A method of operating a sump pump system comprising the following steps:
- a. providing a sump pump system comprising
- a water intake port,
- a water accumulation reservoir with a first port located adjacent a lower end of the reservoir, a second port located above the first port in fluid communication with the water intake port, and a third port located above the second port, wherein the first, second, and third ports are distinct from one another and are positioned in series along a side wall of the reservoir so that the interior volume of the reservoir communicates with an exterior of the reservoir only through the first, second, and third ports,
- a water discharge port in fluid communication with the first port of the water accumulation reservoir,
- a vacuum/compressor system in fluid communication with the third port and configured to operate in a vacuum mode and a pressure mode,
- a water level sensor configured to detect a water level reaching a predetermined height above the second port and below the third port,
- a controller operatively connected to the vacuum/compressor system and the water level sensor, the controller being configured to operate the vacuum/compressor system alternately in the vacuum mode and the pressure mode and not to operate the vacuum mode and the pressure mode simultaneously, and to activate and deactivate the vacuum/compressor system on a predetermined time schedule without user intervention so as to periodically turn the sump pump system on and off,
- a water intake assembly positioned remotely from the water accumulation reservoir and connected to the water intake port by a flexible hose, the water intake assembly comprising a water inlet configured to rest on a surface to be drained,
- b. activating the vacuum/compressor system in the vacuum mode on a periodic schedule basis to decrease air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir below atmospheric pressure to cause water to flow from the water intake port through the second port into the water accumulation reservoir, or to cause air ventilation through the water inlet, the flexible hose, and in the vicinity of the water intake port to achieve dryness of (i) the water intake assembly and the flexible hose connecting thereof to the water intake port, and (ii) the surface to be drained around the water inlet of the water intake assembly, and
- c. causing water to discharge from the water accumulation reservoir through the first port and through the water discharge port when the water level sensor detects that the water level has reached the predetermined height by increasing air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir using the vacuum/compressor system in the pressure mode, and then stopping operation of the sump pump system until a next activation
- ii.