Whether there is a Sump Pump in the house depends on the location of the house. If the house is in an area with high groundwater level, or an area with frequent floods, or an area with frequent heavy rains, it is best to install a Sump Pump in the house. Many areas have now mandated the installation of Sump Pump in new houses.
What is Sump Pump?
Sump Pump is a drainage pump, which is generally installed in the lowest part of the basement floor. It can effectively prevent excessive surface water (such as rain/snow water) and groundwater from entering the house. Most Sump Pumps are installed in a reservoir. When the water level of the reservoir reaches a certain height, the water pump will start to drain the excess water outside the house.
How does Sump Pump work?
Sump Pump is usually located in a 2-foot deep and 1-1/2-foot wide reservoir at the lowest part of the basement. The water pump is connected to a drain pipe that extends outside the house. When there is flooding outside the house, or there is a lot of rain/snow, the underground drainage system will collect the surface water flowing to the house into the reservoir. When the water level reaches a certain height, the pump will start and drain the water through the pipe to a place far away from the house, at least 6 feet away. This can effectively prevent excessive surface water from entering the basement through the cracks in the foundation wall, causing water to flow in the basement。
Sump Pump Tips：
Standby pump: If the power fails, the pump cannot work. Therefore, it is best to have a battery-powered water pump as a backup.
Reservoir: The cover of the reservoir must be tightly sealed, and no dirt can enter, otherwise it will damage the pump and make it unable to work.
Drain pump: Make sure that the drain pump is installed firmly and is not tilted or falling off.
Drainage pipe: The drainage pipe should be unobstructed, and the outlet of the drainage pipe should be at least 6 feet away from the foundation. Otherwise, the discharged water will flow back to the reservoir.
Sump Pump test: You can pour water into the reservoir, usually the pump will start. At the same time, you can check whether the water is drained outside the house.
