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Home › Resources For You › House Facts › Basic Components and Systems of the Home › Basements › Trenches and Sump Pump

Trenches and Sump Pump

Sump Pump

The sump pump system is designed to capture water that enters the basement or crawlspace and redirect it away from the home.  The basic sump systems include a sump pit, a sump pump, float or switch and drain line.  The sump pit extends below the slab and collects the surface water that enters the basement/crawlspace or groundwater that rises to the slab.

 

When the water in the sump pit rises to a preset level, a float rises or pressure switch activates the sump pump.  The water is then pumped through a drain line to either a storm sewer, dry well or the exterior, away from the foundation.

 

Trenches and Troughs

Trenches and troughs are depressions in the foundation floor that collect and funnel water to a specific location and are sometimes used to direct water to a sump pump.  In crawlspaces, trenches are usually dug into the dirt floor.  In basements, perimeter drain troughs are created at the junction between the slab and foundation wall.

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