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If your home has a sump pump, you may have wondered what it does and how it works. Found in basements or the crawlspaces of homes in flat or low-lying areas, a sump pump is an effective and efficient mechanism for draining water from your home and preventing flooding. Sump pumps are available in submersible and pedestal varieties to suit your preferences and requirements. Here’s what you should know about them and how they work. 

How Do Sump Pumps Operate?

Submersible pumps sit in a gravel-bottomed basin or pit. They have a pressure sensor or float valve to measure the amount of water inside. Rising water levels trigger an electric motor that drives an impeller to push water out of the basin and away from your home. As the water drains out, a check valve blocks it from returning.

Pedestal pumps sit on top of a sump pit rather than inside. They remove water by drawing it out through an inlet pipe. Although pedestal varieties are often louder than submersible pumps, convenient above-ground access makes them easier to maintain and repair. They’re usually also less expensive to install. 

Why Do Sump Pumps Fail?

Sump pumpsSump pumps can fail for a variety of reasons. They may fail as the result of improper installation, machine malfunction, or age. Depending on usage, sump pumps typically have a seven- to ten-year life span, after which they begin showing signs of wear.

The most common mechanical issue that causes sump pump failure is a stuck switch. When the pump shifts inside the basin, the float valve may become dislodged. A pump will cease operation if you lose power. To avoid a flooded basement, rely on a backup generator to power your pump if you lose electricity.

 

For sump pump installations and repairs, contact the professionals at Edgar & Jerry Hughes Well Drilling in Bellwood, AL. With over 40 years of experience, their friendly and knowledgeable technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to provide high-end irrigation systems and well installations and repairs. Contact them today at (334) 347-1147 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.

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