You’ve heard the saying “April showers bring May flowers.†But we all know that rain hits our area all the time, and sometimes a lot of it in a very short space of time.
Our weather can be unpredictable. It can go from sunshine to pouring rain in an instant, and it’s important to prepare your home for any water that could enter it. Homeowners that have been down the flooded path before know that water damage is no joke. A few rainy days could lead to thousands of dollars in repairs and restorations. Which is why for homeowners with basements a sump pump is a must.
For a sump pump to be worth the investment however, and for it to be ready to do its job when called upon, it does need to be in good working order. Right now, before spring arrives and those rain showers become more frequent is an excellent time to ensure it is. Not sure how to do that? Here are some pointers.
Ensure Your Sump Pump is Debris Free
Head down to the basement and check out the area all around the sump pump to ensure that there isn’t any debris that could be sucked in when and if it’s called into action. This includes dirt, mud, gravel and maybe even tiny toys that, while you may not even be sure how they got down there could cause havoc if they get in the way when your pump is trying to run.
Debris can also get caught in the “weep hole,†or the small 1/8†hole located between the pump and the check valve. If it looks clogged, clean it with a toothpick until it’s clear.
Do a Float Switch Test
A float switch detects when the water level in your basement gets too high. If the float switch isn’t working, your sump pump won’t be activated when it needs to be.
To test this crucial element, pour a few gallons of water into the sump pump’s water collection pit and wait for it to turn on. If the pump is working correctly, it should automatically remove the water then turn itself off. If it does not you might need to replace the switch.
Check the Check Valve
The check valve keeps water from flowing back into the water collection pit after the pump turns off. If your check valve is malfunctioning, the water in your discharge pipe will fall back into the collection pit when the sump pump shuts off, forcing it to restart and begin pumping again.
To make sure your check valve is working, ensure that the internal flap can swing freely. If it seems stuck, flush it out with water and vinegar to remove any mineral deposits that are making it stick.
Clean the Inlet Screen
Check to see if the inlet screen is clear of debris. If it is blocked, gently remove it from the pump and rinse it with water until it is clear. A clogged inlet screen can cause your pump to work harder than it needs to, which could burn out its motor.
Check the Power
Inspect the power cord for any damage and ensure that the pump is plugged in. If the cord looks like it could get tangled with the float, use zip ties or tape to secure it in a safe position.
Schedule an Inspection
Prefer that a professional ensure that your sump pump is ready for spring? Great call. Now is the perfect time to schedule an annual maintenance call to ensure that when those spring showers arrive in earnest your sump pump is in great shape to do its very important job; keeping your basement dry and water damage at bay.