Under the Contractor Umbrella

Installing a sump pit is an effective way of waterproofing your basement and preventing flooding. Sump pits have a sump pump that channels water away from the basement and discharges it to outdoor drains. There are two primary types of sump pumps for basement drainage: submersible pumps and pedestal pumps. Submersible pumps are fully submerged in the sump drain, while pedestal pumps sit on the basement floor. Below are the key factors that determine the best pump choice for your sump pit.

Water Volume and Composition

Before choosing a sump pump, consider the volume of water that floods the basement. Submersible sump pumps can pump out large volumes of water, making them ideal for homes that experience severe flooding from failed roof drainage systems and heavy rainfall. These pumps can also handle solids like debris and mud. 

Conversely, pedestal sump pumps are ideal for basements that experience minimal flooding. They are not built to handle debris, so if the water in your basement has debris, the pump can fail mid-operation. For this reason, pedestal sump pumps are excellent for use if you have a narrow or shallow sump pit that accommodates a smaller volume of debris-free water.

Quiet vs. Loud Operation

If your basement acts as an extra living room, library, game room, gym, or entertainment space, you need a pump that operates quietly. In this case, a submersible sump pump is the best choice. Since it sits inside the sump pit, this pump does not produce annoying sounds when running. A pedestal pump is noisy because its motor sits on the basement floor, outside the sump drain. Therefore, it is ideal for households that use the basement for storage only. 

Basement Floor Space and Usability

Submersible sump pumps do not occupy any floor space in the basement. If you have limited floor space or want to maximize it for storage or living, a submersible pump is an excellent choice. Furthermore, since the pump drains a large volume of water, you don't have to worry about potential flooding during heavy rains. Conversely, if you have a large unused basement and aren't worried about the floor space, you can opt for a pedestal sump pump.

Longevity and Maintenance

Despite only being able to manage moderate flooding, pedestal sump pumps are incredibly durable. Their positioning exposes them to minimal wear and tear, which prolongs their lifespan. Also, since pedestal pumps aren't located inside the sump pit, they are easier to maintain and repair. In contrast, submersible sump pumps are costly to repair. You may have to tear up a section of the flooring to replace the pump.

Consider these factors when choosing the best sump pump for basement drainage. For further consultation, contact a sump pump installation contractor.