A sump pump is a device used to remove water that has accumulated in a sump pit, which is a small pit or reservoir typically found in basements or crawl spaces. Its primary purpose is to prevent flooding or water damage in these areas. Here’s how it works:
1. **Sump Pit:** A sump pit is a hole dug into the lowest point of a basement or crawl space. Water naturally flows into this pit due to gravity or it may be directed there by a drainage system.
2. **Water Accumulation:** As water collects in the sump pit, a float or pressure sensor activates the sump pump when the water level reaches a certain point.
3. **Pump Activation:** When the sump pump is activated, it starts pumping water out of the pit through a discharge pipe.
4. **Discharge:** The water is then pumped away from the building and into a location where it won’t cause damage, such as a storm drain or a designated drainage area.
By removing excess water from the sump pit, a sump pump helps to prevent basement flooding, water damage to the foundation, and the growth of mold and mildew. Sump pumps are particularly important in areas where homes are prone to flooding or where the water table is high. They can be automatic, turning on when needed, or manual, requiring the homeowner to activate them.
The video below is of a home in Wake County. The water table is high as this home is in a lower part of the neighborhood. This particular sump pump had a motor problem and it was being repaired. Once it was working again the water, as you can see, is pumped and redirected well away from the home.