Sump pump maintenance will keep your home’s areas free from watery troubles. Here are our tips for maintaining your sump pump and what to do when you have issues.
Every day, 14,000 Americans face a water damage emergency. Every year, Americans pay a staggering $13 billion for water damage repair.
Water damage can destroy your valuable possessions and leave behind a smell that lingers for weeks.
Often, your sump pump is the unsung hero in your battle against water damage. It helps move water away from your home’s basement, keeping your home dry during heavy rains and rising water levels.
But without proper sump pump maintenance, you cannot expect this critical component to function efficiently. In this post, we outline eight simple tips for maintaining a sump pump so you can get the most out of it for as long as possible.
Read on to learn more.
Familiarize Yourself With Your Sump Pump
The first and most important pillar of sump pump maintenance is to know your unit extensively. In doing so, you can tell what to expect in terms of your unit’s needs, strengths, and weaknesses.
One of the first things you need to get familiar with is the unit’s model and brand number. That makes it easier for you to buy the correct replacement parts when the time comes.
Be sure to know your unit’s age as well. On average, sump pumps last 10 years. Even so, pumps that are older than seven years generally have more repair issues.
It also helps to know which problems generally affect units like yours, as well as where you can find the right replacement parts for the pump.
Regularly Check Whether Your Sump Pump Is Still Working
Once a month, you should do a sump pump maintenance check to see whether the unit works as it should.
How should you go about it? First, connect the unit to a power source and pour water into the sump pit. The goal is to see how your sump pump runs and whether it produces any odd sounds.
If you notice something wrong with the unit, take action right away. You may want to call a plumber to check the issue.
Learn To Recognize Common Sump Pump Issues
Like other machines in your home, issues with your sump pump are generally easy to spot. So what sump pump repair signals should you watch for?
Strange noises are a common indication that your unit has a malfunction. In most cases, it indicates that the unit has worn-out parts that need replacement. Grinding or rattling noises, for instance, indicate that you may have a damaged impeller.
A motor that vibrates excessively could indicate that the impeller is bent or deformed.
Sometimes, the sump pump turns on and off continually, indicating an internal wiring issue. This is a problem that should be handled strictly by a sump pump repair expert.
An oil leak in your sump pump is another serious issue. It shows that your sump pump may be failing and is due for a replacement.
Deep Clean the Sump Pump Regularly
Keeping your sump pump clean should be part of your sump pump maintenance schedule. It helps increase your unit’s efficiency, in addition to extending its lifespan.
To deep clean your sump pump and sump pit, start by turning it off and ensuring that nobody is using an appliance that could drain water into the sump pit, such as the washing machine. Next, rinse the pump using a garden hose.
Once you’ve rinsed the pump, use a putty knife or plastic scraper to remove any caked debris on the pump. Clean the sump pit using a wet vacuum. As soon as the pump is entirely dry, reattach it to the discharge pump before plugging it once again into the power source.
Keep Your Unit Properly Covered
A common reason for a dirty sump pump is when lint, sediment, and larger debris fall into the sump pit. The best way to prevent this from happening is to have a proper cover on the unit.
Make sure that the covering fits snugly on your sump pit. Any holes on the covering should only be for the drainage pipe and stand.
Don’t Forget About the Discharge Line
If you’ve noticed that water drains too slowly from the sump pit, the problem may be with drainage pipes rather than the sump pit itself.
The solution is to inspect the drainage pipes thoroughly and remove any blockages you notice. Of course, this is a job that a sump pump expert can do well.
Invest in a Backup Sump Pump
It’s very likely that the sump pump you now use is powered by electricity. The problem is that power outages can occur at any time, especially during storm season. A power outage means that your sump pump won’t work, which is bad news when you’re trying to avoid water damage.
That’s where a backup sump pump comes in. Opt for a second sump pump that doesn’t rely on electricity. You can find pumps that run on water pressure or batteries.
Keep a Sump Pump Expert’s Contact Information
A malfunctioning sump pump is an emergency you cannot ignore. That’s why you need to know who to call if your unit suddenly stops working.
Ideally, you want to work with a reputable sump pump contractor who guarantees to show up at your home when the unexpected happens.
Prioritize Sump Pump Maintenance To Avoid Water Damage
Sump pump maintenance is the key to ensuring that your unit serves you effectively and lasts as long as possible. The good news is that taking care of your sump pump doesn’t need to be a complicated or costly affair. That said, it helps to know which maintenance tasks you can handle yourself and when you need professional help.
Are you interested in reliable and affordable sump pump replacement or repair services in your area? Contact us today at (402) 731-2727 and schedule a service.