A sump pump can be the difference between a costly flooding incident and a dry basement. There are two types of sump pumps, “submersible” pumps are installed under the floor in your basements, while the “pedestal” pump sits above your sump basin. Sump pumps are used to “pump” groundwater away from your home and will evacuate large quantities of water, such as flooding, to other areas, such as storm drains. It is important to maintain your sump pump, so it can keep your basement dry all year long. Learn more about sump pump maintenance and avoid these common mistakes.
Common sump pump maintenance mistakes
DIY Installation
If you’ve never installed a sump pump, don’t risk doing it yourself. You might end up paying a lot more for damages than for the cost of professional installation. Hire a plumbing professional to avoid the risks.
No Backup Power
During a powerful storm, your home can lose power, causing your sump pump to shut down. Should you experience flooding in your basement, a sump pump would redirect any incoming water. Keep your sump pump working during a power outage by connecting it to a backup power source, such as a generator or battery backup system.
Not Testing Your Sump Pump
Test your sump pump system twice a year – before spring and fall – to make sure that it’s in good working condition. To test the system, slowly pour water into 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.
Ignoring the Discharge Pipe
Check that the drainage pipes are tightly connected and are directed away from your home’s foundation. Also, inspect the pipe for damage and clogs. Seek help at once if you find clogs or damage. Anything that impedes the flow could result in basement flooding due to slow drainage or no drainage at all.
Letting Debris Get in the Pump
Ensure your sump pump doesn’t sit on debris such as silt or gravel, which could be sucked up into the pump, ruining the motor. Instead, place it on steady, flat bricks. Also, ensure the sump basin has a filter fabric around it to stop debris from coming in. 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.
Ignoring the Float Switch
This part tells the sump pump motor to stop once the water level goes below the float. Your sump pump needs ample space around the float to both float and sink freely.
Unplugging the Pump
This can cause flooding if someone unplugs the sump pump and forgets to plug it back in. To prevent this, never unplug the pump or make sure you plug it back in if you do.
Covering the Sump Pump
Knowing where your sump pump is found is important, but if you forget, you might end up piling stuff on top of it. That can result in damaging the sump pump and limiting accessibility. When storing items in your basement, always locate your sump pump first to avoid this problem.
