Sump pumps – a basement’s best friend

An unusually heavy rainfall in June has prompted Village Hall staff to offer residents this informative article about sump pumps. Residents whose homes have levels below ground are urged to maintain their own sump pump systems as a precaution against flood waters entering their homes.

A sump pump is a device that pumps water from a sump pit which collects unwanted water due to a high water table or flooding. Sump pumps are generally found in the basements of homes.

The duty of a sump pump is to prevent flooding from the water table or rain water by triggering a float. When the float, due to water levels, reaches a certain predetermined level, the sump pump will start pumping the unwanted water.

In addition to an electrical-powered main sump pump, it’s very important to have a sump pump backup system for when that pump may fail. Main pumps often fail due to a myriad of problems: an excessive inflow of water, a blockage due to dirt or debris, a broken or stuck float or a loss of electricity, to name just a few.

There are two main types of backup pumps: 1) the battery backup, and 2) the water-powered backup. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

Battery backup sump pumps usually operate on 12-volt batteries, and the best models use rechargeable batteries. Though the equipment may be somewhat costly, the peace of mind is generally worth the cost of the original system. If you choose a battery-powered back up sump pump, it is strongly suggested that you purchase an automatic battery recharger just to be sure that the battery doesn’t die from lack of use during long periods without rain.

Water-powered pumps run by using the concept of suction and are connected to the resident’s water system. A water-powered sump pump functions by taking your existing water supply from the village supply and forcing it through an ejector. The decreased pressure around the incoming water flow draws water up from the sump pump pit and out of your home. The water-powered sump pump requires no battery, no power and no moving parts – as long as you still receive municipal water, the water-powered sump pump will be able to pump water out of your home.

One drawback to the water-powered sump pump is that it costs considerably more money to run over a specific time period than an electric or battery-powered sump pump, since the cost of water and sewer usage must be figured in. Most water-powered sump pumps are configured to turn on automatically in the event of a primary sump pump failure. In the event your water-powered sump pump does kick on, please note that you are liable for the additional water and sewer fees incurred. The Village does not give refunds or credit for either water or sewer in such instances.

Whatever system you choose, a backup system is added insurance against what we are all trying to avoid – a flooded basement.