Tag Archives: how to maintain a sump pump

Jul '23

Essential Maintenance Steps to Keep Your Sump Pump Running Smoothly

A sump pump is a vital piece of equipment that helps to protect your basement or crawl space from water damage caused by flooding or excessive moisture. It is designed to pump out water that collects in a sump pit, preventing it from causing damage to your home’s foundation or resulting in mold growth.

Regular maintenance of your sump pump is crucial to ensure it functions efficiently and reliably whenever it is needed. By following a few essential maintenance steps, you can keep your sump pump running smoothly and avoid costly repairs or water damage.

1. Test Your Sump Pump Regularly

One of the most important maintenance steps for your sump pump is to test it regularly. This ensures that it is in proper working condition and ready to handle any water accumulation. To test your sump pump, follow these steps:

Locate the sump pit and remove any debris or obstructions.

Pour water into the pit until the float switch activates the pump.

Observe the pump as it removes the water from the pit.

Ensure that water is being discharged properly from the outlet pipe.

If your pump fails the test, it may indicate a need for repair or a full replacement of your sump pump.

2. Clean and Maintain the Sump Pit

The sump pit is where water collects before being pumped out by the sump pump. Ensuring that the sump pit is clean and free from debris is essential to maintain the proper functioning of your sump pump. Follow these steps to clean and maintain the sump pump and the pit it lies in:

Regularly inspect the sump pit for any dirt, rocks, or debris.

Remove any accumulated debris using a small shovel or scoop.

Ensure that the sump pump’s intake screen is free from blockages.

Clean the pit walls and remove any slime or mold growth.

By keeping the sump pit clean, you allow the sump pump to work efficiently without any obstructions.

3. Check the Sump Pump Discharge Pipe

The discharge pipe is responsible for carrying the water pumped out by the sump pump away from your home’s foundation. It is essential to regularly inspect and maintain the discharge pipe to prevent any clogs or blockages. Follow these steps to check the sump pump discharge pipe:

Inspect the discharge pipe for any visible signs of damage.

Ensure that the discharge pipe is securely connected to the sump pump.

Verify that the pipe is free from any obstructions or clogs.

Consider adding a check valve to prevent water from flowing back into the pit.

Regular maintenance of the discharge pipe ensures that water is properly directed away from your home, preventing potential flooding or damage.

a newly installed sump pump battery backup.

Installing a backup battery power system for your sump pump is highly recommended to provide continuous protection.

4. Test the Backup Power System

In the event of a power outage, your sump pump may no longer be able to function, leaving your basement vulnerable to flooding. Installing a backup battery power system for your sump pump is highly recommended to provide continuous protection. Test the backup power system by following these steps:

Locate the backup power system and make sure it is properly connected.

Simulate a power outage by disconnecting the main power supply.

Observe as the backup power system kicks in and powers the sump pump.

Ensure that the backup power system can sustain the pump for an extended period.

If the backup power system fails the test, contact a professional plumber to address any issues promptly.

5. Schedule Professional Maintenance

While basic maintenance can be performed by homeowners, it is also important to schedule regular professional maintenance for your sump pump. A professional can conduct a comprehensive inspection, ensure all components are functioning correctly, and identify any underlying issues. Professional maintenance includes:

Cleaning and lubricating the sump pump’s mechanical parts.

Inspecting the electrical connections and testing the pump’s motor.

Checking the float switch for proper operation.

Verifying that the backup power system is in good working condition.

Addressing any repairs or replacements as necessary.

Professional maintenance helps to extend the lifespan of your sump pump and ensures it is always prepared to handle any water accumulation.

In Conclusion

Maintaining your sump pump is crucial to protect your home from potential water damage. By regularly testing, cleaning, and maintaining your sump pump, you can ensure it is running smoothly and efficiently. Checking the sump pit, discharge pipe, and backup power system, along with scheduling professional maintenance, will provide you with the peace of mind that your sump pump is always ready to protect your basement or crawl space.

Investing time and effort into the essential maintenance steps outlined in this article will save you from the hassle and expense of dealing with a malfunctioning or ineffective sump pump in the future. Keep your sump pump in optimal condition, and it will continue to serve as a reliable defense against water damage for years to come.

Jun '23

Understanding the Importance of Regular Maintenance for Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are an essential component of any home with a basement or crawl space. They are designed to prevent flooding by removing excess water that accumulates in the sump pit. However, like any mechanical device, sump pumps can break down, malfunction, or fail altogether. That’s why regular maintenance is crucial to ensure your sump pump is functioning correctly and efficiently. Understanding the importance of regular maintenance for sump pumps can help you avoid costly repairs or replacements.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are relatively simple devices that require minimal maintenance. However, neglecting to perform regular maintenance can result in significant problems. Below are some of the key reasons why regular maintenance is essential for sump pumps:

Preventing Blockages

Sump pumps are designed to remove water from the sump pit and discharge it outside the home. Over time, debris, dirt, and other particles can accumulate in the pump’s impeller, causing blockages. This can result in the pump motor working harder to remove water, leading to overheating and eventual failure. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the pump’s impeller, can prevent blockages and ensure the pump is working efficiently.

