Protect your home by preventing basement flooding with a sump pump.

However, some areas are more prone to flooding than others, especially during spring when snow melts.

A sump pump also protects the home in case of flooding.

sump pump in basement in home

Credit:Getty Images / IcemanJ

Use this guide to learn about sump pumps and determine if you need one for your home.

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is an appliance that pumps water out of a home.

A sump pump sits inside a pit cut into the floor.

This allows the unit to pump the excess water out of the home through a discharge line.

Typically, a float switch rises with the water level in the sump pump pit.

When the water reaches a specific level, it triggers the float switch, activating the sump pump motor.

Submersible Sump Pump

Submersible sump pumps are the go-to choice for a primary sump pump system.

Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump

Water-powered backup sump pumps dont rely on electricity to operate.

It then discharges the water outside the home.

For this reason, some cities do not allow the use of water-powered backup sump pumps.

Homeowners must replace or recharge the batteries after use to keep the backup system viable for future emergencies.

Bypreventing flooding, the sump pump helps keep the foundation intact and extends the life of the home.

Similarly, the higher the rate of water removal, the more expensive the sump pump.