How to Choose the Best Sump Pump System for Your Home?

4 min readMar 7, 2023

Every homeowner wants to keep their home’s foundation dry and safe, but the risk of a flooded basement or crawl space is always looming. This is why investing in a sump pump system is essential to mitigate the possibility of water damage and flooding.

But, what if you experience a sump pump failure during a heavy rainstorm, your basement can quickly fill up with water, leaving you with costly flood cleanup. To avoid this nightmare scenario choosing the right sump pump system with the help of a professional installer is key.

Read this article to learn how a sump pump works and the various options available to choose the best pump system for your home.

What is a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are small pumps sunk into the ground of your basement or the lowest level of the house. These are activated when the water level in the sump pit rises above a certain point. The area is specially constructed so that water can be collected and pumped out of the basement. The water is safely directed away from your home, such as a storm drain, dry well, or sewer system.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

The basement waterproofing system has a channel dug around the perimeter of the basement, just outside the edge. This channel directs any water entering the building to a pit where the sump pump resides. When the water inside the dug pit reaches its predetermined level, it will activate and turn on automatically, pumping out all the water in the pit and sending it through the hose or pipe to the safe drainage area.

Types of Sump Pumps

Basements and crawl spaces in your home need a sump pump that can push a large amount of water out quickly and efficiently. That’s why you need to choose the right type of sump pump for your home, depending on the risk of flooding in your area. Here are some of the options available with professionals:

Pedestal Sump Pumps

Pedestal sump pumps are an affordable, easy-to-maintain option that is great for smaller sump pits. It sits upright on the floor of your basement or crawl space, and its motor is located above the basin. These can be noisier and more prone to overheating than other pumps but have less depreciation and longer service life. But if you’re unsure if pedestal sump pumps are right for your home’s needs, you can always consult a crawl space repair expert for better advice.

Submersible Sump Pumps

If you want to protect your basement or crawl space properly, a submersible sump pump is your best option. These pumps are powerful and efficient, removing flood water quickly. They also take up minimal space and are less intrusive and quieter than pedestal pumps. With its motor underwater, this pump is safer in homes with kids. Although the cost is higher initially, protecting your home is well worth the investment.

Backup Sump Pumps

When your main sump pump isn’t working due to a power outage or any other reason, you need a backup sump pump to protect your home. These pumps run on battery power and start automatically when the primary pump fails. You are not needed to replace the primary sump pump, but the backup will help keep your home safe from flooding in an emergency. The professionals tackling flooded basements can help you install a reliable and efficient backup sump pump to provide additional protection for your home.

Combination Sump Pumps

For efficient and effective flood prevention, combination sump pumps are ideal. They offer the benefits of both primary and backup sump pumps in one system. Your basement or crawl space will be highly protected with two pumps and power sources. If your primary pump malfunctions or there is a power outage, your combination sump pump will activate the backup automatically.

Sump Pump Care and Maintenance

Sump pump systems professionally installed and kept in optimal condition through regular maintenance will keep your basement or crawl space dry and safe. The experts can help -

Test the sump pump regularly to make sure it’s working properly.
Clean the motor and replace any damaged parts.
Ensure that your warranties stay valid and repairs are done quickly.
Install a battery backup to keep your home safe in case of power cuts.

Summing Up

Having a reliable sump pump system is essential for keeping your basement dry and free from water damage. For best results, hire a certified professional to install your system and keep it in good condition. Depending on the type of sump pump system you have, your maintenance schedule and check-ups might vary, so it’s better to consult experts and adhere to the best practices for your system.