When it comes to basement waterproofing, the sump pump is perhaps the most important element. Responsible for keeping groundwater levels to a minimum, sump pumps are the strongest line of defense against basement flooding.
Interested in learning more about the sump pump? If so, you’re in the right place, because we’re going to discuss the details below. Take it from an Arlington Heights basement waterproofing company: here is everything you need to know about the importance of the sump pump.
Where Did the Sump Pump Come From?
The sump pump is far from a new invention. That said, it isn’t a particularly old one either. It came about in 1946 at the hands of Karl Niedermeyer, a ship dock worker who was inspired by the water pumps that were used to pull ships ashore.
After experimenting with the pumps, he realized that they could be altered to control groundwater levels. Before long, his invention was being used in basements as a means of preventing flooding.
While the original sump pumps were faulty, crude, and unreliable, they progressed quickly, turning into steady and consistent devices within just a few years. These days, they’re used in basements the world over, helping them to remain dry and mold free.
What Does the Sump Pump Do?
The function of the sump pump is to prevent groundwater from reaching flooding levels. It does this by sitting inside of a sump pit and detecting the water levels within the pit. Once the levels reach a certain height, the pump goes to work, forcing water levels down and evacuating water to another area outside the home.
Sump pumps are available in two different styles. One of these styles is the submersible style, and the other is the pedestal style.
Aptly named, submersible sump pumps are submerged in their corresponding sump pits. Though they’re the most effective of the two types, they don’t fit in all sump pits. As such, pedestal sump pumps, which sit above their corresponding sump pits, sometimes need to be used instead.
Creating a Sump Pump System
Now that we’ve discussed the basics of sump pumps, we’re going to discuss the creation of a sump pump system. Sump pump systems typically include the following.
Primary Pumps
The most important component in a sump pump system is the primary pump. This pump is powered by electricity, and it’s the first line of defense against potential flooding. While primary pumps are generally reliable, they can be deactivated by power outages. As such, it’s often wise to supplement them with secondary pumps.
Secondary Pumps
Whereas a primary pump is operated via electricity, a secondary pump is operated via battery. The purpose of the secondary pump? To take over for the primary pump if the power goes out during a storm.
Secondary pumps are constantly charging, allowing them to fully operate in the event of a power outage. If a secondary pump is not present, and if the power goes out, the home will have no way to protect itself against flooding. For this reason, secondary pumps are highly recommended.
Hire an Arlington Heights Basement Waterproofing Company to Install a Sump Pump in Your Home
Are you interested in installing a sump pump in your home? If so, you would be wise to utilize the services of an Arlington Heights basement waterproofing company.
Looking for reputable waterproofing company? Look no further than ULB-DRY Waterproofing, Chicagoland’s premier basement waterproofing company. Skilled and experienced, we’ve installed sump pumps in countless Arlington Heights basements.
Contact us today to get the process started!