Prevent Basement Flooding with Proper Sump Pump Maintenance
Sump pump failure is the most frequent cause of basement floods. If your home has a sump pump, you’ve already got a great defense against water damage and flooding. However, simply owning a sump pump doesn’t give you a “get out of jail free” card; you’ve got to maintain it too!
The sump pump at work in your basement has a big responsibility: preventing floods and protecting your home from water damage and expensive repairs. Keep a sump pump in good condition, and it will perform. But neglect to service it, and you could end up with a destructive and costly mess on your hands. Follow these steps to learn how to maintain a sump pump:
- Check the power source for the pump. It should connect to a ground fault circuit interruptor (GFCI) for maximum safety.
- Inspect the cord to the pump, looking for evidence of wear and tear.
- Make sure the pump is level and upright. When it runs, the vibrations from the motor or the force of the water can cause it to tilt, which will let the float shift out of place.
- Fill the basin or pit to the top with water, which should cause the pump to start immediately. This task simply assures you that the pump will run when it needs to and that nothing has malfunctioned.
- Check on the drainage pipes that take the water out of the system. All joints should connect tightly, and drain to the proper area—such as the main sewage line or through a pipe that extends into your yard. If your system has the latter, make sure the drainage pipe points away from your home's foundation and extends far enough away to avoid adding to the water table near your home.
- Identify the discharge pipe, and check that the venting is free of debris.
If you have concerns about your sump pump, are in need of sump pump replacement, or if you do not currently have a sump pump, contact Sure-Dry Basement Systems today for a free estimate!
