Basement sump pumps prevent flooding 24/7 by continually monitoring the water level and responding accordingly. If you have a lined pit, your sump pump will draw water from the soil surrounding your home through a drain. A gravel sump pump, in comparison, absorbs water from surrounding terrain. Sump pumps are either submerged inside the pit or perched on a small pedestal to stay dry. Both types of pump and placements of pump work the same way. Each pump has a “float” or “switching device,” which monitors the level of water inside the sump pit. This switch is triggered when the water level in the pit begins to increase. The pump is then activated. It draws water out of the pit through a drainage pipe to the exterior of your home. This detection and drainage process continue until the water decreases to a safe level, and the sump pump shuts off.