Here in the Valley, there are many homes that have basements. These are usually built because they provide a cooler place in the house during those scorching summer months. But of course, with the basement being below ground level, a special device has to be used to make sure that the indoor plumbing functions properly. This is the purpose of a basement sump, or sump pump.

The sump pump is designed to get the wastewater from out of the basement and into the drain pipes and sewer main above. The process is a simple one. When water is used, it empties into a hole with a gravel base called a sump pit. A float activator or pressure sensor are placed in the pit and tell the pump when it's time to turn on.

The motor is connected to a fan-like device called an impeller, which spins and pushes the water to the sides of the pit. This creates low pressure in the center and when the water rushes in to fill the void, it is pushed out of the pit and into a drainage pipe. A check valve is placed in the middle of the vertical pipe, preventing the water from coming back down into the pit.

Problems with sump pumps usually originate with either the float activator or pressure senor. Sometimes, there is faulty wiring that causes the pump to activate when it isn't necessary or the warning to lights to come on without there being a problem.

Rainforest Plumbing & Air technicians are trained and experienced in working with basement sump pumps. Give us a call today at (480) 615-7766 to schedule an appointment.

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