How a sump pump in Calgary works
Areas prone to flooding, such as basements and underground parking garages, often use a sump pump in Calgary to remove excess water. It prevents costly water damage to property, such as foundation damage, structural rot, and mould growth. Sump pumps are also used to remove water accumulated in a catch basin, often found in the basement of commercial buildings.
Discover what a sump pump is, how it works, the benefits of having one on a property, and the various types of sump pumps that work to alleviate potential damage.
What is a sump pump?
A sump pump refers to an electrical device that is installed in a sump pit to draw out the water that has accumulated in the sump pit and then discharge it away from home. The pit is usually located in the deepest point of a basement or area prone to flooding. When the pump senses that the water level in the pit has risen to a certain point, it will turn on and begin pumping the water out of the pit and away from the building.
How does a sump pump work?
A sump pump normally has three parts: a submersible pump, a floating switch, and a drainage pipe. The floating switch is a buoyant device that is connected to the pump. The float switch is triggered when the water volume in the sump pit rises, which subsequently turns on the pump. The discharge pipe is connected to the pump and directs the water away from the building.
The submersible pump is usually placed in a pit at the lowest point of the area, beneath the water level. When there is a water buildup that exceeds its ability to drain, it kicks on and removes excess water from either an auxiliary or primary drainage system. Sump pumps are powered by electricity and have a backup power source, such as a battery, in case of a power outage.
Submersible sump pump
As the name suggests, a submersible sump pump is designed to be placed underwater in the sump pit and uses an impeller to draw water into the unit and push it out through a discharge pipe. Because they are placed underwater, submersible sump pumps are quieter than other types of sump pumps.
Pedestal sump pump
It has separate motor and pump components, with the motor mounted on a pedestal above the sump pit. The advantage of this design is that it keeps the motor away from the pit and the potential for flooding, making it less likely to be damaged. However, because the motor is not submerged, pedestal sump pumps tend to be louder than submersible models.
Water-powered sump pump
A water-powered sump pump uses your home’s water pressure to remove water from the sump pit. These types of pumps are a good option if you live in an area with frequent power outages, as they will continue to work even if the power is out. However, water-powered sump pumps are not as powerful as electric models and will not work if your water pressure is too low.
Conclusion
Sump pumps in Calgary can be an invaluable tool in preventing basement water damage, but only if they are properly installed and maintained. We can help you choose and install the right sump pump for your needs and provide sump pump maintenance and repair services.
When you need plumbing and heating services in Calgary, turn to Western Canadian Furnace Company Ltd. From dealing with AC installation/repair, commercial duct cleaning, hot water tanks, drain cleaning and more – we are your go-to company when it comes to residential and commercial HVAC services in Calgary. With some of the most experienced technicians on hand, we use the most modern equipment to handle all your needs. Contact us at info@westcan4u or 403-531-6181.
