Should there be water in my sump pump pit

A sump pump is an electro-mechanical device that is used to control water drainage in a house, mostly in the basement area.

Water enters buildings when the foundation has not been waterproofed and when the foundation soaks water from the surrounding to the extent that the water percolates into the building. The pump is used to eliminate the water and convey it to a safer drainage system far away from your house.

Also, sump pumps are popularly used in homes where basement flooding is widespread. Should there be water in my sump pump pit? Read on to find out.

Parts of a Sump Pump

1. Sump Pit-

​A sump pit is a large hole/basin that is dug below the basement of your house to collect excess water that could flood your home. Sump pits vary in size depending on the size of your house and the extent of basement flooding anticipated.

2. Water Pump- 

​Water pumps are used to create the suction pressure that channels the water from the sump pit to a safe drainage system.

3. Electric Circuit- 

​The electric circuit is composed of level sensors/switches that trigger the pump to run or stop depending on the level of water in the sump pit.

4. Outlet Pipes- 

​The pipes act as mediums that channel water from the sump pits to the drainage system outside.

Principle of Operation of a Sump Pump

• During heavy rains or when the basement area is flooded, water accumulates in the sump basin.
• As the water rises in the pit, the float sensor rises activating the switch which turns the water pump on.
• The pump then starts running, sending waster out of the sump pit through the outlet pipes.
• When the level of water drops to a safer level as more water is pumped outside your house, the float sensor drops, turning the switch off.
• The motor in the pump then decelerates and comes to a complete stop halting the pumping process.
• The process is automated and can protect your house from flooding, even in your absence.

Presence of Water in The Sump Pit

There should be some little water in your sump pit when the pump is not working. The water is a safety measure that ensures that your pump takes a break from pumping. The low water level is termed as a safety margin that protects your motor from overheating due to continuous operation.

Taking Care of Your Sump Pump

• You should ensure that the outlet pipes are not frozen during cold seasons.
• Periodically check the inlet pipes to ensure that they are not clogged with debris and dirt particles.
• You should ensure that the water discharged is directed to a safer drainage system far away from your house. 
• The sump pump should have a dedicated source of power which will ensure that the pump runs even during power outages.
• You should regularly check the float switch to ensure that it is not faulty to avoid miscommunications with the pump.

Conclusion

To summarize, it is crucial to understand that there is no harm when there is some water in your sump pump pit. The water is necessary because it allows the sump pump to rest before the next surge of water comes running in the sump basin in the event of a flood. A motor that is running continuously would heat up and burn out quickly due to excess current flowing through the motor conductors. Should there be water in my sump pump pit? As we have seen above, the answer to this query is YES.