Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist

Sump pumps are important devices that every property with a basement should have. It can make the difference between a costly flooding incident and a dry basement. Yet, it’s also important to keep the sump pump in good shape so it can protect the basement continuously. Here are sump pump maintenance tips for homeowners.

Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

• DIY Installation — Those who have never installed a sump pump should not risk doing it themselves. They might end up paying a lot more for damages than for the cost of proper installation. It’s best to hire a plumbing professional to avoid the risks of faulty installation.
• Backup Power – During a powerful storm, homes can lose power, putting basements at risk for flooding. To ensure the sump pump continues to work during a power outage, it needs to have a backup power source, such as a generator or battery backup system.
• Testing the Sump Pump — Sump pump systems must be tested a year, before spring and fall, to make sure that it’s in good working condition. To test the system, water should be poured in the sump pit until it activates the pump switch. If it empties slower than normal, check the discharge pipe or the pump itself for clogs and other issues.
• Checking the Discharge Pipe — The drainage pipes must be tightly connected and directed away from the home’s foundation. Also, any damage and clogs should be fixed quickly. Anything that impedes the flow could result in basement flooding due to slow drainage or no drainage at all.
• Preventing Debris — The sump pump should not sit on debris such as silt or gravel, which could be sucked up into the pump, ruining the motor. Instead, it should sit on a steady flat brick. Also, the sump basin must have a filter fabric around it to stop debris from coming in.
• The Float Switch — This part tells the sump pump motor to stop once the water level goes below the float. The sump pump needs ample space around the float to both float and sink freely. If there isn’t enough room or if there is some type of obstruction in the way, the float may cause the pump to work improperly, which can burn up your motor.
• Keeping the Pump Plugged at All Times — If someone unplugs the sump pump and forgets to plug it back in, then the pump becomes useless. To prevent this, never unplug the pump or make sure you plug it back in if you do.
• Keeping the Sump Pump Visible — Forgetting where the sump pump is can be dangerous. Homeowners can end up piling stuff on top of it. That can result in damaging the sump pump and limiting accessibility. When storing items in the basement, the sump pump should always be located first to avoid this problem.

For water damage restoration, contact PuroClean

Routine sump pump maintenance goes a long way in guarding against basement flooding. Inspections from a septic tank maintenance professional or plumber twice a year are also important. Yet, if a water damage incident occurs, it’s critical to call the professional disaster remediation experts. That’s where PuroClean comes in. For water damage repair or mould removal, contact your local PuroClean office.