What are Sump Pumps and How do They Work?

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Written by Warren Muschialli

What Is A Sump Pump?

A sump pump system is a combination of a water-collecting sump chamber, within which one or more submersible pumps are installed that are used to remove the collected water. Sump pump systems are commonly found in basements where a cavity drain membrane system has been installed to collect and remove ingressing water.

Water entering a below-ground structure is stopped and depressurised by the membranes and drainage channels of the cavity drain system. The drainage system then directs the water into the sump chamber and the submersible pumps then remove the collected water.

Sump pumps are usually made of metal or plastic, are available in automatic and manual versions, and are installed inside the sump chamber. When the water level inside the chamber reaches a certain level, the pumps will activate and discharge the water to an appropriate removal point.

Basements are naturally at risk from water ingress as they may be subject to groundwater pressure. All basements are at risk of water ingress at some point during their design life, and many basement structures experience significant water ingress through the structure, even when barrier waterproofing methods have been employed.

Where a Type C, cavity drain waterproofing system has been fitted, the job of a sump pump system, as part of an overall waterproofing solution, is to safely collect and remove water from the below-ground structure to a place where it is no longer problematic.

How Does A Sump Pump Work?

A sump chamber will be installed within the floor of the basement, either within a preformed concrete box, or by concreting the sump into the existing floor. Regardless of the method, the hole must be large enough to accommodate both the sump chamber and sufficient concrete to surround the chamber and prevent floatation.

The specialist pumps, ideally including a primary and secondary pump, are installed within the chamber itself, either as manual versions that are connected to a control panel, or as automatic versions.

The captured groundwater that flows into the sump chamber from the drainage channels will collect in the chamber until the primary pump is activated. Activation of the pump is achieved via a float switch – as the water level rises so the float rises too, and when this reaches a specific level, the float switch will activate the pump and the water will be pumped out of the chamber.

Depending on the scenario, the water being removed from the property will either be discharged to a safe natural drainage point, or into another appropriate means of drainage.

Cavity Drain Pumping System – Titan-Pro Pump System

The Titan-Pro packaged sump system is designed specifically to be used with the Newton CDM System.

The adjustable neck allows for the sump to be installed at a fixed height relative to the slab so that the connection in from the Newton drainage system and the pump discharge line are made above the concrete, and always at the same height relative to the slab or raft.

The sump can be used with single and twin pumps and twin pumps with twin discharge lines for greater pump efficiency.

The unique sump shape together with a choice of inlet and outlet positions allow for connections in and out of the chamber to be made to either a side wall or to a corner.

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Compact Pumping System – Titan Pump System

Compact pumping system incorporating an octagonal sump chamber, class-leading pumps, a lock & seal lid and frame, a Newton High Water Level Alarm, internal pipework, one-way valves, and a quick-release shut-off valve for quick release of the pumps for servicing.

The Newton Titan is ideally suited for receiving connections from rainwater gullies and surface slot drainage entering the sump through optional 110 mm wall flanges for connection to incoming pipework.

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Foul and Surface Water Pumping System – Trojan-Pro Pump System

The Newton Trojan-Pro is a medium-sized sump chamber available in four sizes, ranging from 1.2m to 2.1m high, in increments of 300 mm.

Depending on the pumps used within the pumping system build, the Trojan-Pro chamber is suitable for a variety of pumping tasks, ranging from lifting sewage from basements as well as the removal of ground water and surface drainage.

The Trojan-Pro can be purchased either with free-standing pumps or as a fully built system with guide rails that allow for the simple removal and relocation of the pumps for servicing. Rail systems are recommended for the 1.5m, 1.8m and 2.3m deep sump chambers. Both the free-standing and rail systems are supplied with the chamber, relevant pumps, non-return valves, shut-off valves, uPVC pipe and pip fittings, tank connector and the preferred lid and frame.

The surface and groundwater Trojan-Pro pumping systems are available with either automatic pumps or manual pumps that are operated by a control panel. All of the foul water Trojan-Pro pump systems feature manual pumps and a control panel.

For all information regarding product codes and the available Trojan-Pro pump system set ups, please refer to the product Data Sheet or the tables below.

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