Last Updated on June 21, 2023
Water powered sump pumps provide a reliable and efficient backup system for flooding protection, particularly in cases of power outages. Understanding how these systems work can help homeowners choose, troubleshoot and maintain them better and handle basic repairs or replacements.
These systems work by triggering a float switch, which opens up a check valve. By doing this, the city water can flow through the pump jet. As a result, it creates an area of low pressure, which pulls water out of the sump pit.
This type of pump does not need electricity or battery backup and requires minimal maintenance. While they have a lower pumping capacity than electric pumps, they are still an ideal choice if you want an additional layer of protection against flooding.
Today, we’ll break down the science behind water power, delving into what makes a sump pump work.
How Does a Water Powered Sump Pump Work: 6 Steps Involve
Water powered sump pumps provide an effective and reliable solution to the problem of flooded basements or cellars. Users can ensure their pump operates efficiently and safely by following simple 6 steps.
Step 1: Activation of the Float Switch:
The float switch is an integral part of the water powered sump pump system, activating the pump when necessary. When the water level in the sump pit rises above a certain point, it will also cause the float switch to rise. As this happens, it will trigger a signal that tells the pump to turn on and start working.
Step 2: Opening of the Check Valve:
After activation of the float switch, another step must be taken before pumping can occur. This requires opening a check valve on top of the water powered pump unit. This valve allows pressurized city water to enter the pump, creating suction and pumping action.
Step 3: City Water Flow through the Pump Jet:
The pump jet is connected to a source of pressurized city water, such as a hose or faucet connected directly to municipal water.
Once pressurized city water enters the top of the pump unit, it passes through a jet nozzle, creating pressure within its body cavity. This pressure forces air out through small holes located near its bottom end.
The venturi effect creates areas of lower pressure when air moves outwards through your discharge pipe. This happens around where the pipe leaves your walls, foundation, or other parts of your house.
Step 4: Venturi Effect and Creation of Low-pressure Area:
As city water passes through the pump jet, it accelerates and contracts at its output end, creating a vacuum effect known as the “Venturi” effect.
This creates lower pressure inside the pipe. It causes suction downstream in areas with higher pressure, like the sump pit. Thus, it draws out excess groundwater away from house foundations towards the drain field outdoors.
Step 5: Suction of Water from the Sump Crock or Pit:
Excess groundwater is drawn towards the sump pit due to a venturi effect and then removed from the chamber using powerful pressure pumps. The check valve inside opens and closes according to inflow/outflow levels, ensuring efficient performance.
Step 6: Discharge of Water Outside:
With the help of strategically placed safety valves and a specially-designed outlet pipe, this system ensures liquid/slurry mix is safely discharged away from home. This way, homeowners can rest assured their interiors will remain pleasantly dry.
Components of a Water Powered Sump Pump
A sump pump is essential for any home, as it helps keep the basement dry and free from water damage. It works by pumping out excess water from a sump basin and typically consists of various components that work in tandem to ensure optimal performance.
1: Pump Jet
The pump jet is an integral part of any primary sump pump system. It is responsible for drawing in water from the sump basin and forcefully pushing it back through the discharge pipe.
The majority of modern pump jets are designed with an impeller that uses centrifugal force to increase the pressure at which the water is propelled outwards. This increased pressure enables the pump to push out larger volumes of water with greater ease and efficiency.
2: Check Valve
It prevents potential flooding due to a reversal of flow or backflow through the suction pipe or discharge pipe. When closed, the check valve blocks any backflow into the sump basin and allows only one way flow out through the discharge pipe.
The valve also helps maintain a steady flow rate and prevents sudden surges that could cause damage to other components in the system.
3: Pressure Switch
A pressure switch monitors the level of liquid within a reservoir or chamber and triggers the motor when levels fall below a certain point. In this case, a pressure switch placed near the bottom of the sump basin will act as an on/off switch for when more water needs to be pumped out from inside accordingly.
Once the liquid has been removed, it will turn off automatically until more water accumulates again in need of evacuation.
4: Water Feed
The only source of water being moved by this type of system is through its suction pipe. So it’s important that there is sufficient supply coming into it reliably in order for it to do its job well without interruption.
This can be achieved through connecting an external source such as a garden hose or directly tapping into municipal lines if available. Otherwise, an underground well may be used if needed as well (in cases where no outside connection is present).
Regardless, these lines must be properly sealed upon installation in order to prevent leaks and ensure proper functionality down the line when running at full capacity.
