The answer to 'how does sump pump work' is that a sump pump is a submersible pump installed in the lowest part of a home's basement or crawl space, called a sump pit or basin. When groundwater or excess water collects in the pit, the sump pump automatically turns on and pumps the water out of the home and away from the foundation, preventing flooding and water damage.
Sump pumps are typically connected to a discharge pipe that carries the water at least 10-20 feet away from the home's foundation. They are powered by electricity and may have a battery backup in case of power outages. Sump pumps are an important part of a home's drainage system and can help protect against costly water damage.