Common Industrial and Commercial Sump Pumps

Both industrial and commercial structures require sump pumps in case of excess water in the basement. Needless to say, they are essential, especially in buildings where flooding is likely.

Industrial factories tend to produce a lot of wastewater, and most times, depending on the topography of the site, this excess wastewater might have no specific outlet. If the water isn't removed, it might become detrimental to the health of the structure. In such cases, the function of a pump cannot be downplayed.

Similarly, commercial buildings like offices and malls also have sump pumps to prevent water damage.

These pumps are usually powered by electricity, and function as an internal septic system that pumps excess water from buildings to other locations. Typically, the water is sent to a sewage or drainage system nearby.

Do you have a basement with a pump? I've only lived in one house with a basement, so my experience is limited.

From my understanding, the pumps we are talking about today are nothing like the pump you may have in your basement. Residential units are often small and wired into the home with a backup system. On the other hand, Commercial and industrial systems are enormous and have entirely different components.

There are several different kinds of pumps available for industrial and commercial use. Read about some of the most common ones below.

Vertical Pumps

Vertical pumps work great for shallow, narrow sump pits. They are effective at pumping out excess water; however, they require to be on at all times.

By keeping the pump on, your risk of flooding is drastically decreased.

Submersible Pumps

These pumps sit directly in groundwater in the sump pit and are covered tightly with a lid to keep the noise minimal.

Just make sure to get one with a floatable switch. Submersible pumps can last a long time but are often prone to clogging from debris.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

The pedestal pumps are simple in design. They use a pipe to pump water from the sump pit. These pumps can run 24/7 but often need a float switch that will kick on when the water level drops.

Pedestal pumps are air-cooled, so they need a lot of space for air circulation to prevent overheating.

You should examine your sump pump and sump pit annually. Pumps that frequently run due to high water tension, excess water drainage, or severe weather conditions should be inspected regularly too.

While cleaning your pump, look out for debris like gravel, sand, and other dirt that could cause clogging. These elements could reduce its life and decrease the pump’s ability to drain the sump pit and cause it to overflow.

It is important to note that industrial and commercial sump pumps aren’t exactly that different. They are generally chosen based on their utility, the buyer’s budget, and their ability to maintain it.