How Does A Sump Pump Work?

When your basement starts feeling more like a splash pad, it's time to take action—and that's where sump pumps come into play.

You might already know that a sump pump is designed to remove water from your basement and keep your home dry. But how exactly does it work?

In this post, we'll break down the mechanics behind these devices, dive into different models, and explain which sump pump systems are a cut above the rest.

What does a sump pump do?

At its core, a sump pump is your home's first line of defense against water intrusion in your basement. It sits in a pit or "sump" basin dug into the lowest part of your basement. As water enters your home (usually from rain or groundwater), it collects in the sump pit.

When the water reaches a certain level, the sump pump kicks into gear, pumping the water away from your home through a discharge line.

But not all sump pumps are created equal. There’s a big difference between the models you can grab off the shelf at a hardware store and professionally installed systems.

Let’s start with the basics.

How does a sump pump work?

Diagram of Triple-Safe Sump Pump

To understand how a sump pump works, let's break it down step by step:

1. Water collects in the sump pit: Whether from rain, melted snow, or rising groundwater, water finds its way to the lowest point in your basement.
2. The float switch rises: As water fills the pit, a float switch (think of it like a trigger) rises. When it reaches a certain height, it signals the pump to activate.
3. Pump activates: Once the float switch reaches its threshold, the pump’s motor kicks on and begins to push water out of the pit.
4. Water is discharged: The pump sends the water through a discharge line, directing it safely away from your home’s foundation—often into a drainage system or a yard well.
5. Shut-off mechanism: Once the water level drops, the float switch lowers, automatically turning the pump off until the next time the pit fills.

There are two types of sump pumps

Not all sump pumps are equal, and your typical store-bought system can come up short in critical ways.

Let's look at the two most common models:

1. Pedestal pumps: These are the tall, freestanding models you can find at most hardware stores. They have an exposed motor that sits above the pit. They do the job, but the exposed design means they're louder and more prone to overheating.
2. Submersible pumps: A more advanced option, submersible pumps sit directly in the pit, with the motor safely encased and underwater. They're quieter, more efficient, less prone to damage, and can handle heavy rain and debris during storms. These are the pumps that professionals recommend—like the ones we use at Thrasher.

Professionally installed sump pumps

At Thrasher, we don't just install any sump pump. Our TripleSafe Sump Pump System offers three layers of protection that go above and beyond what a retail pump can provide:

1. Primary Pump: Our system starts with a powerful, energy-efficient pump capable of moving thousands of gallons of water per hour.
2. Secondary Pump: If the primary pump fails or can’t keep up, the secondary pump automatically kicks in, doubling your defense against flooding.
3. Battery Backup Pump: Power outages are common during storms—when you need your sump pump the most. That’s why our TripleSafe system includes a battery backup to ensure your basement stays dry even when the lights go out.

On top of that, our systems are built to last, featuring top-quality components that reduce the risk of mechanical failure and keep your home protected for years to come.

Thrasher's TripleSafe Sump Pump

The Airtight Lid on our sump pump systems keeps out debris, minimizes noise, and prevents any radon gas from entering your home.

The WaterWatch Alarm notifies you if the water level in your pump rises beyond the point where it should turn on. 

Our CleanPump Stands list the pump above where silt and sediment naturally settle to preserve the pump over time.

When to consider a sump pump

If you're dealing with basement flooding, damp walls, or even a musty smell, it's time to think about a sump pump. Water problems won’t fix themselves, and ignoring the issue could lead to costly damage.

By acting early and installing a professional-grade sump pump system, you’ll protect your home’s foundation and create a healthier living environment.

Get your basement protected today

A sump pump is an investment in your home’s long-term stability, but not all systems offer the same level of protection.

Thrasher’s TripleSafe Sump Pump System goes the extra mile with its triple-layered defense, keeping your basement dry and your foundation strong.

Don’t wait for the next downpour to realize you need a solution. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and get your home protected from water damage.