For residential and commercial properties, a sump pit brings us into the 21^st century of plumbing and waste management. Fundamentally speaking, it is a man-made hole, or “pit” that is drilled into the floor and lined with concrete, or sometimes even brick, and then covered with a grate, making it look similar to a large drain. They are designed to collect water and other excess liquid runoff and debris. These are generally installed in basements or subgrade levels of a home to prevent flooding and overflow and operated by a plumbing appliance called a sump pump.

Continue reading to learn more about sump pits and sump pumps, and what to do to ensure yours stays operational.

What are Sump Pumps?

A sump pump is a device that is outfitted to a sump pit for the purpose of removing excess water and liquids from the pit. They are usually connected to a municipal sewer line or storm drain and equipped with a flotation device that forces them to clink at particular levels of flooding. If the power is out, there is a manual lever that allows people to release excess water.

If the water level reaches or exceeds a preset level in the pit, the pump initiates and sucks up enough liquid to remedy the risk of overflow. Since both the sump pit and pump are vital to the overall operation, it is important to provide periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

What are Sump Pits?

Sump pits are extremely helpful for basements. This is especially true for properties located in flood zones, regions with frequent or high precipitation, and areas where the water table is higher than the subgrade level of a home. All of these factors can increase the chances of basement flooding, water leaks, and more. Namely, when the surrounding water table is higher than that of your basement floor, several problems can arise. Health concerns, structural damages, mildew growth, mold remediation, costly remodels, and tedious repairs are just a few examples.  For these reasons, it is vital to have a working sump pump and pit.

Maintenance for Sump Pumps

It is important to provide regular maintenance and cleaning for sump pits and pumps. They can grow algae and mold inside, and even become clogged with debris overtime. A professional plumber has the resources and training to implement all your sump pump maintenance and repair needs.

Do you require emergency sump pump service or repair in Central Indiana? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services for sump pumps and more. We carry the most reliable back up system on the market today, the Aquanot ll® Battery Backup Sump Pump, and at the most competitive price around.

You Should Also Read:

Why Won’t My Sump Pump Turn Off After it Rains a Lot?
How to Determine Which Sump Pump Size You Need
Top 7 Reasons Why Sump Pumps Break