If you've experience flooding in your basement or cellar, then you know how important it is to have a reliable sump pump. Flooding can cause serious structural deterioration to your basement walls and floors and can pose health risks to you and your loved-ones. Wet and dank areas are the perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold which can then make their way into your home. It is critical that you take proper care of your basement and cellar to ensure the safety of your home and family. Let's explore how a sump pump works and can be the perfect preventative measure.

There are two main types of sump pumps: pedestal and submersible.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

A pedestal sump pump should be placed where flooding or pooling will occur. This should be the lowest place in your basement or cellar and sometimes is referred to as a sump pump pit. The pedestal sump pump is mounted on a small platform so the motor will remain out of contact with any water. A rod drops down from the motor unit to the bottom of the floor where pooling may occur. A float device is connected to the rod.

Once flooding reaches a certain level, the float device will rise, in turn activating the on switch for the sump pump. Flood waters are then pumped out of the house via a drain pipe. When the water level decreases back to a stable level, the pump will automatically turn off.

Remember that the motor on pedestal sump pumps should never be placed in water.

Submersible Sump Pumps

A submersible sump pump is capable of being fully submersed into water. They operate similarly to a pedestal sump pump but no extra piping is required. The water is "sucked" directly into the bottom of the sump pump itself, and is then pumped out through a simple garden hose. Submersible sump pumps come with a filter that screens out sediment and other debris from being sucked into the working parts of the device. If your impeller - the working part that makes the suction possible - becomes inoperable, then the entire sump pump is useless.

Many pedestal sump pumps have been damaged by particles and sediment entering into the impeller area. Submersible sump pumps contain an outer shell of thick plastic to cover the electrical switch. A submersible sump pump works similar to a pedestal pump. When flooding reaches a certain point (above the pump), a sump pump float switch will rise with the water and trigger the device to begin pumping water.

Backup Sump Pumps

Even though these sump pumps are typically hardwired directly into your home's power supply, it's a very good idea to have a sump pump backup system connecting to a different energy source in case of a power outage. Most backup systems will work with a 12 volt battery much like the one in your car. Most flooding occurs during a storm so you need to be sure that your primary sump pump is working properly and to consider installing a secondary backup pump in case of a power outage.

Sump pumps are really nothing more than simple motors that pumps water from your basement to outside your house. The money you invest in sump pumps is priceless in comparison to potential flooding which can cost thousands of dollars. If you don't already have a sump pump, learn how to find a quality sump pump today.