Different Types of Sump Pumps - Which is the Best?

10 Jun.,2024

 

Different Types of Sump Pumps - Which is the Best?

Every basement (or crawl space) is at risk of flooding. A sump pump protects against flooding and water damage by automatically pumping water out of the sump pit through a discharge pipe and away from the house. If your sump pump fails during a heavy rain event, your basement can quickly flood, causing damage to your belongings and leaving you with a headache and the expense of flood cleanup.

The company is the world’s best gypsum discharge pump supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Learning how to choose the best sump pump for your home can help you protect your home from flood damage before it's too late. This post will explain the different types of sump pumps available and the pros and cons of each type.

Primary Sump Pumps

Source: Zoeller Pump Company

Primary sump pumps are the standard pumps found in many homes. They are designed to pump water out of the basement or crawl space to prevent flooding. There are two types of primary sump pumps: pedestal and submersible. Each type of primary sump pump has its pros and cons.

  1. Pedestal &#; A pedestal type sump pump is an upright pump with an impeller at the base of a pedestal. The motor is located above the pump and is not meant to get wet.

    Pros: Pedestal sump pumps are typically less expensive than submersible pumps and the motor being above water makes it easier to repair.

    Cons: The exposed motor makes pedestal pumps noisier, more likely to overheat, and a greater safety risk.

  2. Submersible &#; A submersible type sump pump is installed in a sump pit and is designed to function underwater.

    Pros: Submersible pumps are quieter than pedestal pumps. With the motor inside the sump basin, submersible pumps are less obtrusive, safer in homes with children, and ideal for finished basements.

    Cons: Submersible pumps are usually more expensive than pedestal pumps and they can't operate without electricity.

Tip: When choosing a sump pump for your basement or crawl space, look for a model with corrosion-free housing materials, a sump cover, sump pump alarm and consider adding a battery backup sump pump.

Battery Backup Sump Pumps

UltraSump 4&#; Battery Backup Sump Pump System

Primary sump pumps are powered by electricity, meaning they won't work in the event of a storm that knocks out the power, which is usually when you need the pump to work. Having a backup pump that's powered by a battery pack provides extra protection, especially during a power outage.

If there's rising water in the sump pit and your primary pump fails to work, the battery backup sump pump will turn on and automatically begin pumping the water out out of your home. A battery backup is designed to take over pumping duties if there's a power loss, the primary pump fails, or when the water level exceeds the capacity of the primary pump.

Pros: A battery-powered backup pump can operate during a power loss or when the primary pump fails.

Cons: The battery that powers the backup pump will eventually need to be recharged and can die during a long power outage.

The UltraSump 4 Battery Backup Sump Pump System from Basement Systems can pump up to 12,000 gallons of water on a single charge, providing protection until the power is restored or the primary pump is fixed. The TimeMachine Data Logger from Basement Systems makes it easier to monitor the health of the battery and pump.

Combination Sump Pump Systems

TripleSafe&#; Sump Pump System

A combination sump pump system combines a primary sump pump and a battery backup pump in a single system. Combination primary and battery backup systems offer the greatest level of protection against flooding. 

Pros: Combination pump systems are usually a more cost-effective option.

Cons: Some combination systems can't fit in a single sump basin.

The patented TripleSafe Sump Pump System includes three durable submersible pumps, including two primary pumps and a battery-powered pump, all inside a single sump basin. 

Basement Systems offers several submersible sump pumps to choose from, including combination sump pump systems and battery backup sump pumps.

If you're considering installing a sump pump in your basement or crawl space, read our
sump pump comparison for more information on the types of sump pumps or contact us to schedule a Free Consultation and Estimate with a local Basement Systems waterproofing contractor near you.

Updated: July 7,

How to Select the Right Sump Pump for Your Basement

A sump pump is the most effective method of removing excess water from your home, particularly in basements and crawl spaces. Whether you are worried about flooding due to heavy rainfall or you live in an area with a high water table, a sump pump will automatically remove the water accumulation and send it to a nearby drain.

Want more information on marine dredging pump? Feel free to contact us.

You&#;ll need to contact an experienced sump pump installer who can help you select the right type of pump and the correct size for your home, and then install it so it hooks up to the appropriate power supply and effectively drains the water into a well or the plumbing system.

What Does a Sump Pump Do?

Placed in a basement, a sump pump does the job of extricating excess water from flooding and removing it to either a storm drain or a dry well. If you experience regular basement flooding or dampness because your home&#;s foundation lies below the water table, then a sump pump is an essential piece of equipment.

Installing a sump pump or back up sump pump will:

  • Prevent basement flooding
  • Protect your home from mildew and mold
  • Protect your belongings
  • Give you the peace of mind during periods of heavy rain
  • Operate by battery in case of a power outage

Reasons to install or replace a sump pump:

  • Outdated, pedestal-style sump pump
  • Turns on and off frequently
  • Runs for long periods of time
  • Doesn&#;t turn on when needed
  • Makes rattling or grinding noises
  • Doesn&#;t have a battery backup system

Choosing the Right Sump Pump

PUMP DESIGN

You have the choice between a submersible and a pedestal sump pump.

Pedestal sump pumps sit above the water level on a pedestal. They are cheaper to buy and maintain, but are noisier, take up more space, and have less power than submersible ones.

Submersible sump pumps get submerged in the water of the sump. While they are more expensive, they have stronger motors for bigger floods and are much less conspicuous.

HORSEPOWER

How much power you need depends on the severity of your basement flooding. If you are only dealing with a small amount of water, 1/4 HP will probably be enough. Although most pumps are 1/3 HP, you may need a pump with 1/2 HP or higher for major flooding and wetness issues.

HEAD PRESSURE

Head pressure refers to how high your sump pump can pump the water up to ground level. In order to know the correct head pressure for your sump pump, you will need to know how high your basement is. Most pumps have the power to lift water at least 10 feet, but you will want to double-check this with your professional plumber.

MANUAL VS. AUTOMATIC

Most sump pumps are automatic, meaning that a float valve will switch on the pump when a certain level of water is detected, but if you&#;d like to save some money, you may want to consider a manual sump pump. This will require someone to be home to activate the pump in the case of a flooding scenario. It&#;s worth the convenience and peace of mind to get an automatic sump pump so you don&#;t have to worry about being there to operate it.

POWER CORD

It&#;s essential that you have a GFCI-protected outlet near your sump pump so you don&#;t have to use an extension cord. Choose a sump pump with a cord that is long enough to reach a GFCI outlet.

VOLTAGE

For most, a typical 110-volt circuit will be enough, but if you are using a sump pump for commercial purposes, you may need a dedicated circuit with a higher voltage. Consult an electrician to make sure your sump pump is properly hooked up to your electrical system.

BACKUP OR ALARM SYSTEM

It&#;s important to have either an alarm system or an emergency battery backup in the case of a power outage. If your power gets knocked out during a storm, your sump pump will be inoperable unless you have a battery backup, which we highly recommend.

Professional Sump Pump Installation

The pump that will work best for you depends on how much flooding you regularly need to deal with. The plumbing experts at Sobieski Services can help you choose the pump type. Installing a sump pump requires more work than simply turning it on. You&#;ll need professional installers to attach the sump pump to an external reservoir of some kind, and the installers will create a sump that will sufficient enough water down into it.

Sump pumps don&#;t have to be mystifying objects hiding in your basement. Learn everything you need to know about sump pumps by downloading our free guide to sump pumps. For professional sump pump consultation and installation, contact Sobieski today!

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Horizontal Single-Case Pump. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.