Where To Buy a Sump Pump | Sump Pump Buying Guide

Sump pumps are designed to prevent flood damage in your basement. You may not need a sump pump if your basement is damp from time to time. However, if your basement floods after most rainstorms, a sump pump is a great way to prevent water damage. We explain how a sump pump works and what to look for when buying a sump pump.

Have a flooded basement or crawl space? Call 1-888-443-3110 now for a free estimate on water removal and dry out services.

What Does a Sump Pump Do?

Sump pumps are meant to keep your basement dry during heavy rains or quick thaws. A sump pump works by collecting groundwater that pools around your foundation and pumping it out to a storm drain. This stops the water from seeping through your foundation and flooding your basement.

How a Sump Pump Works

Although there are different kinds of sump pump systems, they all work in basically this same way:

Channels around your basement floor collect water coming into your home.
The water is routed to the sump pump basin.
When the water level gets high enough, the sump pump turns on.
The water is then pumped out of a discharge pipe.
The discharge pipe usually connects to storm drains but may pump the outside and away from your home.

When Do You Need a Sump Pump?

While there isn’t any harm in installing a sump pump system, you really only need one if one or more of the following is true:

You have had water damage before.
Your basement gets wet when it rains.
You live in a flood zone.
Water pools in your yard, even after light rain showers.
The ground around your home slopes towards your foundation.
Other homes on your street have flooded in the past, even if yours has not.

The Main Parts of a Sump Pump

There are six main parts of a sump pump that work together to remove water from your basement. There are also two optional items you can add to your sump pump system. While optional, they can add additional protection against water damage.

Water Collection System – While they do vary, most involve channels that direct water from around your basement foundation into a sump basin.
Sump Basin – Also called a well or sump well, the sump basin is set about two feet into the floor of your basement. The basin stores the water before it gets removed.
Primary Sump Pump – The primary sump pump removes water from the sump basin. There are several styles of pumps with different head pressure and horsepower ratings.
Pump Switch – The pump switch is either a mechanical or pressure switch that turns on the sump pump. Mechanical switches have a float inside the basin, while pressure switches measure the force of the water sitting in the basin.
Discharge Pipe – Sometimes called a discharge hose, the pump forces water out through the discharge pipe and out of your property.
Check Valve – The check valve prevents water from flowing backward in the discharge pipe. This keeps water from flowing from the outside back into your home.
Backup Sump Pump (Optional) – An optional backup sump pump turns on if there is a power outage or the primary pump fails. There are several kinds of sump pump backup systems, but the most common is a battery backup.
Water Level Alarm (Optional) – Also optional, water level alarms make a loud noise if too much water is in the sump basin. They are often used in place of or in addition to backup pumps.

What to Consider When Buying a Sump Pump

There are many different types of sump pump systems on the market. While they all work, there are pros and cons to each. Here are some of the main things to consider when buying a sump pump.

Automatic vs Manual Pumps – While manual sump pumps are available, they do not work unless you work the pump. On the other hand, automatic pumps will turn on as soon as the basin is full. The only reason to go with a manual pump is if you truly cannot afford an automatic system. If you choose a manual pump, we recommend upgrading as soon as possible.
Submersible vs Pedestal Pumps – Submersible pumps sit completely inside the well, which allows you to install a cover. The cover helps reduce noise, keep dirt out of the basin, and lower moisture levels in your basement. Pedestal pumps typically sit half in and half out of the sump basin. While they are less likely to clog, you usually cannot use a cover. As a result, they are usually louder. Your basement could also be more humid as well.
Cast Iron vs Plastic Pump Core – Sump pumps come with either cast iron or plastic pump cores. As the pump runs, it will heat up. Although both will wear out over time, a cast iron core lasts longer than a plastic one.
Mechanical vs Pressure Switch – Almost all mechanical switches rely on a float that sits on top of the water. Pressure switches, however, rely on the force of the water weighing down on a sensor. While mechanical switches and floats are not entirely infallible, they are usually more reliable than pressure switches. If you go with a mechanical switch, get one with a solid float. This way your float never gets waterlogged, which can turn your pump on unnecessarily.
Screen vs No-Screen – Some sump pumps have a screen that covers the pump intake to prevent solid items from clogging the pump or discharge pipe. While this sounds like a good thing, the screen itself can still get clogged. Instead of relying on a screen, it’s best to just clean your pump every four to six months.
Backup vs No-Backup – If you have a sump pump or are installing one, you should consider whether you need an option backup pump. There are different types of backup systems, so consider the right option for your home and needs. We recommend a backup if the power goes out often in your area.
Alarm vs No-Alarm – Some sump pumps come with a water level alarm or you can add a separate alarm to any sump pump system. Again, this is an optional accessory, but it’s worth considering when installing or upgrading a sump pump. We recommend installing an alarm if you live in an area prone to extremely heavy rainfall or near a river or lake that is prone to overflowing.
Head Pressure – Head pressure is one of the most important things to consider when buying a sump pump. Put simply, head pressure is the maximum height and distance that the pump can push the water. Before buying a sump pump, make sure to measure the length of the discharge pipe. Then get a sump pump with a head pressure rating of at least that height and distance. While you may think getting a pump with a higher rating is more efficient, it will actually just run the pump harder than needed and wear it out faster.
Horsepower – Sump pumps also come in a range of horsepower, but the most are between one-quarter and one-third horsepower. Depending on how much you think you will need to use the sump pump should determine how much horsepower you will need in the machine. If you don’t anticipate using the machine that much, a lower horsepower model will work fine.

Tips for Buying a Sump Pump

Here are our tips for buying a sump pump:

Unless you like pumping water out of your house in the middle of the night, we strongly suggest an automatic pump.
For the longest-lasting results, get a submersible sump pump with a mechanical switch and a cast iron core.
Use a heavy-duty, tight-fitting lid to limit noise and reduce smells and humidity in your basement.
There is nothing wrong with screened pumps, you still need to clean them either way.
Whenever possible add a backup pump to your system for the highest level of protection.
Water level alarms are nice, but a backup pump is a much better alternative.
Get a pump that has the right head pressure rating for your system.
While you may think higher horsepower is better, it’s less important than getting a quality pump with the right head pressure rating.

Where Can I Buy a Sump Pump?

If you already have a sump pump system installed, you can purchase a new pump from most hardware and home improvement stores as well as major internet retailers. In most cases, you can install a new pump yourself but a plumber or waterproofing company can install it for you if necessary.

However, if you need to install a sump pump system, you should hire a waterproofing company or a plumber to do the work. While you might be able to do the work yourself, you will need to cut into your basement slab and dig drain channels and the pit for the sump basin. It’s usually something best left to the professionals.

Does Restoration Local Sell or Install Sump Pumps?

Restoration Local specializes in water damage clean-up and repairs after a flood or sump pump failure. As such, we do not sell sump pumps.

Water Damage from a Sump Pump Failure?

If you’ve had a crawlspace or basement flood as a result of a sump pump failure, let our restoration specialists clean up and restore your home fast. Restoration Local offers immediate response and always free estimates. Call 1-888-443-3110 now for emergency water damage services.