Do Sump Pumps Need Electricity?

Sump pumps are used in basements or near foundations of buildings where water accumulates from rain or a high water table level. Sump pumps are installed in a sump pit with a gravel base at the lowest ground level. As the pit fills with water, the sump pump pumps the accumulated water away from the foundation of a building through a series of pipes so that water damage does not occur. JD Service Now has a team of Chapel Hill plumbers that work with sump pumps and understand their design and use.

Powering Sump Pumps

Sump pumps get their power from one of a few sources:

• Electrical Outlet
• Battery
• Pressurized Water Supply.

The most common by far is electricity use: when sump pumps are hardwired into a building’s electrical system. But even these electrically powered sump pumps tend to have a battery backup in case of power outages during a storm when the pump still needs to be run.

Any special switches connected to the sump pump must utilize a heavier gauge power cord to ensure that the right voltage amounts are available for the motor to utilize. Sump pumps powered by an AC main are also used in single-phase (residential) or three-phase (commercial) motors.

How Sump Pumps Work

Sump pumps turn on automatically when the float activator arm is raised or when the pressure sensor detects the presence of water. The motor then takes over, turning on an impeller which forces water out of the pump.

Sump pumps for home use a standard electrical current, so they mainly require a grounded outlet. Since sump pumps deal with water and electricity, it is a good idea to a ground fault circuit interrupter that prevents unintentional electrocution.

In some climates and areas where buildings are constructed, sump pumps are essential to keeping water levels low so that water damage does not occur to the building.

Contact JD Service Now at 919-383-7000 for your Durham Plumbing & HVAC service needs!