Sump Pump Ratings

Sump pumps are used in basements and crawl spaces to remove the excess water that builds up for several reasons. The pumps are available in various ranges of sizes to remove the water at a faster rate and volume.

The pumps are designed to use a float to establish when the pump will start removing the water from the areas. The typical sump pump is installed in a basin below the floor level where the water will collect.

The floor is sloped near the basin to move the water into the pit where the pump can effectively remove the excess water. In some areas where there are higher water tables or significant water during seasonal changes, there may be additional drainage structures to aid in the removal of the water via the sump pump.

There are two types of sump pumps. Submersible that are sealed and totally submersed in the pit or basin. They are watertight and function appropriately for most circumstances. The sump pump ratings depend on the size of the motor that powers the pump to push more water at a faster rate of speed.

The second type of pump is a pedestal pump that has the pumps located at the bottom of the stand with the motors elevated above the water level. They have ratings also based on the size of the motor for the pump.

Sump pumps are available based on the horsepower of the pump motor. There are ¼, 1/3, and ¼ as well as one horsepower motors to create the sump pump ratings. The higher the horsepower the more the pump will remove the water at a faster rate with a higher level of removal.

The horsepower is one measure for the sump pump while using the GPH or Gallons Per Hour is another and better means to establish what type of sump pump to purchase. An example of this is a ½ horsepower pump can pump 3,000 gallons of water per hour while some will pump over 7,500 gallons per hour.

Knowing this crucial information regarding the sump pump ratings will help you make a better decision for the pump you need to remove the excess water from your home.