Diagram of a Sump Pump: Get Familiar With This Water Damage Prevention Device

If you have a sump pump in your house, its inner workings might be somewhat of a mystery to you. After all, these devices are tucked away in basements and crawl spaces, operating without much fuss and requiring little maintenance. Still, it’s a good idea to get acquainted with your sump pump so that you can identify any issues before they lead to flooding, water damage, or other costly problems. Our diagram of a sump pump can help with that.

What Are the Different Parts of a Sump Pump?

The various components of a sump pump work together to prevent flooding, water damage, and mold and mildew growth in your home. Understanding each part’s purpose and position can help you identify common sump pump problems and take the right steps to fix them. 

For a visual representation of how these parts interact, check out this sump pump diagram.

1. Sump Pump

First up: the sump pump itself. This device is located in the lowest part of your home, which is the basement or a crawl space. When the water reaches a certain level inside the sump pit, the sump pump will turn on and start pumping the water out of your house.

2. Sump Pit

Also known as a basin, the sump pit is a hole in the floor of your basement or crawl space where the sump pump is installed. It holds groundwater and excess water from your home.

3. Sump Pump Tank

A sump pump tank (also called a basin or liner) is a cylinder-shaped vessel that fits snugly inside the sump pit and holds the water that enters the sump pit. Not all sump pump systems have tanks, but if they do, they’re often made from plastic, concrete, metal, or fiberglass.

Heads up: You might hear the terms “tank,” “pit,” and “basin” used interchangeably. They all refer to the same concept: An empty space in the ground that houses your sump pump and collects water.

4. Access Cover

A sump pump access cover is essentially a lid for your sump pit. Since a sump pit is an open hole in the ground, having a cover is important for safety reasons—especially if you have young children or pets. In fact, sump pump covers are required in many areas. 

In addition, a cover can prevent dust and debris from getting into the basin, where it could damage your sump pump. It can also reduce the risk of radon—an odorless radioactive gas that can cause health problems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—entering your home through the pit.

5. Exterior Discharge Pipe

Once the sump pump removes water from the sump pit, it goes into the exterior discharge pipe. This pipe, which runs from the inside to the outside of your home, transfers water from the sump pump into an appropriate outdoor location. Depending on your local regulations and the layout of your property, your sump pump water could go into a few places, including a storm drain, natural waterway, or underground.

6. Foundation Drain

A foundation drain collects groundwater from around your home’s foundation. Its purpose is to protect your foundation’s structural integrity. After the water enters the drain, it then flows into your sump pump, where it’s distributed through the exterior discharge pipe.

7. Switch

A sump pump switch monitors the water level inside the basin. When it gets too high, the switch activates the sump pump. There are a few types of sump pump switches (including float switches and electronic switches), but they all serve the same purpose.

8. Check Valve

This one-way valve prevents water that’s been expelled from coming back into the sump pit. You’ll find it near the point where the discharge pipe meets the sump pump unit.

How to Maintain a Sump Pump

Regular sump pump maintenance can help you avoid flooding, water damage, and other costly problems. Here are some preventative tips to keep your sump pump in good shape.

Test Your Sump Pump

Before the rainy season starts, make sure that your sump pump is working properly. To find out, pour a bucket of water into the basin. If it kicks on and starts removing the water, you’re good to go.

Clear Out Blockages

Debris and other objects can block your sump pump or discharge pipe, preventing it from running effectively. While you’re testing the pump’s function, check for any obstructions and, if necessary, unclog the sump pump or discharge line.

Clean the Pump

A dirty sump pump can smell like sewage, and too much dirt and debris can negatively affect a pump’s efficiency. To clean your sump pump, disconnect the power source and discharge line. Then, remove the pump from the basin and hose it off before draining any remaining water from the check valve. Finally, wipe the pump down with a rag and use a wet vacuum to suck up any leftover water inside the basin.

Invest in a Backup

If your pump runs on electricity (as many do), consider investing in a sump pump backup. When your power goes out during a storm, having a backup system in place will keep your home dry and ward off water damage.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Sump Pump

When your sump pump starts to act up, you might wonder if it makes more sense to fix it or replace it entirely. There are a few factors to consider here, including the sump pump’s age and condition, as well as the specific problem it has. (For context, replacing a sump pump costs between $300 and $750, while repairs cost around $500.)

In most cases, a sump pump lasts between seven and 10 years. If yours is just a few years old and only experiencing minor issues (like a faulty float switch), consider repairing it instead of getting a new one. 

On the other hand, you might be due for a sump pump replacement if yours is more than a decade old, struggles to turn on or off, makes unusual sounds, or vibrates aggressively.

DIY Sump Pump Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro

A sump pump installer near you will spend around an hour replacing a sump pump. Depending on where you live, you can expect to pay between $45 and $200 per hour for labor. If you’re especially handy, you should be able to replace a sump pump in a couple of hours (without a pro’s help). 

You will have to find a sump pump that’s compatible with your existing setup, which can be confusing if you're not a pro. You might also have to buy and cut PVC to create a discharge pipe for your new sump pump. If you’re uncomfortable with those aspects of the job, call a pro who installs sump pumps.