3 Tips for Maintaining Your Sump Pump

Sump pumps are submersible pumps, often installed in your basement, that allow you to remove excess water. They are useful when there is a flood due to a broken plumbing pipe or a heavy rainstorm. After getting one installed, it is important that you keep up with regular maintenance so you can avoid serious problems when you need the pump the most. Here are some tips for maintaining the sump pump.

Test the Pump Routinely

You need to test the pump routinely, including shortly after it is installed and on a regular basis after that. The last thing you want to do is discover it isn’t working when you have a flood on your hands. This makes the pump useless and can destroy your home in the process. Try to remember to test out the pump every few months by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. This is located near the pump itself. With the pump turned on, it should be activated when water enters the pit. It will then disperse that water away from your home. If the water sits in the pit and doesn’t trigger the pump, you know you are in need of repairs.

Keep the Pump Clean

Not only do you need to test the sump pump to be sure it is still working properly, but you should also keep it clean. It needs to be cleaned on the inside as sand, gravel, and dirt can build up and cause problems. Turn off the sump pump and check to the pit to be sure no water is inside. Remove any sand or dirt you find inside the pit. This helps to keep this debris from entering the pump itself. Next, check the discharge line opening and make sure there are no obstructions. If this is not clear, water won’t pump out of the basement properly.

You should also clean the bottom of the pump and look for worn parts as you do so. If any parts that are connected to the pump are showing obvious signs of wear, now is the time to have them replaced.

Get Additional Inspections

There are a few additional things to check when you go through regular maintenance of the sump pump. To start with, make sure the pump is plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter. Check the GFCI to make sure it is working properly. Also be sure the sump pump is standing completely upright. Sometimes there are vibrations that can cause it to tilt slightly. Lastly, find the outlet pipes and be sure they are joined tightly.

A sump pump is an essential part of protecting your basement from floods. In order to continue working effectively, they need to be repaired and maintained on a regular basis. Following these tips ensures a high-quality sump pump without any issues.