Should There Be Water in My Sump Pump Pit?

Would you like to confirm and protect your sump pump functionality? Choose Gladiator Services in Hillsdale, New Jersey!

Sump pumps protect buildings from flood damage right at their foundation. These nifty devices prevent excess water from collecting in basements and crawl spaces by pumping and removing water from the area. But should there be water in my sump pump pit? 

Below, the Gladiator Services team answers this question after many years of providing sump pump services in Hillsdale, NJ. Read on to discover whether your sump pit has an appropriate water level and how it works with your property’s drainage system.

How Do Sump Pumps Work?

Sump pumps prevent crawl space and basement flooding by drawing away the water from these low-lying areas of the property into a drain. Professionals install sumps in the areas that collect the most water around the building. 

• Installation begins with digging a pump pit to collect the water. 
• Then, technicians will place and connect the sump pump to the property’s drainage system. 
• As water falls into the pump pit, the pump draws the water inside of its pipe network. 
• The pipes guide the water to a downhill location away from the building. 

So, what triggers your sump pump to operate? It typically contains a component called a float switch, which detects the amount of water within the pit. When the float goes above a preset level, the switch floats and triggers the pump.

Types of Sump Pumps

Most properties have one of two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. Different subtypes generally fall into these two categories. 

Submersible sump pumps usually cost more than pedestals. However, they have more powerful suction and pumping power. They can eliminate any debris that enters the pump and pipe without issues while remaining submerged in water.

Pedestal sump pumps work best for properties with limited space. Unlike submersibles, they must stay above the water line to function. Their motors cannot handle water exposure and have a smaller pump capacity. 

What Is the Sump Pump Pit?

Before a technician installs your sump pump, they must dig the pump pit. This pit houses the sump pump and collects any excess water. 

So, as water flows toward the flooded area in the lowermost building level, it inevitably reaches the sump pump pit and falls into the pit. Once the pit collects a sufficient water level, the water pushes the float switch upward. The pump then detects the switch movement and pumps water out of and away from the building. 

The pit, though a seemingly simple hole, plays an integral role in how the pump functions. Should there be water in my sump pump pit all the time, though? Let’s take a look. 

Should There Be Water in My Sump Pump Pit?

Yes, your sump pump pit should contain some water at all times. Sump pumps have components made of rubber and plastic. When these components stay bone-dry, they degrade far more quickly than with some moisture.

Additionally, a dry pit may indicate that your property isn’t as prone to collecting water in that spot as you initially suspected. If water damage or flooding is a problem in another area other than where the sump pump is, the plumbing experts may need to move it or install another one elsewhere. 

A little water in the sump pump pit is not only normal but good for the pump’s longevity. However, your pit’s water level can offer insight into whether the pump needs inspection or repair services. For example, look for the following common issues:

• A pit that contains no water while there’s a constantly operating pump
• A pit with enough water to trigger pump operations, but the pump doesn’t kick in
• A pit that remains overfilled at all times

These issues require assistance from a professional service provider specializing in sump pump maintenance and repair services.

How Does Water Collect in the Pit?

In most cases, water collects in a pit during a flooding event. Since technicians install pumps at the lowest point in a basement or crawl space, the water will flow directly to that area and into the pit. 

When the pump no longer needs to remove excess water, it will cease operations. At this point, you should still see some water in the sump pit. The water protects the pump’s components, and the operations should resume if more water accumulates.

Preventing Overflow and Other Sump Pump Problems

Overflow is one of the issues that can cause a sump pump pit to hold an excess amount of water. You can prevent overflow and other common issues by taking the following precautions:

• Install a generator: Severe flooding events often come with power outages. Sump pumps require electricity to function. Installing a generator secures a constant flow of energy to your pump and the rest of your household. 
• Remove debris from the pit periodically: Debris, like branches, leaves, and large rocks, can enter the pump and clog the system, leading to overflow pump efficiency issues. 
• Clean the impeller: Impellers function as filters that prevent debris from clogging the system. Clean the impeller occasionally as part of a regular maintenance plan. 
• Inspect the valve positions: Installing the valves incorrectly is a common mistake from inexperienced installation teams. For example, the valves should always display arrows pointing away from the pump, but only a professional knows what to look for.
• Add a pump alarm: Should your pump fail for any reason, this alarm will alert you when the water reaches a certain level.

Choose Gladiator Services as Your Sump Pump Champion

How often should sump pumps run? Should there be water in my sump pump pit? Gladiator Services is happy to answer all these questions and more. 

A small amount of water in your sump pump pit is perfectly normal! However, a pump that functions properly won’t overfill the pit. If you aren’t sure, chat with our sump pump technicians to learn more. 

Call Gladiator Services at 201-571-1715 today to find out more or schedule services in Hillsdale, New Jersey, and the surrounding communities.