Although maintaining your sump pump may not be the most glamorous tasks for homeowners, it should be a top priority. Taking proper care of your plumbing system can save you thousands of dollars in damage repair. Here are the top five ways to ensure your sump pump performs optimally.
1. Inspect for Cracks or Damages Parts
To ensure your sump pump is at its best, you should perform periodic inspections. If during the inspection you notice any cracked or damaged parts, call a professional who specializes in local plumbing service to take a look and fix them.
2. Check the Valve and Get Rid of Dirt
Every sump pump comes with a check valve that prevents water from backing up. It typically has a discharge line that sends the water up and out of your basement. If any of these parts get damaged or begin to malfunction, it will adversely affect the sump pump. It will make water start gushing back in, resulting in flooding and mechanical issues with your sump pump. This could cost you several thousands of dollars in repairs.
To prevent this from happening, go to the spot where your discharge line dumps water and get rid of any dirt, or debris that might have accumulated around the area. Make sure you clear away any debris both inside and out. Afterward, inspect the check valve for any issues.
3. Test Your Sump Pump
It is essential to test your sump pump at regular intervals. This will come in handy if your sump pump has been idle for a while. There are many ways to test your sump pump. However, the easiest and most common way is to pour a bucket of water into the sump pump pit. And if it starts automatically and the water drains quickly, you’re in good shape. If the pump fails to start, then you need to contact a plumber to have it serviced.
4. Back It Up
If your home experiences frequent power outages, or your sump pump is not functioning properly, now is the time to get a backup pump system. Fortunately, there are different kinds of sump pumps available on the market. Depending on your budget and preference, you can choose a sump pump with a marine-grade battery that can power it for 12 hours.
During stormy weather, you may experience a power outage that stops your sump pump. In this case, a battery-operated sump pump will prevent flooding and keep your basement dry when your primary sump pump fails. Plumbing service providers can help determine the right one for you.
5. Contact a Reliable Plumbing Service Provider
Perhaps your sump pump has stopped working or maybe it has outlived its usefulness and needs to be replaced. If this is the case, it’s recommended that you contact a professional plumbing service provider. These experts are experienced and highly skilled at sump pump repairs, maintenance, and installation services, so you can rest assured they will get your sump pump back up and running in no time at all.
Water damage can cost thousands of dollars and a longer time to repair. Follow these sump pump maintenance tips and save more.
