importance of sump pump maintenance Archives

Sump Pump Inspection

A sump pump inspection is a process of checking the pump to make sure it is working correctly. During a sump pump inspection, a local plumber will inspect the pump and its components for any signs of wear or damage. They will also check for any leaks or other potential problems that could cause the pump to malfunction. The technician will also check to make sure the pump is connected properly and is positioned correctly in the sump pit.

The technician will also check the electrical components of the pump. This includes checking the wiring, the motor, and the float switch. They will also check the check valve to make sure it is working properly. The plumber will also inspect the discharge line to make sure it is functioning correctly.

Basement Flood Prevention

Having a sump pump inspection is a great way to help prevent flooding in your basement. The pump is designed to pump out water that accumulates in the sump pit, which is a low point in the basement. If the pump fails, water can accumulate in the pit and eventually rise high enough to cause flooding in the basement.

A sump pump inspection is a great way to make sure that the pump is working properly and can protect your home from flooding. It is also a great way to detect potential problems before they become a major issue. If a problem is detected during the inspection, the sump pump can can be fixed before it becomes a costly issue that requires you to have to replace your sump pump.

Sump Pump Maintenance

In addition to having a sump pump inspection, there are other steps you can take to make sure your sump pump is working properly. Regular maintenance of the pump is essential to make sure it is working correctly. This includes checking the pump regularly to make sure it is turning on and off correctly and that it is pumping water out of the sump pit.

You should also check the discharge line regularly to make sure it is clear of debris and that it is not clogged or blocked. If the discharge line is clogged, water will not be able to flow out of the sump pit and can cause flooding.

It is also important to check the electrical components of the pump regularly. This includes checking the wiring, the motor, and the float switch. If any of these components are damaged or not working correctly, the pump may not be able to turn on and off correctly.

Finally, it is important to check the check valve to make sure it is working properly. The check valve is designed to keep water from flowing back into the sump pit when the pump is not running. If the check valve is not working correctly, water can flow back into the sump pit and cause flooding.

A sump pump inspection is a great way to make sure your sump pump is working correctly and is ready to protect your home during a flood. With regular maintenance and inspections, you can ensure that your sump pump is working properly and is ready to defend your home from flooding during the heavy rain season known as Spring.

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 sump pump 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.

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Defend Your Home With a Sump Pump Inspection