If you just moved into a home equipped with a sump pump,
then you should learn what to do to ensure your pump continues to work
effectively when you need it. Proper maintenance of this pump can help prevent
problems that could lead to basement flooding and potentially extend the pump's
lifespan. In addition, the right sump pump accessories can make keeping your
basement flood-free easier.
Read on to learn four tips to help your sump pump keep your
basement flood-free.
1. Test and Clean Your Pump Periodically
You should test your sump pump to ensure it is functioning
properly and clean your pump every three to four months. To test your pump, first
ensure it is connected to its power supply, then pour water into your sump pit
up to the level of the pump float. Once the pump float has risen enough, the
pump should automatically activate and remove the water from the pit.
If your sump pump does not automatically turn on and remove
the water, then contact a licensed plumber who can inspect the pump to
determine why it is not working properly and recommend needed repairs or
replacement.
To clean your pump to remove debris that could interfere
with its efficiency, first unplug it from its electricity source or shut off
the circuit breaker that supplies its power. Then, disconnect the pump, take it
outdoors, and rinse all debris off it with a garden hose, paying careful
attention to the pump screen. If necessary, use a plastic scraper to remove
stubborn dirt and debris from the pump and screen.
Finally, allow your pump to dry, reattach it to the
discharge valve, and then plug it back in.
2. Opt for an Annual Pump and Pit Inspection
Have a licensed plumber inspect your pump and pit once a
year. Your plumber will look for any problems interfering with optimal pump
performance and recommend pump and pit repairs if needed.
To start this inspection, your plumber will examine your
sump pit to ensure it is correctly sized and in good condition. Then, they will
examine the check valve connected to the drain discharge pipe to ensure it is
working properly to block the flow of water back into the sump pit after it
exits.
Next, they will examine your sump pump, your sump pit lid,
your pump accessories, and your pit discharge pipe for problems that need
repair. Finally, they will locate your pump discharge site to determine if it
is still suitable or needs to be changed.
After you obtain this annual inspection, you can feel more
secure that your pump will function properly when needed to prevent basement
flooding.
3. Install a Battery Backup Pump
If you do not currently have a battery backup pump, then you
should have one installed alongside your existing sump pump as soon as
possible. Battery backup pumps do not require electricity to run but are
instead equipped with batteries that they use as their sole power
sources.
Battery back-up pumps offer homeowners many benefits. First,
if your house loses power during a bad storm due to a local power outage, this
pump can continue to direct water out of the sump pit when your main pump can
no longer operate due to this power loss. In addition, if your primary sump
pump stops working due to mechanical failure, this pump can temporarily serve
as your main pump until the primary pump is repaired or replaced.
Finally, if an extremely bad rainstorm occurs and your
primary pump unexpectedly cannot handle the large amount of water entering your
sump pit, a back-up battery pump can work alongside your primary pump to move
water out of the sump pit and help prevent basement flooding.
4. Select the Right Sump Pump Alarm
Every homeowner should equip their sump pump with an alarm.
This alarm produces a loud, audible noise when the level of water in the sump
pit rises to an undesirable level, so the homeowner can take steps to avoid
basement flooding.
Sometimes, the water level rises too high and triggers the
alarm due to a problem the homeowner can fix immediately, such as a sump pump
that is unplugged or connected to a tripped circuit breaker. Other times, this
alarm sounds when the sump pump is failing to keep up with water-removal
demands, is clogged, or is experiencing another problem. In all situations,
quick action is necessary to prevent basement flooding.
While a traditional sump pump alarm can alert you to a pump
problem when you are home, a smart sump pump alarm can send a notification to
your smartphone via email or text to notify you of a high pit water level when you
are away from home. This sump pump alarm type is a better option for most
homeowners, especially if the home is often unoccupied for hours at a time
during rainstorms and other severe weather events.
If you just moved into a home with a sump pump, then follow
these tips to help keep your pump working properly, potentially extend its
lifespan and, most importantly, help prevent basement flooding. Contact the
licensed plumbers at Michigan Plumbing for expert sump pump installation
, maintenance services, and repairs today.
