Sump Pump Maintenance

Typically homes with basements will have a sump pump system connected to the perimeter drain tile, which removes ground water from the footings of a home.  Water is collected in the drain tile, where it flows into a pit within the basement.  As the pit fills up with water, it is pumped to the exterior of the home by a pump, which is connected to a discharge pipe.  A float within the pump “senses” the water level and will turn the pump on and off automatically as needed.  This system, as well as the waterproofing of the walls, is what keeps your basement dry.  On many homes with exterior stairs to the basement will have a drain in the areaway, which drains water into the sump pit.

As with any other component of a home, this system requires regular maintenance to keep it working properly.  Maintenance includes keeping the pit itself clean, as sediment that is in the perimeter drain tile can find its way into the pit and clog the pump.  Also, pumps can fail, so it proper operating condition should be verified a couple of times a year.  In addition, the discharge pipe needs to be clear of any debris to keep the water flowing away from the house.  Any of these items can prevent the system from working properly, leading to a wet basement.

A qualified plumbing contractor specializing in residential service work can perform this maintenance very quickly and economically.  In addition, they can assist you in the installation of a sump pump system if your home does not have one.  Removing ground water away from the home is the most important step in keeping your basement dry!

Sump Pumps – Do You Need One?

What is a sump pump? Do you have one? Do you need one? As the summer season begins, with its corresponding share of thunderstorms, this question is often heard as concerns rise about potential flooding. Sump pumps are generally used in areas where basement flooding can be a problem or where the water table is so high that it is at or above the foundation of a home.

A sump pump removes water that has accumulated in a sump basin (typically a plastic, metal or concrete container measuring 2 ft. across by 2 to 3 ft. deep) in the basement of some homes. The sump pump sends the water away from the house where it will no longer pose a problem, such as to a storm drain or drain field. Some older homes may have a sump pump that discharges its water into the sewer system but this is no longer acceptable by most municipal plumbing codes.

Sump pumps are usually wired into your standard electrical system, although they should probably have a backup system in the event of power failure (such as a battery backup or generator) since the sump basin may overflow if the water retained reaches a certain level without being pumped. Sump pumps may be pedestal, where the motor is mounted above the sump, or submersible where the motor is sealed entirely inside the sump. Sump pumps can be automatic or manual, and vary as to the amount of horsepower, maximum height the pump will remove water, number of motor phases and voltage, as well as the type of water level sensing switch.

Your local plumbing professional can make sure that you are equipped with the appropriate system to meet your individual needs. Sump pumps need to be maintained and should be inspected yearly to avoid problems that could decrease its efficiency.

 

Do You Need a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are designed to prevent flooding in basements.  This can happen because a basement is below ground level and the water from the soil can leak into the area when it is saturated.  Heavy rains can also cause water to enter the basement due to run-off.  A sump pump can prevent thousands of dollars of damage and unsanitary conditions with standing water.

A sump pump is needed in any area that is prone to flooding or in houses that sit below the water line.  Any house that has a basement is susceptible to problems and should have a sump pump as a precaution.

Many sump pumps are set up to work off the house’s electricity but they also need a backup power option in case the electricity goes out.  It would not do you any good to have a sump pump if your electricity goes off with no other method for it to run.

A sump pump can prevent damage to the contents in your basement, especially if it is a finished area.  This can prevent thousands of dollars spent in replacing items such as carpeting and furnishings.  Another benefit of having a sump pump is that it will prevent damage to your foundation from water.  Over time, water can weaken wooden joists or beams, causing them to crack or rot.  It is much more expensive to make structural repairs than to purchase and set up a sump pump.

Your local plumber can help you select a sump pump and install it so that it works properly when you need it.  They can answer any questions you may have about the pump before and after purchase.

Sump Pump Testing and Maintenance

If your home is equipped with a sump pump, regular routine testing maintenance will help make sure it is ready to go and operating properly when it’s needed.  The worst time to discover that your sump pump has stopped working is when your basement starts filling up with water.  Spring is a great time for sump pump maintenance since this is the time of year when sump pumps are needed the most.

Your local plumber can take care of servicing and maintaining you sump pump if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, but the procedure is not difficult and can be handled by most homeowners.

First, make sure there is power to sump pump by checking the circuit breakers.  Reset the breaker if it has been tripped.  If the breaker trips frequently, stop and call your plumber to have the system checked out.

Next, open the lid to the sump pump well.  Use a flashlight to inspect the well and make sure it is clear of dirt, dust, and other debris that may have fallen into the well.  Any foreign material can clog the intake just when you need the pump to operate the most.

Fill a five gallon bucket with water and carefully pour the water into the sump well while watching the float switch.  When the water reaches the float switch, the sump pump should activate and drain the sump well.  If the pump does not activate, you will need to have the system inspected by a plumber.

Finally, once the pump empties the well and shuts off, watch to make sure that no water flows back into the sump well.  If it does, your check valve is stuck otherwise not operating properly.  If everything checks out, replace the lid on the sump well and you are done until next time.