Sump and pump system and Damp proofing

Sump Pumps Versus Water Pumps for Basements

If it’s in an area where you don’t want it, water is always going to be a problem. Whether you’ve got water in your basement or at a low point in your back garden, getting rid of the water should be a priority. When dealing with a standing water problem in your home, many homeowners will consider getting a pump. However, there are lots of factors to consider when choosing the right pump for dealing with this problem, including whether a water pump, utility pump or sump pump is going to be the better choice.

Sump and Pump System and Damp Proofing

A sump pump is usually the best choice for keeping water out of your basement or cellar. This is a small pump that is installed at the lowest part of the basement. It works to keep the building as dry as possible and pumps water out to prevent flooding issues. A drainage system should be put in place for the water to travel through and enter the pump if it is not able to naturally travel through the soil. A sump pump should be installed in a sump or pit. The pump has a float switch, which activates so that the pump can remove water when it accumulates in the sump. This type of pump is submersible, and they are designed to be in the water rather than to lift the water to the pump. Along with being useful for keeping water out of your basement or cellar, they can also be used for draining ponds or swimming pools.

What is the Difference Between a Sump Pump and a Water Pump?

A standard water pump or utility pump is a type of pump that can have various uses around the home. However, the main difference between these two kinds of pumps is that a water pump is not usually submergible in the water. This can make them useful in a wider range of situations compared to a sump pump. They will usually come with an intake connection so an intake hose can be connected, and they operate at a higher output pressure. Some water pumps come with a garden hose connection that can make them ideal for outdoor work.

Sump and Pump System and Damp Proofing in London

If you are converting your basement or want to damp proof your basement or cellar to make it more suitable for storage, then a sump pump is the best option since it is specifically designed for this task. Most sump pumps are designed to be placed vertically, and the intake opening is as close as possible to the floor, which allows it to pump almost all the water from the sump. These pumps are also usually equipped with a float switch, which rises with the water level and turns the sump pump on when it reaches a certain point. The switch will then stay on until the water level returns to close to the bottom of the sump pit. This is done through the use of an automatic sensor, so you don’t need to worry about the pump, which will be getting on with its job behind the scenes.

What is a Sump Pump System and What Should I Look For?

Like all equipment, sump pumps will need to be replaced from time to time. In general, you can expect a good one to last for around ten years. If you have a sump pump in your basement and it has failed, you should consider getting a new one as it’s likely it has failed due to age. The good news is that if you are shopping for a new sump pump now after buying one several years ago, the technology has changed and developed a lot and modern sump pumps have been improved giving you lots of different options. There are several factors to consider before you buy, whether you’re replacing an old sump pump or shopping for a new one to use with your basement conversion project.

Type of Switch

Submersible sump pumps will usually come with a switch installed on the pump that will switch it on when the water level reaches a certain level. There are three switch types that you can choose from when you are looking for a submersible sump pump. These are:

1 – Float Switches: The majority of submersible sump pumps will have a float switch. This is usually attached to a swing arm that is located on the housing of the pump. As the water level rises in the sump, the float will rise and eventually activate the pump when it gets to a certain level. The float switch will then turn the pump off when needed, which is usually when the water level drops back down again to close to the floor.

2 – Mercury Switches: This type of switch is operated with a small amount of mercury that is inside a glass vial that has two wires at the end. The pump will be operated whenever the mercury comes into contact with these wires. The switch is usually inside a float ball that is at the end of a short electrical cable length. The float ball will rise with the water level.

3 – Diaphragm Switches: An internal diaphragm switch is a feature on some submersible sump pumps. Air pressure will push against the diaphragm and activate the pump as the water level rises in the sump. Then, as the water is pumped out and the water level falls, the air pressure begins to increase, opening the switch and switching the pump off.

All of these three switch systems are ideal choices and will work reliably. However, like any machine, they can be prone to failure, and it is important to keep up with regular testing, inspection, and maintenance to ensure that your sump pump operates well for as long as possible.

Flow Lift and Capacity

Another main factor to consider when choosing a sump pump for your basement is that it is sized correctly for how it will be used. There is a higher risk of flooding if you choose a pump that is not large enough since it might struggle to keep up with the flow of water into the sump.

Construction and Materials

Bear in mind that the sump pump is going to be a crucial part of equipment for protecting your home against flooding and damp, so durability and reliability are two of the main things to consider before you choose the sump pump. You should go for a pump that is made using durable materials such as metal for the housing. The best options are stainless steel, bronze, and cast-iron. When choosing your sump pump, you should avoid one that is made using sheet metal or plastic. While they are less expensive, they are more likely to break down quickly since they do not have the level of durability or strength to reliably protect your home for a long time.

Type of Sump Pump

There are two main types of sump pump that you can choose from. The main one mentioned here is the submersible pump, which is designed to rest in the water. It is usually kept inside a waterproof space known as a sump or pit. The pump is placed at the bottom of the pit, with an outgoing pipe at the top. These pumps are usually fitted with a filter for debris, which prevents materials from building up inside the pump and leading to a blockage.

On the other hand, another option that you may want to consider is a centrifugal pump. This is a popular option for inside the home and uses an impeller that is turned to use centrifugal force to push water towards the sides of the pipe. This leads to the creation of a void that allows water to rush in from the sump or pit to fill the space.

Electrics

Since water and electricity together can be dangerous, this is another main thing to consider when choosing the right sump pump for your home. You will find that most sump pumps will need to use a standard household current, and a grounded outlet is required to power them. Since a sump pump is designed to be located near or fully submerged in water, you will need to ensure that the risk of electrocution or fire is prevented with a ground fault circuit interrupt on the outlet.

Is a Well Pump and Sump Pump the Same Thing?

It can be easy to confuse a well pump and a sump pump as they work in a similar way and have similar components. However, the main difference between these two pumps is that they are used for different purposes. Both remove wastewater from a well or a sump pit, however, a sump pump is usually a more suitable option for a basement damp proofing purpose.

Choosing the right pump to remove water from your basement is key to creating a safe, cosy, and liveable space.