What You Need to Know About Your Sump Pump

If you are planning to build a home or already own a home, the subject of sump pumps should be of interest to you. A sump pump is an electrical pump that is generally located below the basement slab. Its purpose is to remove water that could potential damage your home. This could be ground water from flooding or water from an overflow of some type in your home. When the water reaches the sump pump, the pump automatically begins to operate and pump the water out of and away from the house. You might consider it your dry basement insurance policy.

Many people have sump pumps in their homes that have never been activated. They have not had any basement water problems. This does not mean, they never will. However, the fact that the pump has not been used is one of the best reasons to do a maintenance test. If and when the pump is needed, you want to make sure that it will perform like it is expected to.

If you know your sump pump is frequently used to alleviate water problems, that just means you should have your pump checked more frequently. You want to be secure in the knowledge that when the water reaches the pump it will be activated like it is supposed to. The worst way to find out your pump needs repair or replacement is by finding your basement flooded with water.

Having a working sump pump in your basement is a very inexpensive means of protecting your home and the equipment and items located in your lowest level.

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.