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What Is a Pedestal Sump Pump?

Aug 3, 2023

By wilgalvez

what is a pedestal sump pump

A pedestal is a sump pump with an above-water motor that effectively removes water from a basement. When flooding, heavy rain, or storms cause water to enter basements, sump pumps remove the water and eject it outside before it can cause damage. A pedestal sump pump’s motor sits above the water, allowing for easier installation and maintenance than submersible sump pumps.

Homeowners often invest significant time and money to remodel or finish their basements. Water accumulation in a basement can cause major property damage, so protecting this part of a home is crucial.

Pedestal pumps are reliable and efficient, making them an excellent defense system for basements. Learn more about pedestal sump pumps and how they can help your clients protect their basements from water damage.

What Is a Pedestal Sump Pump?

A pedestal sump pump is an above-water pump. Sump pumps remove water when it collects in your basement during heavy rain, floods, and storms. A pedestal pump consists of a motor that sits on top of a pole attached to a base. The pedestal base sits at the bottom of the pump and contains an impeller. The rotor-shaped impeller spins to suck water out of the sump pit when it collects in a basement.

How Does a Pedestal Sump Pump Work?

A float connected to an activation switch activates a pedestal pump to start working. It sits at a low-hanging position in the pump and rises when water fills the pit. When water flows through inlet pipes, enters the pit, and reaches the threshold height, it raises the float to activate the pump. As the pedestal pulls water in, it redirects the water out of the pit through a connected pipe.

pump motor attached to a pole

What Makes a Pedastal Different From Other Sump Pumps?

Fully submerged sump pumps sit completely underwater in a sump pit, and partially submerged pumps sit partly underwater. However, a non-submersible pump sits above the water. Since the motor is above the sump pit, it has no contact with water and does not require a protective casing.

Installing a pedestal pump is simpler, and there’s no potential risk of leaks damaging the motor like in a submersible pump. A pedestal pump’s motor can be louder than a submersible one because it’s above the water. While a pedestal pump cannot filter solid materials like a submersible pump, it contains a pipe that extends to the bottom of the sump pit and removes any surrounding solid particles to prevent clogging.

Benefits of a Pedestal Sump Pump

Sump pumps are incredibly beneficial to homeowners because of the protection they can provide for homes. They effectively remove water from basements and protect them from water damage. Pedestals also have some advantages over submersible sump pumps due to their design. Offering your clients pedestal sump pumps provides them with the following benefits:

benefits of a pedestal sump pump

Basement Protection

Heavy rain, storms, and melting snow and ice can cause water to accumulate in a basement. Groundwater entering a home can cause significant damage to walls, floors, carpeting, furniture, and personal belongings. It can also cause mold growth, which is a health hazard.

Many homeowners dedicate a lot of time and money to finishing or remodeling their basements, making it especially important to prevent water damage. When you offer pedestal sump pumps to your clients, you help them avoid paying for costly basement repairs and mold removal.

Long-Lasting Materials

Since a pedestal pump’s motor sits above the water, it is protected from water damage. Pedestal pumps are also made with durable materials. Due to these factors, pedestal pumps are reliable and long-lasting, granting homeowners peace of mind that their basement is safe.

Lower Cost and Easy Maintenance

A pedestal pump’s motor and float switch are located above the water and outside the sump pit. This location makes them easier to maintain than a submersible pump’s components. They also typically cost less than submersible sump pumps.

How to Choose a Pedestal Sump Pump

Choosing the right pedestal pump for each client can help them protect their basement effectively. When choosing pedestal sump pumps, consider each pedestal’s horsepower and housing materials.

consider horsepower & housing materials

Pump Housing Materials

Before choosing a pedestal, homeowners should consider the pump housing materials. Durable materials will ensure a pump is protected and long-lasting. Homeowners can choose between thermoplastic and cast iron pump housing and bases. These heavy-duty materials are durable and non-corrosive, preventing wear and tear and allowing a pump to operate efficiently.

Horsepower

A pedestal pump’s motor must have adequate horsepower to keep up with a basement’s water intake and prevent the sump pit from overflowing. One-half or one-third horsepower is powerful enough for most applications. The higher horsepower a motor has, the more power it will provide, which typically means a higher flow capacity.

Zoeller Pump Company’s High-Quality Pedestal Pumps

If you are looking for sump pump manufacturers, Zoeller Pump Company offers durable, long-lasting pedestal sump pumps and backup pumps. Zoeller Pump’s 80 Series Pedestal Pumps are residential dewatering pumps made with durable materials for reliable performance. The Aquanot® 585 is a high-quality battery backup pedestal sump pump that takes over when a primary pump fails. It gives homeowners peace of mind that their basements will be safe during a power outage or a primary pump malfunction.

Provide Your Clients With Reliable Pedestal Pumps From Zoeller Pump Company

Basements can collect water unexpectedly during heavy rain, flooding, or storms. With a reliable sump pump, your clients can rest assured that their basement is safe from water damage. A sump pump removes water from a basement’s sump pit and expels it outside before it can begin to accumulate and cause damage.

Protecting home basements from water damage is important, especially when homeowners dedicate significant time and money to remodeling or finishing their basements. When water enters a basement, it can damage flooring, walls, furniture, and personal belongings, forcing homeowners to pay for costly repairs. This potential damage is why it’s essential to offer reliable solutions. Pedestal pumps are long-lasting, easy to maintain, and reliable, making them an excellent choice for homeowners.

Sump pump contractors are incredibly valuable to homeowners committed to protecting their investments. Offering high-quality sump pumps to your clients can give them peace of mind and increase their trust in your services.

Zoeller Pump Company’s 80 Series Pedestal Pumps and the Aquanot® 585 operate effectively and efficiently to keep basements safe and dry. Locate your nearest distributor to learn more about pedestal pumps and how they can help your clients protect their investments.

locate a pedestal pump distributor