Increasing the Longevity of the Pump

Sump pumps are not designed to last forever, but regular maintenance can increase their lifespan significantly. By performing routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning, inspection, and testing, you can detect and address any issues before they cause significant damage. This can help you avoid costly repairs or replacements and extend the lifespan of the pump.

Ensuring Your Home is Protected

The primary function of a sump pump is to protect your home from flooding. However, if the pump malfunctions, your basement or crawl space could be at risk of water damage. Regular maintenance can help ensure your pump is functioning correctly and mitigate any flooding risks. This can save you money on costly water damage repairs and provide peace of mind knowing your home is protected.

Preventing Electrical Issues

Sump pumps rely on electricity to operate. However, electrical issues can arise if the pump’s cords, wires, or other components are damaged or malfunctioning. Regular maintenance can prevent electrical issues by ensuring all electrical components are in good condition and functioning correctly.

Reducing Energy Costs

A sump pump that is not functioning efficiently can result in higher energy bills. For example, if the pump is working harder than necessary due to blockages or other issues, it can consume more energy than needed. Regular maintenance can help ensure the pump is working optimally and reduce your energy costs.

Preventative Maintenance Tasks for Sump Pumps

Performing regular maintenance on your sump pump is relatively easy and can help you avoid costly repairs or replacements. Below are some of the preventative maintenance tasks you should perform on your sump pump:

Clean the Sump Pit

The sump pit should be free from debris, dirt, and other particles that can cause blockages. Regular cleaning of the sump pit can prevent blockages and ensure proper pump operation.

Inspect the Pump and Discharge Line

Regular inspection of the pump and discharge line can help detect any issues early. Check for signs of wear and tear, corrosion, and damage to the pump’s cords and wires.

Test the Pump

Periodically testing the pump can help ensure it is functioning correctly. Pour water into the sump pit to test the pump’s operation. If the pump does not activate or is not removing water from the pit, it may need repairs or replacement.

A professional can perform more advanced maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the impeller and testing the pump’s function.

Replace the Battery Backup

If your sump pump has a battery backup, it is essential to replace the battery regularly. A dead battery can result in the pump not working during a power outage, leaving your home at risk of flooding.

Call a Professional

If you are not comfortable performing maintenance tasks on your sump pump, it is recommended to call a professional plumber. A professional can perform more advanced maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the impeller and testing the pump’s function.

In Summary

Regular maintenance is critical to ensure your sump pump is functioning correctly and efficiently. It can help prevent blockages, increase the lifespan of the pump, protect your home from flooding, prevent electrical issues, and reduce energy costs. By performing routine preventative maintenance, you can avoid costly sump pump repairs or replacements and provide peace of mind knowing your home is protected. Remember to clean the sump pit, inspect the pump and discharge line, test the pump, replace the battery backup, and call a professional if necessary.

Nov '22

7 Essential Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

A sump pump is a vital piece of equipment in your home if runoff from rain or snowmelt sometimes finds its way into the basement or crawlspace. A sump pump protects your house by preventing flooding inside the basement. Sump pumps are also necessary if your home has drainage issues or a faulty foundation that lets water into the basement or crawlspace.

Sump pumps are designed to work without help from their owner. When it detects water, the pump automatically powers up and switches off when it has been pumped out. But because the sump pumps may sit idle for months – especially during the drier periods of the year – it is easy for your pump to malfunction without you knowing it, warns Real Property Group.

This is why it is essential to maintain your sump pump and have it in good condition before the rains begin or winter arrives. The last thing you want is for your basement or crawlspace to get flooded simply because your sump pump failed when you needed it most. What are the essential tips you need to maintain a sump pump? Read on to find the answer.

7 essential tips for maintaining your sump pump

Make sure you have a good basin

Because sump pumps handle dirty water, it is easy for them to get logged. Exposure to excessive dirt shortens the life of your sump pump. This is why you should only install a sump pump with a basin. Make sure the sump pump is housed in a suitable basin. The basin helps to keep mud, sludge, and debris out of the pump. This protects the pump, helps it last longer, and ensures good performance throughout its lifetime.

Install and maintain the check valve

A check valve keeps water from flowing backward in the outlet pipes, back into the basin, and onwards to the sump pump. Without a check valve, your sump pump will cycle continuously, working continuously without actually removing water from the basin. If you already have a check valve installed, you should inspect it every 3-4 months.

Battery backup system

It is common for the power to get cut off during thunderstorms or a flood. This is usually when you need your sump pump most. But with the power cut-off, you are denied the benefit of a sump pump even when you have one installed. A battery backup system installation allows you to switch your sump pump from AC to DC and keep it running during a blackout.

Install an alarm system

Sump pump failures are often only detected when you need the sump pump and, it fails to work. You need a warning system to ensure the sump pump functions correctly and leaves you without a safeguard against basement flooding. There are different warning systems in the market, and they are helpful because they will alert you when your sump pump stops working.

Inspect and maintain the sump pump on a schedule

It is essential to maintain your sump pump at least twice every year. This usually means dismantling the pump components and cleaning them. Unless the sump pump has stopped working, you can do this yourself.

