Maintaining sump pumps correctly is essential to avoid many common issues and save you money on costly repairs.
A professional will inspect your sump pump to make sure it fits securely, and if needed, add a removable cover to prevent water from evaporating into the basement. They’ll also test the alarm and discharge location for proper operation.
Install a Removable Cover
Sump pumps are essential pieces of equipment used to remove excess water from a basement or crawlspace. These pumps can be installed as part of an overall water management strategy to help avoid flooding and potential property damage due to standing water beneath your home’s foundation.
A proper sump pump installation must include a cover to keep water out. This type of cover, often referred to as “sump pit cover,” should be made from durable plastic or other rigid material with an airtight gasket built-in and mechanically fastened onto the rim of the sump’s crock or vault, according to EPA regulations.
Though it may appear unnecessary, a cover for your sump pump system is an essential element. It prevents standing water from evaporating into the basement, raising humidity levels and encouraging mold growth in your home. Furthermore, it keeps soil gases like radon from seeping into basements and mixing with air inside of homes.
When looking for the ideal sump pump cover, there are numerous options to choose from – each designed specifically to fit a particular model of sump pump. A reliable cover should include air-sealing grommets around all penetrations such as electrical wiring, water ejection pipes or radon vent pipes.
The cover should also include a float that activates the pump when water levels reach predetermined levels and battery backup to provide power in case of power outage. This makes it simpler to access and service your pump for maintenance or repairs as needed.
It’s wise to regularly inspect your sump pump for issues. In many cases, it could simply be due to a clogged drain pipe or sump. If this is the case, some DIY cleaning may help clear out the blockage and improve performance from your sump.
Are you unsure where to start with your sump pump installation? Reach out to a nearby HVAC expert. They can make sure your sump pump works correctly and even add one if necessary.
Check the Alarm
Sump pumps are essential tools that prevent basement flooding in your home. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to notice when water levels in your pit or basement exceed certain limits. That is why a sump pump alarm was developed: to alert you when things have become out of hand.
Preventing major flooding is also a great way to protect your foundation and other parts of your house from costly damage. To guarantee that your sump pump is functioning optimally, be sure to inspect it regularly.
If your alarm is going off frequently, it could be an indication that your sump pump isn’t large enough to handle all the water in your basement. In this instance, it might be time to consider upgrading to a larger model.
Some sump pumps feature a float switch that activates when the level of water in your pit exceeds a certain point. An alarm will sound to let you know this is an emergency and that it’s time to call an experienced plumber for assistance.
Another issue that may set off a sump pump alarm is an electrical outage. If your electricity goes out, the pump may cease functioning and lead to excessive water accumulation in your basement.
Once power has been restored, make sure to inspect your breaker box to make sure it hasn’t tripped. If there are no trips, the issue likely lies with clogged sump pump filters.
Unfortunately, often the blockage is due to small rocks or other solid objects falling into the bottom of the pit. That’s why it is essential to regularly clear out this chamber.
If you haven’t done so recently, it would be beneficial to get the chamber cleaned by a licensed plumber. Doing this helps avoid future clogs in the chamber and keeps your sump pump running optimally for extended periods of time.
If your area experiences a lot of rain, your sump pump may have to work overtime in order to handle all the extra water. Unfortunately, this could also cause it to go off more frequently than normal. In such cases, contact a plumber right away so your basement doesn’t become flooded.
Check the Discharge Location
If your house has a sump pump, it is essential to inspect its discharge location periodically. This is where water from your pit drains away from your house to protect it from flooding. Make sure the pipe leading from the pump is at least 20 feet away from the foundation of your house.
If the line isn’t run far enough away from your house, water will simply cycle back into the pump. This is a waste of energy and puts undue strain on your sump pump.
To prevent this, make sure your discharge line is sized according to the pump manufacturer’s recommendations. Additionally, add a check valve at the end of it that prevents water from returning after your pump has turned off.
Every year, inspect the line to make sure it’s not blocked or leaking. A blocked pipe will make it difficult for your sump pump to remove water from the basement.
Hiring a professional to inspect and maintain your sump pump is recommended. They can conduct an in-depth assessment and offer helpful suggestions on keeping it running optimally.
They can assist you in selecting the sump pump that best fits your home and budget, as well as provide tips for avoiding blockages and other issues which could negatively affect performance of the system.
Discharge pipes should be regularly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria that could cause odors and other issues. This can be accomplished using either a hose, cloth, or sponge.
You can also use a disinfectant spray or nonabrasive cleaner to disinfect your pipe. Doing so helps avoid the buildup of mold or bacteria that could pose serious health risks.
Maintaining your sump pump is the key to avoiding floods and other emergencies. Having an expert come out to your home for annual maintenance will guarantee that your pump remains healthy and functioning optimally.
At Roto-Rooter, our plumbing and drain experts are available 24/7 to meet your plumbing and drain needs. Plus, we provide 24-hour emergency services so you can always count on us when you need help the most.
Check the Battery Backup
If your battery backup sump pump is working properly, you should inspect its condition at least once annually. Doing this helps guarantee that it will function in case of a power outage.
A battery backup for your sump pump is an essential safety measure that should be installed by a qualified professional to safeguard your home against water damage. Without this backup, you could potentially end up spending thousands of dollars on water mitigation services and repairs in the event of flood damage.
In addition to checking the battery, a professional will inspect your sump pit and discharge line for any problems. The pit must be large enough for the pump to operate efficiently, while the discharge line needs a check valve that prevents water from returning into it after shutdown.
Another step the expert will perform is inspecting the float switch. This device controls when your sump pump will turn on and pump excess water out of the pit, so it must be free to move freely without obstruction from debris or rust. If it becomes stuck, however, your sump pump won’t function and must be replaced.
Test the float switch by pouring five gallons of water into the sump pit and watching it. If it does not move correctly, there could be an issue with the motor or obstruction in the inlet screen. In either case, remove the sump pump, clean out the inlet screen, lubricate its bearings, then reinstall it and connect to your power source again – repeat this step until satisfied with results.
