What is a Sump Pump?

 

A Sump Pump is a completely submersible pump that takes water out of a pit called a 'crock', and expels it through a discharge pipe to a more desirable location. (usually outside).  Sump Pumps come in all different sizes and materials.  There are plastic pumps, bronze pumps, and cast iron pumps.  Pumps range from 1/6 hp to 3/4 hp.  At Brandywine Springfield Waterproofing, we use Zoeller brand 1/3 hp cast iron sump pumps.  Through our nearly 50 years of experience, we have found these to be the best size, material, and brand for the job.  These pumps are so reliable, that even though the manufacturer's warranty is only 2 years, we extend the warranty to 5 years!  And these pumps have been known to last up to 20 years! 
Installing a sump pump properly requires the removal of cement and dirt in an area approximately 6 cubic feet.  We then set the crock (a pvc container approx 2 ft wide x 3 ft deep) into the hole, and then back fill dirt and crushed stone around it so that is sits securely.  We then re-cement around the edges so that it meets with the adjacent floor.  After that we set the pump in the crock, and attach a 2" solid PVC discharge pipe.  Somewhere along the path of the discharge pipe we install a check valve so that water cannot come back through the discharge pipe and re-enter the crock.  Next we drill a hole above grade through the foundation wall.  We then extend the discharge pipe through the hole so the water can discharge outside.  

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