To clean the sump pump, disconnect the power, take the pump out of the basin, clean the exterior of the pump, along with the inlet screen and check the valve. If necessary, oil or grease the pump bearings before returning them to the pit and reconnecting the power.

Install a relief hole to prevent air locking

Air locking is familiar with bottom intake pumps. This is when air is trapped inside the pump, preventing water from going through it. An air-locked sump pump will not pump water out of the basin even when the motor runs.

A blockage causes air locking in the relief hole of the impeller casing; you can solve the problem by cleaning the spot. A permanent way to deal with this issue is to install a relief hole in the discharge piping above the impeller casing and below the check valve.

Test your sump pump periodically

As already stated, there is only one way to tell if your sump pump has stopped working once it fails to come on during a flood. You should test your sump pump often to ensure you aren’t in this unfortunate situation.

Testing a sump pump is easy. These are the steps; fill a five-gallon bucket with water and pour the water into the sump pit slowly. This should raise the float switch until the pump comes on. Listen for strange noises when the pump is running and wait to see if it goes off after emptying the pit. Even if an alarm system is installed, you must test your sump pump periodically.

They may not get much attention, but sump pumps do a lot to keep your home safe. They aren’t as expensive as a furnace or as frequently used as a fridge, but they’re still crucial to your home’s safety and comfort level when preventing water damage. Therefore, the sump pump needs to be checked as part of your standard house maintenance.

Jun '22

Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist

The sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding in your home’s basement and the costly repairs that can follow such incidents. But for a sump pump to do what it is designed to do, you need to always ensure that it is working as it should.

Sump pump malfunctions don’t happen frequently but when they do, the problem is often not discovered until it is too late. As KRS Holdings warns, homeowners typically get to realize that the sump pump has failed after their home is unexpectedly flooded.

The financial and emotional toll of dealing with flooding in your home is nothing compared to the effort it takes to make sure your sump pump is working. To protect your precious home and its valuable content, you should know how to maintain your sump pump.

How does a sump pump work and how can you prevent sump pump failures that expose your home to flood damage? This maintenance checklist explains everything you need to know to avoid unpleasant surprises from your sump pump.

How a sump pump works

The sump pump prevents flood damage to those parts of your home that are below ground. A sump pump automatically removes water that finds its way into the basement or parts of the home that are below ground. It reduces the risk of water damage by runoff or snowmelt.

The sump pump sits inside a basin or sump; a pit that is usually 2 feet deep and 18 inches wide. This pit collects any water that enters the basement area and when the water reaches a certain level a floating switch inside the sump triggers the sump pump.

The water is then pumped out of the basin to a location outside the home where it will not endanger the house. Once the basin is empty or the water inside it reaches a certain level, the pump switches off. This entire process happens without the homeowner’s involvement.

But sometimes the sump pump will fail. Sump pump failures may be due to disruption of power supply, the pump becoming clogged with debris, or its internal components malfunctioning. Periodic inspections help you catch sump pump failures before they result in disaster.

A sump pump maintenance checklist

Check the power supply

Ideally, the sump pump should be on an independent circuit. Check the sump pump power cord every quarter to see if it is connected. If there is a power outage during a storm, check the sump power supply when the electricity supply is restored.

Make sure the pump is level

It is normal for the motor to vibrate when the sump pump runs. Over time, these small vibrations can lead the sump pump to shift out of place. If the sump pump is out of level, it will not function as expected.

Check that the sump pump starts automatically

Pour enough water into the sump pit to raise the float or pressure sensor until the pump is activated. Note strange sounds or smells while the pump is running. If the pump does not power on automatically, you have a sump pump or float switch failure.

Remove the sump pump

If the pump is working properly, remove it from the basin and proceed to the other steps listed below. If the pump is unresponsive, get an expert to take a look at the sump pump and float switch.

Smell the sump for odors

Unpleasant odors from the sump pump usually come from the sump pump trap. To clean the trap and get rid of the odor, use a mixture of five parts of water to one part of bleach to clean the basin.

Clean the impeller

The sump pump has a small filter known as the impeller. If this filter is clogged, the pump will stop working or make a whining noise when it runs. This problem happens often but is easily fixed by cleaning the impeller.

Inspect the check valve

The check valve prevents backflow after the sump is turned off. Sometimes it can get damaged or moved out of place. Remove the check valve and inspect it for damage. Replace it with the check valve’s arrow pointing in the direction of the sump pump.

Check the discharge pipes

Discharge pipes convey water from the sump pump to a dry well on your property or into the municipal storm drain. Leaks and weak points on the pipes will impair the effectiveness of your sump pump. Also, check the discharge pipe vent for debris.

Remove debris from the basin

Debris will often find its way into the basin along with water entering the pit. This debris should not be allowed to get into your pump. Keep the sump basin free of debris to protect the pump and float mechanism.

Install a backup power and backup pump

In the event of power outages during heavy thunderstorms, you need a backup power source to ensure your home is not left at the mercy of the elements. A backup sump pump will also protect your home in case your primary sump pump fails during an emergency.