Sump Pumps Key Terms

Getting familiar with sump pumps key terms

By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer, LOCAL CITIZEN

The sump pump is a piece of hardware that pumps flood water or excessive ground water into a sump pit to keep basement areas of residential and commercial buildings dry. It's very important to get a good sump pump for any commercial basement space that houses inventory or anything else of value, or for any other space, really. Knowing about some key terms for types of sump pumps and equipment will help a business leader figure out what's right for a commercial space.

Battery backup

Because power outages often come with basement flooding (thunder-storms and similar situations), a battery backup is really good idea for a sump pump. A sump pump battery backup is any of many battery-powered solutions that will kick in if the electrical system goes down, and will keep the pump working and clearing flood water from a basement area.
Try: See some more tips on sump pump battery backups at this Home Tips page.

Water powered sump pump

A water powered sump pump is a new technology for pumps that uses water pressure to operate the pump apparatus, providing another electricity-free option for running a sump pump. These are also great backup systems for ensuring that a stalled pump doesn't mean a basement area will be flooded, adding damage to commercial spaces.
Try: See a lot more details on water powered sump pumps at RadonSeal.

Pedestal sump pump

Pedestal sump pump models are pumps that sit above a sump pit. Some buyers don't like these because they "stick out", but pedestal sump pumps can easily be hidden from view with simple screens or other constructions, and the low cost of pedestal sump pumps makes them a good option for many installations.
Try: See more on pedestal sump pumps at Sump Pump Help.

Submersible sump pump

The submersible sump pump is a pump model that fits inside a pit or area where the water will be pumped. It contains a water resistant seal. Submersible pumps are popular for places where visitors will see a basement space.
Try: Find more on submersible sump pumps at WiseGeek, and scroll down to the third paragraph to learn more about submersible sump pumps.

Water alarms

Water alarms are setups that can alert a home owner is a sump pump has failed.
Try: Read more about different types of water alarms (after the segments on sump pump types) and learn more about sump pumps at this Buyers Guide from Inspect NY.

Eco friendly sump pump

Largely, water powered sump pumps come under the banner of "eco friendly" sump pumps because they do not use electricity. There are other features that also make a sump pump models easier on the environment.
Try: Find more on eco friendly sump pump models from the Green Living Center at Imperial online.