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.
