Your sump pump is likely situated in the lowest part of your home and is designed to prevent flooding after periods of heavy rain or significant storms. Sump pumps work a lot like a toilet tank, automatically activating when water starts to fill the lower basin. If you’re unfamiliar with how your sump pump works, here’s a brief overview.
- Water Collection—A pit that sits below the structure of your sump pump will start to collect water when it rains.
- Pump Activation-– When the water level hits a certain point, a floating switch will complete an electrical circuit and engage the pump.
- Water Removal—Once activated, the pump will then move the water from the pit and out and away from your home’s foundation.
- Pumping Schedule—How often your sump pump runs depends on the weather and your home’s location. Your sump pump may run more often during storm season or if your home sits in a flood zone.
- The Alarm System—If the water in your sump pump basin exceeds a certain level, an alarm will sound to notify you that your sump pump is failing and requires professional repairs.