Homes with basements usually have a sump pump in them. The sump pump removes accumulated water from a sump pit and channels it away from the home to prevent the basement from becoming flooded. Water can enter the basement through perimeter drains when it rains or as ground water if the basement is located beneath the level of the water table.
Where the Water Goes
When groundwater levels climb, a sump pump diverts water from the house to a municipal storm drain or a dry well at least 20 feet away from the house. In older properties, sump pumps discharge to the sewers via a floor drain. However, most municipal bylaws prevent newer properties from doing this. The excess water can overload a municipal sewage system and even damage a septic system.
Sump pumps need to ensure discharged water doesn’t run into window wells, neighboring lots or septic system drain fields.
Types of Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are either submersible or pedestal/upright types. The former sees the pump placed together with a waterproof motor in a single unit. It fits inside the sump and does not pose a problem if it gets wet.
A pedestal pump has the motor placed on top of a column above floor level in a basement. The pump remains in the sump but the motor should not get wet due to its elevation. Submersion creates the danger of electrocution given the combined reality that water is a conductor and the motor is not protected through waterproofing. Both types of pumps connect to an outlet pipe to drain water away from the house.
by Aric Mitchell
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