Buying a sump pump can be overwhelming with there being so many different types of pumps, appliances, and systems. 

At Sumps and Pumps, we offer a wide range of pumping systems and equipment to ensure your water disposal is as efficient as it can be.

This article outlines the factors to consider when buying a sump pump. Read our guide to understand how to choose the right sump system for your needs.

Looking to buy a basement pumping station? Explore our range here.

 

What is a sump pump?

They are installed in basements or other below-ground areas to prevent flooding. A typical pump system features a pump and pit, float switch, water alarm, and battery back up. Their primary function is to protect buildings from water damage.

This is done by the sump pit filling with water, activating the pump, and discharging the water through drainage pipes to a safer location, away from the building.

 

How to choose a sump pump

There are several factors to consider when choosing a pumping station to prevent water damage. We’ve made a list of what you should consider before you buy a sump pump.

Flow rate

The flow rate you require depends on how much water you will be pumping to the drainage point, and the size of the drainage area. Different pump systems have a range of capacities.

Type of water

The pump you choose needs to be designed for the right type of water, whether it is clean water, grey water, or sewage.

Power source

It’s important to know how much power (usually measured in horsepower hp) is required to pump the required amount of water. Each sump pump has its own specifications, outlining important information that would be useful to know.

Accessories

Sump pumps for basements are necessary to prevent flooding. For an efficient pumping system, we recommend a float switch, water alarm and battery back ups.

Float switches detect the level of liquid in the sump tank or pit. Once the float hits a certain level, it switches the pump on or off to prevent flooding. 

Water alarm systems send an alert if anything were to go wrong in the sump pit. They work to prevent larger issues occurring by flagging when something is amiss early on.

Backup sump pump systems are vital if you were to lose power. The original sump pump would not be able to function without power, so a battery backup system works by kicking into gear when it detects a loss of power. This is essential if your pump requires continuous operation or if you live in an area prone to flooding.

Material

If you intend for your pumping station to be a long-term investment, choosing one made from high-quality materials will ensure its longevity. Materials such as stainless steel are perfect for corrosion resistance.

 

What type of sump pumps are there?

There are four main types of sump pumps.

• Submersible pump – Operates underwater with a waterproof float switch – ideal for basements and lower-ground environments.
• Pedestal pump – Sits above the water line, monitoring the amount of water entering the sump chamber and turning on to pump out excess water.
• Battery back up pump – Powered by a battery to maintain operation of the sump pump if there is a power outage.
• Combination pump – A combination of a primary pump and battery back up pump; one takes over the other to pump out excess water.

Read a more detailed description of their pros and cons here: 4 Types of Sump Pumps and How They Work.

 

So, which sump pump should I buy?

Knowing which sump pump to buy takes a lot of consideration to make sure you get it right. Working with an experienced specialist ensures you purchase the best quality pump for your needs.

Sumps and Pumps offers a range of 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. 

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.