Your sump pump plays an essential role in protecting your home from water damage. Since it is usually tucked into a corner of the basement, you might not see or think about it every day. The team at Always On Call Mountain Mechanical in Anchorage, AK, believes that understanding how your plumbing equipment works can help you avoid indoor flooding. Here, they explain what these devices are and how they function.

How Sump Pumps Work

Types of Pumps

All sump pumps are installed in the basement, since this area is the lowest level of the house and the most prone to flooding. Submersible pumps are designed to sit inside of a small, well-like hole in the floor, while others are mounted above the well on a pedestal.

The submersible models are usually installed while the house is being built. You will not be able to see the device because it is in a pit below the basement floor. The pump’s mechanical components are contained in a waterproof chamber to prevent damage. By contrast, the pedestal model uses a pump that rests on the basement floor and a hose that feeds into the underground water pit.

What They Do

The purpose of a sump pump is to remove water from your home when it floods. The device is equipped with a switch that turns on when water levels reach a certain height. Once the switch is activated, the pump collects water and sends it through a discharge pipe that leads out of the house. 

If you have a pedestal pump, it first needs to collect water from the pit through an intake pipe. This extra step means the equipment works slower and draws more power. Since submersible pumps are already in the sump pit, they can get to work right away and remove excess water faster.

When the sump pump is working properly, you can avoid potential problems like foundation damage and mold growth after a flood. Whether you need a new device or plumbing repairs to make sure your existing one is working properly, the experts at Always On Call Mountain Mechanical will provide fast, affordable service. Visit them online to learn more about their work, and call (907) 344-0700 to schedule an appointment.