Understanding Drainage Pumps: How They Work & More

To manage excess water inside your home or business, it is important to first understand how Drainage Pumps work.Drainage pumps are responsible for disposing of water from an area to prevent possible damages due to water buildup or a dangerous conditions being created by excessive amounts of water in and around a structure. The purpose of this article is to provide you with information regarding how drainage pumps work; some of the more common usages for them; and some tips on how to choose the correct one for your needs. Finally, we will discuss why purchasing a quality pump is important if you want to maintain the value of your property.

How Does a Drainage Pump Work?

The way a drainage pump works is that its electric motor works to pump water from one location and move it to another location that is more conducive for the area. The pumps have a float switch, which activates the pump when there is a certain level of water. When the pump is turned on, the pump draws water into its body and pumps it out through the discharge pipe to remove the water from where it has accumulated.

There are two different types of drainage pumps: pedestal and submersible. A submersible drainage pump sits underwater and is typically utilized in basements or sump pits. A pedestal drainage pump, on the other hand does not sit in the water; its motor is positioned above the water (but still drains the water), so while this makes the pedestal easy to maintain, it isn’t the best choice for deeper applications.

Common Applications and Uses

In residential and commercial applications, drainage pumps are utilized in countless ways. The most common use of a drainage pump is for homes, especially if they have basements that are at risk of flooding. Homeowners often install drainage pumps to protect their homes against water damage from severe weather, such as melting snow or heavy rain.

An application that is used frequently is for draining sinks, bathtubs and other fixtures that cannot utilize a gravity drain. By utilizing a sink drainage pump to remove wastewater from a sink installation, the total-volume of wastewater being generated can be eliminated; and any clogs formed would be eliminated, thereby avoiding the creation of unsanitary conditions.

How to Choose the Right Drainage Pump

To help determine the correct drainage pump for your requirements, it is important to consider various factors in order to correctly size the pump. First, you must assess how much water you will need to pump and the flow rate of your pump (gallons per hour). Next, you must also consider the elevation (head height) to which the pump will be necessary to lift the water to. If the pump does not have enough power to raise the water to the point of discharge, it will not function properly.

It is also important to consider whether you want to use a manual or automatic pump. Automatic pumps can automatically switch themselves on and off according to water level, while manual pumps require user operation. The selection of either type is generally based upon the application and frequency of pump use.

Conclusion

To manage water properly, one must have knowledge about drainage pumps; this is true for both residential and commercial facilities. Knowing more about drainage pumps is important because this type of equipment can help any facility stay dry by preventing excess water from building up inside and damage the structure of the building. The right drainage pump will also provide a cost effective solution and peace of mind when dealing with heavy rain or plumbing issues.