Types of Sump Pumps

The sump pump is at the heart of any basement waterproofing system. Sump pumps remove water that has accumulated in a sump pit, normally found in the basement. The water enters via the perimeter drains of the basement waterproofing system, and may be caused by rain or natural ground water. Sump Pumps are your last defense against flooding, they are at the lowest section of the basement. This presents a problem for your home that Perma-Seal can solve if you live in Chicago, Arlington Heights, Evanston or other suburbs, even Northwestern Indiana.

The pumps send the water away from the home’s exterior, usually to a storm drain. Sump pumps are normally hard wired into your home’s electrical system, and it’s a good idea to have a battery backup. Backup systems should be checked on a regular basis, even monthly. Should they fail, you could end up with a flooded basement.

Generally there are two kinds of pumps: pedestal (upright) and submersible. The motor on the pedestal is mounted above the pit, where it is easier to service, but also more conspicuous. A submersible pump is mounted in the sump pit, and is sealed tight to prevent electrical shocks. The on/off switch is attached to the pump and is activated either by a ball float attached to a pressure switch, or a sealed mercury activated float switch. The mercury switch is the more reliable of the two.

Sump pumps require maintenance. Pumps will fail eventually. Keeping the sump pit clear of dirt, gravel, sand and debris will lengthen your pumps life. In the cold Chicago winters, be careful of frozen outlet pipe, which could cause the pump to overheat. If it does, just let it cool down and the thermal relay will reset.

Some contractors will tell you their sump pump has a lifetime warranty; be careful! Pumps will fail, so the only way you’ll know it’s time for your “lifetime warranty” replacement will be when your basement is flooded.