Plumber replacing sump pump

Many homeowners have a sump pump in their houses to keep an area dry when it’s prone to collecting water. These fixtures will be the first line of defense if your basement or crawl space frequently floods, but not many people understand how they work or how to care for them. Get your sump pump questions answered in this helpful guide from Roto-Rooter Jackson, TN.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sump Pumps

Protect your home or business from flooding with a heavy-duty drainage system. Discover basic information about sump pumps and how they can benefit you.

What Are Sump Pumps?

A sump pump system takes care of water flow inside your basement. It consists of a mechanical pump that sits inside a deep basin, also called a sump pit. When the pump is fully submerged, it will lower the water level in the basin by sending the liquid through a discharge pipe.

Are There Different Types of Sump Pumps?

Yes, there are two distinct types of devices:

  • Pedestal pumps: These have a motor on top of the tank, making a pedestal pump easier to service.
  • Submersible pumps: It’s harder to maintain a submersible pump because the motor is connected inside the sump basin.

Get your sump pump questions answered during a plumbing consultation.

How Big Can a Sump Pit Be?

Most sump pumps can hold between 15 and 25 gallons of water in their basins. A plumber will equip your house with one that meets your demands.

Sump Pump Repair banner, guy checking the sump pump in the background

How Does a Sump Pump Operate?

Plug an extension cord into your device to provide electrical power and it will automatically drain water. If you have a manual device, you’ll have to turn it on yourself to drain the water.

Will a Sump Pump Work During Power Outages?

The answer depends on the type of pump you use. If your main pump connects to an electrical outlet, you’ll need a backup sump pump. Most homeowners have a battery backup pump as a precaution.

Sump Pump Battery Backup System Diagram

Why Do Sump Pumps Fail?

A main pump fails because of a lack of proper maintenance, aging, and debris in the discharge line. Be mindful of continuous operation and schedule a repair service if your device doesn’t shut off. Have a plumber inspect and fix the plastic filters, and check valves, and other components.

Do I Need a Sump Pump Installed If My Basement Never Floods?

Yes, any space below the ground level can collect water during a heavy rainstorm. It’s also possible for the house to flood because of a burst pipe, in which case your foundation may deteriorate.

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Get More Sump Pump Questions Answered By a Professional – Contact Jackson’s Premier Plumbing Contractor

When you need residential or commercial plumbing solutions, count on the team at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup in Jackson, TN. We serve as an emergency plumber who can perform necessary repairs to your sump pump or take care of installation. Our crews also specialize in water damage cleanup and water damage restoration if a sump pump doesn’t keep your basement dry.

To schedule a service or get additional sump pump questions answered by an expert, contact us at 731-213-3611.