What kinds of sump pumps are there?
There are two kinds of sump pumps, electric-powered and water-powered. Electric-powered sump pumps have two basic designs: • Upright or pedestal electric sump pumps have a motor positioned above the ground to avoid touching water. When water collects in the area around the pump, such as a basement floor, a float-activated switch rises and turns on the pump, which begins to drain the water. They are very effective, but can be noisy. • Submersible electric sump pumps can be placed directly into the ground where there is a drainage problem and are water-safe. A float-activated switch turns the pump on when it senses the presence of water. They often cost more than standing pumps, but are quieter and usually last longer. Water-powered sump pumps also are activated by a float switch. They are powered by your home’s water pressure pumping system and require no electricity, but you must have city water, not a well. They pump slower than electric models and are often used as a backup system fo
