As a homeowner, you know that there are many things you must do in order to keep your home in tip-top shape. From changing the air filters to maintaining the gutters, there are a host of maintenance tasks that you must perform on a regularly. Another one of those important maintenance tasks is keeping your sump pump in good working order.
A sump pump is a vital part of your home’s plumbing system and is responsible for preventing flooding in your basement or crawl space. Because it works so hard to keep your home dry, it is important to give it the maintenance it needs in order to continue working properly.
A few tips on how you can properly maintain your sump pump.
1. Check the discharge pipe regularly
1. Check the discharge pipe regularly
The discharge pipe is the pipe that carries water away from your home once the sump pump has pumped it out. You should check this pipe regularly to ensure that it is free of any debris or blockages. If the pipe becomes blocked, it could cause the water to back into your home, defeating the purpose of having a sump pump in the first place!
2. Make sure the float switch can move freely
2. Make sure the float switch can move freely
The float switch is what turns the sump pump on and off as needed. If this switch becomes stuck, it could cause the pump to either overwork itself or not work at all. Simply check that the float switch can move up and down freely in its housing.
3. Inspect the impeller
3. Inspect the impeller
The impeller is what helps move water through the sump pump and ultimately out of your home. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on this part, which can cause it to become less effective. Be sure to inspect it regularly and clean off any dirt or debris that you see.
4. Check the electrical cord
4. Check the electrical cord
In order to be sure that your sump pump is working properly, you should test it regularly. One easy way to do this is simply to pour a bucket of water into the pit where the sump pump is located. This will cause the float switch to activate and should cause the pump to turn on. If you don’t hear anything, or if water begins backing up into your home, then you know there may be an issue with your sump pump.
6 . Have a backup plan
6 . Have a backup plan
Even if you take all of these preventive measures, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong with your sump pump. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in place, just in case. You might consider investing in a battery-operated backup sump pump, which will kick in if there’s a power outage.
Or, you could simply invest in some heavy-duty plastic sheeting and sandbags, which you can use to temporarily seal off any areas where water might be able to enter your home.
7. Know when to call a professional.
7. Know when to call a professional.
Even if you consider yourself handy around the house, there are some repairs that are best left to a professional. If you suspect that there may be something wrong with your sump pump, or if it hasn’t been working correctly despite your best efforts at maintenance, then it may be time to call in a plumber or other qualified professional.
Trying to repair a complex piece of machinery like a sump pump on your own could do more harm than good, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional help when necessary.
There are also additional add-ons to consider for your sump pump. Accessories like a water alarm attachment provide a last line of defense to alert you when your sump pump fails before the damage is done. A discharge hose helps extend your drainage point away from your home.
