A sump pump removes collected groundwater from a basement floor basin and pipes it to a storm drain or detention pond. A perforated water collection pipe called a drain tile is installed in the foundation footer around the perimeter of the home. Groundwater falls into the drain tile and is directed by gravity flow through the pipe to the sump crock at the lowest point of the basement floor. As the collected water level rises in the sump pit, a float switch activates the electric sump pump, forcing the water out of the pit, through a pipe, and safely away from the home.
