floor sucker pump because it removes water right down to within a 1/8" of the floor (or from other surfaces like a roof or the ground). Available in various flow rates, manual or automatic operation, with some electronically controlled. These types of pumps were particularly useful during the east coast storms this fall. See available floor sucker pumps.
Click here to read more about sump pump installation.
