Sump pump systems play a critical role in preventing water damage and flooding in both industrial and domestic settings. These systems help remove excess water from basements, crawl spaces, and other areas prone to standing water.

In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of sump pump systems, from heavy-duty industrial pumps to compact residential models.

 

Features of a sump pump system

For a sump pump system to function, it requires essential components. Whether it’s a system for residential or commercial purposes, these components remain quite similar.

 

• Sump pit: Dug at the lowest point of the basement or cellar to collect excess water.
• Sump pump: The motor that is responsible for pumping water out of the sump pit and away from the building.
• Float switch: Activates a sensor when the water reaches a specific level in the sump pit.
• Discharge pipe: Directs water pumped from the sump pit away from the building.
• Check valve: Prevents water from flowing back into the sump pit. Functions on a one-way basis.

 

Types of sump pumps

There are different types of sump pumps available, each designed for different applications. To understand how a sump pump system works, it’s useful to know how sump pumps can differ from one another.

Submersible sump pumps

A submersible sump pump operates underwater. They feature a waterproof casing and a float switch that activates when water reaches a certain level in the sump pit. They work to keep your cellar dry and pump excess water away from the building when the float switch is activated.

Pedestal sump pumps

This type of pump sits just above the water line, on top of the sump pit. Similar to submersible pumps, they feature a water sensor that monitors the water levels in the sump chamber. Water is pumped out once this is triggered.

Battery backup sump pumps

It’s not uncommon for your mains electricity to go down, especially during a storm. Power outage in the face of flooding can be disastrous.

Battery backup sump pumps ensure that, even without electricity, your building can remain flood-free. They are powered by a battery so they can continue operating through power outages when your primary sump pump fails. They offer an extra level of protection.

Combination sump pumps

A combination pump is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a combination of a primary pump (submersible or pedestal) and a battery backup pump. You get the benefits of both in one install unit.

If you want to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of these types of pumps, you can read our blog: 4 Types of Sump Pumps: How They Work.

 

Basement sump pump systems

Installing a sump pump system in a basement will help to protect your home from flooding during heavy weather, or any other water accumulation. It uses a drainage pipe to direct excess water away from your home’s foundations and a check valve to stop water flowing back into the sump chamber.

These systems can be used in both domestic and commercial basements. Twin pump systems, especially, can deal with high volumes of water, suiting itself to larger requirements.

 

Sump pumps for septic systems

Sewage pumps are responsible for pumping away sewage and waste water from septic tanks. They can also be used for dirty water, ground water and pond water. 

You can expect them to have a high flow rate, in order to redirect water that will often contain debris and soft solids. Sewage pumping stations therefore differ from basement pumps because they are designed to process a different type of water.

 

How does an industrial sump pump system differ from residential?

Industrial sump pump systems are generally heavy-duty, created for large-scale water removal. They are often used in factories, commercial buildings, and wastewater treatment facilities.

They differ from residential pump systems because:

• They have higher horsepower and pumping capacity.
• They are built with durable, corrosion-resistant materials for longevity.
• They can handle larger debris and solid waste.
• They are designed for continuous operation in demanding environments.

 

How Sumps and Pumps can help

Sumps and Pumps offers a range of sump pumps for basements and cellars at competitive prices. We offer a selection of high-quality submersible sump pumps and single and twin pump systems to suit a range of building sizes and requirements. 

Our packaged basement and cellar pumping stations include a sump pump chamber and submersible cellar water pump to keep things as simple as possible. These typically require some assembly, which is how we can offer some of the lowest-priced basement sump pumps in the UK. 

We also offer pre-assembled, ready-to-go pumping stations like the NPS PRO Basement Sump Pump Station. These come fully built and require no special tools for easy pump installation. 

If you need a battery backup to ensure that your home is fully protected even during a power outage, we also stock these and a range of pump control panels and waterproofing products. 

You can browse our full range of sump pumps, pumping stations and accessories in our online shop. Or, if you’d like some advice about the best option for your basement, please feel free to contact our helpful team.