5: Suction Pipe
The suction pipe serves as both intake and output for this type of system. It connects from within your existing plumbing network (or other external sources) all the way up toward your sump basin, where liquid can enter freely upon opening up valves.
Most often made out of plastic piping with flexible couplings for easy maneuverability around tight corners. These pipes are typically installed alongside walls or floors due to their light weight compared to traditional metal counterparts.
6: Discharge Pipe
Transports liquid away from the sump pit once it has been fully pumped out. It also helps maintain balance throughout the entire system by preventing excess build up or stagnation.
What Are the Benefits Of Water Powered Sump Pump Over a Battery Backup Sump Pump?
Water powered sump pumps are an efficient and reliable way to keep basements, homes, and other properties free from excess water. These pumps don’t require electricity or batteries, which makes them an ideal choice for emergency situations where power is not available.
1: No need for electricity or battery backup
Water powered sump pumps don’t require any electricity or batteries. This means that in times of emergency when power is out, your property will still be protected with this type of pump. You won’t need to worry about remembering to charge or replace your batteries as you would with a battery backup system.
2: Can Run for Longer Periods of Time
Another benefit of water powered sump pumps over battery backups is that they can run longer without recharging or replacement. Since the pump gets its power from the water flow in your home’s plumbing system, it can continue running indefinitely as long as there is enough pressure in the pipes.
This makes it a great choice for those who want continuous protection from flooding and other forms of water damage.
3: Requires Minimal Maintenance
Unlike most battery backups, water powered sump pumps require very little maintenance over time. They only rely on your home’s plumbing system for power.
Since this pedestal sump pump is designed with fewer moving parts than an electric counterpart, it tends to have fewer problems down the line. So it lasts much longer without needing repairs or replacements.
4: Reliable and Long-Lasting
Water powered systems have become renowned for their reliability and longevity when used in appropriate settings. These pumps feature corrosion resistant materials and sturdy designs that make them capable of withstanding long-term operation without issue.
This means you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your system will perform reliably when needed most without having to worry about costly repairs down the road.
How Do You Select the Right Water Powered Sump Pumps?
We have already reviewed the best water powered sump pumps in our blog to make your decision easier. However, when selecting a water powered sump pump, consider the flow rate, the material of the pump, maximum pressure, whether or not it can automatically self-activate, and any alarm options that may be available.
Flow rate refers to how much water the pump can move in an hour, which will determine how often it needs to be activated. The material of the pump will affect its durability and longevity.
Maximum pressure indicates how much pressure the pump can handle before malfunctioning or ceasing operation altogether. Some pumps come with a feature that allows them to automatically self-activate when they detect a rise in water levels, while others require manual activation.
Various alarm options are available for different pumps that alert users when water levels become too high. By considering these factors when selecting a water powered sump pump, individuals can ensure they are using a product that best suits their needs.
Can a Water Powered Sump Pump Run All Day?
Water powered sump pumps can run indefinitely if an adequate water supply is available. The pump is driven by the home’s water pressure, providing the necessary suction to move water from the sump pit.
How Much Water Does a Water Powered Sump Pump Use?
A water powered sump pump typically uses around one gallon of city water to remove two gallons of water from the sump pit. This means that for every gallon of city water that is used to power the pump, two gallons of excess or unwanted liquid will be pumped out of the sump pit.
Depending on the size and depth of your sump pit, this ratio may vary, but it should remain consistent overall.
Does A Water Powered Sump Pump Need Electricity to Work?
A water powered sump pump does not need any electricity to work. Instead, they use incoming city water pressure to create suction which powers the motor and pumps out any unwanted liquid from your sump pit.
They are designed with specialized check valves and air vents, which allow them to be operated without any kind of electrical current or battery power. Therefore, they are ideal for those looking for a more cost effective and energy efficient solution for their sumping needs.
Protect Your Home From Floods with Eco-Friendly Water-Powered Sump Pumps
Water powered sump pumps offer an affordable option for safeguarding your home against floods. Unlike electric sump pumps, these devices utilize city water pressure, making them reliable and low maintenance.
Eco-friendly and pocket friendly, water-powered sump pumps are the perfect solutions for enduring protection against rainy season basement flooding.
Boasting excellent performance and energy savings despite a lower pumping capacity than a battery backup sump pump, this powerful pump offers an ideal combination to keep your space safe from flooding.
