Sump Pit and Sump Pump Installation

Sump pit with three perimeter drain exits and a submersible sump pump.

The sump pump system is designed to capture water that enters the basement or crawlspace and redirect it away from the home. The water may enter via the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system, funneling into the pit or, because of rain or natural ground water if the basement is below the water table level. Sump pumps are also used to remedy dampness where the water table is above the foundation of a home. They send water away from a home to any place where it is no longer problematic, such as a municipal storm drain or a dry well.

Usually hardwired into a home’s electrical system, some sump pumps may have a battery backup for cases when the main power is out for prolonged periods of time. There are generally two types of sump pumps: pedestal and submersible. The pedestal pump’s motor is mounted above the pit, where it is more easily serviced but also more conspicuous. The submersible pump is entirely mounted inside the pit, and is specially sealed to prevent electrical short circuits.