Can Sump Pumps Be Submerged All the Way Under Water?

If you have a water issue, as in too much in the wrong place at the wrong time, then you should familiarize yourself with the hardworking sump pump. Used to remove water from areas of the home that are susceptible to flooding or collecting shallow pools of water, sump pumps are small machines that accomplish quite a lot. The efforts of the water sump pump can save your foundation from faltering and keep water from ruining your wood floors, plaster walls, drywall areas and furniture or cardboard boxes in a basement.

The sump motor is a workhorse that can clear out a room full of water quickly depending on the size. Sump pumps come in two types: Pedestal and submersible. Only one can be completely submerged in water. If you have a serious water issue from time to time, you should know which would work best so that you don't put yourself or your family in danger.

The pedestal has an impeller that is mounted inside a casing on the floor of the sump pit and the motor works on top. It powers the impeller through a rod that runs through the pedestal. It becomes activated by the float that is mounted on the side of the pedestal. The pedestal's motor isn't sealed and therefore can't be completely submerged. It can short out the motor, as well as create a shock risk in standing water. Sump pumps were designed to be submerged in water.

The submersible sump pump is more compact and gets into action when water comes in contact with it at a pre-set depth. They are originally installed in a deep depression of a floor or in a sump pump basin. The typical submergible sump pump motor can handle begin covered in water during extreme conditions, such as flooding from storms or appliances.

The sump pump is a relatively safe set up. However, many people prefer to use a cover for the sump pump. This can be for aesthetic reasons or to keep little hands from meddling with the water that can collect around a submerged sump pump in a basement floor. Although they aren't needed for the proper function of the sump pump, it can prevent things from falling into the cracks and crevices of the submersible machine. You can shop for a sub pump cover at Lowe's or any big box home improvement store.