We made it through winter and are ready to enjoy all the perks that summer brings. However, with all the perks also often comes summer storms. Without a properly functioning sump pump homeowners can be left to deal with flooding from rainwater so the best time to make sure your sump pump is working properly is now, before you need it.
What does my sump pump do?
Before we talk about how to prepare your sump pump let’s talk about what your sump pump does. A sump pump is a small pump that is installed in a basement or crawlspace and moves water away from your home to prevent flooding. Sump pumps are typically located in a sump pit and as the pit fills with water the pump activates and turns on. It removes water from the pit and away from your home through a discharge pipe and away from your foundation.
Prepare your sump pump now so that you have peace of mind during any storms that it is working correctly, and your home will avoid any flooding and the damage that comes with that. Not only could that be the immediate damage but over time mold and flood damage could compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Check out our tips on how to prepare your sump pump for any upcoming summer storms.
1. Inspect the pump. Look for any rust, corrosion, or clogs. If you do find any it doesn’t automatically mean you need a new sump pump, but the clog may just need to be removed, or some maintenance may need to be performed. Keep a close eye out for corrosion as it can decrease your sump pump’s effectiveness.
2. Clean the pump. First turn off the pump and unplug it from the outlet. Then clean out the basin by removing any dirt, or debris that could clog your pump. Also be sure to check for any debris or clogs in the discharge pipe so that the discharged water runs away from your home.
3. Check the power source. Your sump pump is powered by electricity so make sure that it is plugged into a working outlet. If the outlet is not working, you may want to call an electrician to help you find out why. Your power could go out during a storm so you may want to consider getting a battery-powered pump or a generator for back up.
4. Test the sump pump. You can test your sump pump by pouring in enough water that the float switch rises and activates the pump. If the pump does not drain or drains slowly that could indicate a problem with the pump. Once the water is gone the pump should turn off automatically. First try to unplug and plug the unit back in to reset it, however if it still doesn’t work you may want to call a plumber for further assistance. While the pump is running also watch for constant vibration or for excessive noise as those could be indications of a problem as well.
5. Check the pump after each storm. It is important to continue to check your sump pump after each storm and throughout the summer to ensure that it continues to function properly and to avoid flooding.
On average sump pumps last for about 10 years, however if you take good care of your pump, it may last even longer. Regularly inspecting your pump and maintenance can help you extend the life of your pump and protect your home from costly repairs due to flooding and mold that can occur due to the moisture.
Call HR Silicon Valley Plumbers today to talk about your options for replacement, installation, or maintenance of your sump pump in San Jose and surrounding areas.
