If you want your sump pump to work like it is supposed to and keep your basement dry, you’ve got to keep it properly maintained.
The thing is, our sump pumps are often “out of sight, out of mind.” But then one day we really need that pump to do its job and it fails us! It’s not even that it stops working completely. It’s more likely that something is just causing it to not work as it should.
Whether it’s lack of maintenance or perhaps time to replace the sump pump, you’ve got to take action. Don’t wait until you end up with water in the basement to remember the sump pump.
Take a look at these tips to help you maintain your sump pump.
Regular Inspection
Since your sump pump doesn’t always get pushed daily, it sits idle to some extent. The downside to that idle time is that you just don’t know if it’s going to really work when you need it.
With that in mind, take the time to inspect and test your sump pump regularly. You can most likely get away with testing it a couple of times a year. If your location has a rainy season, you certainly want to be sure to test it prior to that.
A test is easy. Just grab a bucket of water and pour it into the pump. Check to see when/if the pump kicks on. If it doesn’t kick on quickly or when it should, it’s time to take more action.
Clean Your Pump
Part of maintenance is to clean your sump pump on occasion. Remember that the pump sits idle for extended periods of time. This and age can wear down on the pump and you won’t even realize it until it fails.
You can remove the lid and clean the interior. This is your chance to remove things like gravel, sand, or dirt that could clog up the pump when it needs to be draining. It’s also a great time to look for any parts that might be worn out and need to be cleaned or replaced.
Battery Backup
Another important element of making sure your sump pump is ready to go is to have a battery backup. Storms and heavy rains can easily lead to electrical outages. An electrical outage means your sump pump can’t power on.
If you install a battery backup on your pump, the problem is solved! A battery backup will make sure your pump runs even when the electricity is out. You do want to be sure to test the battery on occasion as well – perhaps with your other inspections.
Know the Signs
These tips will help you keep your sump pump maintained. However, it’s also a good idea to be familiar with the signs that there could be a problem. Apart from the simple tips we’ve covered here, be on the lookout for some of these signs:
- Water in the basement
- Unusual noises during operation (humming, banging, etc.)
- Rust on the pump or parts
- Odd smells, particularly musty or even rotten odors
- Symptoms of aging
Keep an eye on your sump pump. Know when to maintain it and when to replace it. Stay ahead of the game so you don’t end up with water damage from a pump that needs to be updated!
