What Is a Sump Pump?
Basements and crawl spaces often sit directly in the path of rising groundwater, heavy rain, and the occasional plumbing disaster. Without proper drainage, even a small seep can quickly become a costly mess. A correctly installed sump pump system quietly manages this excess water before it reaches finished areas and leads to flooding and water damage. This post outlines the benefits of installing a sump pump, compares the two primary pump styles, and explains why a secondary or backup sump pump offers important extra security.
Benefits of Sump Pumps
A sump pump is installed in a recessed sump pump basin at the lowest point of a basement or crawl space. As water enters the basin, the sump pump float switch rises; when it reaches a preset level, the pump activates and discharges water away from the foundation through a drain line.
Key advantages include:
- Flood prevention during strong storms or rapid snowmelt
- Reduced hydrostatic pressure around the foundation, limiting cracks and movement
- Protection for flooring, furniture, stored belongings, and mechanical equipment
- Less persistent dampness, which lowers the chance of mold and mildew growth
With professional sump pump installation and occasional testing of the float mechanism, this compact device can deliver continuous protection with minimal attention.
Types of Primary Sump Pumps
Most homes rely on either a submersible sump pump or a pedestal sump pump as the main unit. Each sump pump style has distinct pros and cons.
A submersible sump pump sits completely underwater inside the pit. This design offers strong pumping capacity and very quiet operation because the surrounding water helps absorb sound. Submersible units also tend to handle small debris better. However, they are more expensive upfront than pedestal models and slightly more challenging to service, since the motor lives inside the basin.
A pedestal sump pump, by contrast, keeps the motor mounted above the pit on a column, with only the intake pipe in the water. Pedestal pumps usually cost less initially and often have a longer lifespan because the motor stays dry and accessible. The trade-offs are lower power and more noticeable noise during operation. Choosing between the two depends on budget, expected water volume, and how often the pump will need to run.
Secondary or Backup Sump Pumps
Even a high-quality primary pump can fail during a storm due to mechanical issues or a power outage. When that happens, water levels can rise quickly. A sump pump backup serves as a second line of defense.
Common sump pump backup options include:
- A sump pump battery backup, which allows water removal to continue even when utility power fails
- A water-powered sump pump backup that operates using water pressure
By adding a reliable secondary pump or backup, homeowners significantly reduce the risk of sudden basement flooding and gain added confidence during severe weather.
About Green Hills Plumbing
The friendly experts at Green Hills Plumbing provide a comprehensive range of plumbing services to the communities of Nashville and the surrounding areas. With trusted, experienced technicians and upfront pricing, customer satisfaction is guaranteed. Call them today for sump pump installation services in Nashville, TN.
