A sump pump is an invaluable component of a home’s drainage system, as its primary purpose is to remove water from the basement. It does this by drawing water in with a special valve and having a large pump move the water away from the house through a discharge line. Therefore, it’s important to periodically check and maintain your sump pump – ideally at least once a year – since if it stops working correctly, you could end up with a lot of damage caused by flooding. If your sump pump is not working correctly, it’s time to call a plumber for professional help.
How Often Should You Maintain Your Sump Pump?
It is essential to properly check and maintain your sump pump for it to work properly and securely. Normally, you should inspect the sump pump at least once a year; however, due to its significance in providing safety from water accumulation, which can lead to flooding, strive to look at it several times throughout the year. Late winter and early spring are highly recommended periods for these routine checkups since groundwater levels tend to rise due to harsh winter conditions such as snowmelt or high levels of precipitation.
Know the Problem Signs with Your Sump Pump
It’s important to be aware of the different warning signs that tell you when your sump pump needs attention:
- Strange noises: an increase in the noise your sump pump makes when it runs.
- Leaking water: water accumulating around the base of your pump could indicate an issue.
- Not operating: sump pump does not turn on.
- Intermittent operation: If your sump pump turns on and off frequently, this could indicate a problem with the switch, the float, or the motor.
- No water discharge: If your sump pump is not discharging water, this could indicate a clogged discharge line, a problem with the impeller, or a problem with the motor.
- Short cycling: If your sump pump turns on and off too quickly, this could indicate a problem with the switch or the pump size.
- Strange water coloring: water is brown, or you see a lot of rust.
Clear the Sump Basin of Debris
Before cleaning your sump pump, the most important step is to ensure it is unplugged from any power source. Failing to do so can result in serious electrical shock or other accidents that must be avoided. Once the sump pump is safely disconnected from its power supply, remove any large debris or objects floating in the basin for a few moments. This will facilitate easy removal of the pump for a more thorough cleaning. Make sure to complete this task before cleaning the sump pump.
Check for Corrosion or Other Damage Regularly
Cleaning a sump pump is an important maintenance task for any homeowner. To do so properly, you’ll need to start by disconnecting the discharge pipe from the pump. If it seems stuck, WD-40 is effective at lubricating the connection but be aware that resistance could signify mold growth. In this situation, disinfecting vinegar or bleach can remove the mold. However, never use both together. Once the pump is disconnected, check for any signs of corrosion or damage—which may require professional help. Following these steps will ensure your sump pump stays in good working order and can continue efficiently managing water away from your home.
Clean the Pump Inlet Screen
The sump pump inlet screen is an essential part of a sump pump. It is located along the pump’s base and serves as a filter to catch any debris that could otherwise cause damage over time to the pump’s internal components. To ensure your pump is running optimally, it is important to clean out the sump pump inlet screen regularly to continue doing its job correctly. Although this task does not require specialized tools, it is recommended to use a scrub brush for the best results in clearing out any built-up debris that may have become lodged in the screen.
Test the Pump to Ensure It Works Properly
Taking preventative measures when it comes to sump pump maintenance is the best way to protect your basement from flooding. To properly assess and maintain your sump pump, you should assess it at least once a month. Start by ensuring that your pump is connected to the power source so it can cycle water throughout the system. Then, pour a bucket of water into the pit and watch how the sump responds. Listen for any strange noises or vibrations made by the system, as these could be early indicators of a greater issue with the pump that needs to be addressed.
Call Your Local Sump Pump Experts For Repairs or Replacements
At MIDWEST PLUMBING CO. LLC, we understand the need for rapid emergency service when it comes to plumbing issues. That’s why our trained plumbing experts are available from 7 am to 7 pm daily in the Ken Caryl CO, area and offer upfront pricing on all repair jobs. We constantly receive high praise from our customers thanks to our unbeatable customer service; you can be sure that when you call us for any sump pump/plumbing emergency, you’ll get top-notch help as quickly as possible!
See what other plumbing solutions we provide:
- Hot water heater repair and installation
- Faucet repairs
- Toilet repairs
- Emergency plumbing services
- Sewer line repair
- Garbage disposal installation
- Gas line installation
- Leak detection
- And more!
So if you’re looking for reliable plumbing services in Ken Caryl, don’t hesitate – contact MIDWEST PLUMBING CO. LLC today.