A sump pump is typically located in a sump pit - a deep hole with a thin, shallow base about two feet (60 cm) wide and 18 inches (45 cm) deep. It holds water in an excavated space beneath your home, between the soil and floor, allowing it to percolate to the surface through small fractures in the earth. The water in a sump is less than one inch (2.5 cm) -water that accumulates because of evaporation, and that can be sucked up by a pump. The purpose of a sump pump is to keep water from the floor of your home and away from the foundation; if it leaks, you might also have some damage to your walls and flooring. While the sump pump is mostly maintenance-free, it's important to use it regularly. A motor that is properly sized and maintained will not only save you money on electricity and water bills but also prevent damage to your home. When the plumbing system in your home begins to fail, the water in your basement can fill up holes in pipes and can also make other repairs and replace...