What is a sump pump anyway? In residential construction, sump pits and sump pumps manage exterior water runoff. Not all homes have a sump pump system installed at the time of construction. The determining factor is typically the potential for water runoff to be deposited next to the foundation of the home. Homes with these systems are usually of basement construction, but sump pump systems can be installed in crawl spaces as well. When the builder determines that water collection is likely, a drain system will be installed around the perimeter of the home, near the foundation footing. The drain piping is designed to capture water that is advancing toward the foundation wall. Once the water reaches the drain piping, which is generally 4-inch plastic with holes on top, the water then travels to the sump pit located below the basement floor slab. An electric pump installed within the pit is activated by a float once the water rises to a predetermined position. At this point, the captured water is pumped via drain piping to the exterior to a drop point that sends the water moving away from the home. This type of water is generally not allowed into the municipal waste system. Pumps are classified as submersible or pedestal. Pedestal pump motors are mounted above the water level and can be tested by simply raising the float arm, usually only a few inches. Submersible pumps with internal floats are tested by pouring 3-5 gallons of water into the pit and forcing the float to rise to a level that then actuates the pump. Remember these maintenance tips to keep your pump in a state of dependability. Sump pumps should be plugged in to a dedicated GFCI circuit as shared GFCI circuits may be unknowingly tripped, rendering your pump system non-functional. Keep your sump pit free from any unnecessary debris to prevent clogs and damage to the pump. Test your pump at least twice a year. More if you know your pump runs frequently. Keep your sump pit covered to prevent anyone from falling in and keeping debris out. Finally, sump pits must be sealed when an active radon system is installed. Sump pumps are generally designed to last from 5-7 years. However, if they pump frequently, that time will be shortened.