Now is the perfect time to make sure your sump pump is ready for storm season. A non-working sump pump is not only a costly fix, but without proper maintenance at home, it’s also a nightmare during storm season. Here are a few tips on how to ensure that your sump pump is working properly to avoid water damage in your home.
Do Frequent Visual Inspections During Storm Season
Quick visual inspections of your sump pump during the spring and summer months can determine whether your basement or crawl space is susceptible to over-flowing. This may seem like an obvious one but check and see if your sump pump is plugged in to a proper outlet and isn’t loose or damaged.
If your sump pump is in a space that is fairly small, make sure the area isn’t blocked by any boxes or debris. Smaller pieces of debris like rocks can make its way into the drain, preventing efficient water flow
Test It Out for Yourself
Now that you have checked your outlets and moved any materials blocking your drain, test your sump pump to make sure all the parts are working properly.
If you have large bucket, preferably around 5 gallons, fill it with water and slowly pour the water into the hole to see how well it filters out. If properly maintained, sump pumps can last up to 15 years before needing to be replaced. Conducing one of these quick tests before storm season can ensure the longevity of your sump pump and avoid any lingering anxieties of floods or sewer backup.
Check for Strange Noises and Corrosion
You’ve probably already noticed that even brand-new sump pumps make a gurgling noise when pushing water through the drainpipes. These noises are perfectly normal, but it’s important to pay attention to any unfamiliar sounds coming from your sump pump.
If you hear any grinding, banging, or whining sounds, even if they only occur temporarily, it’s recommended to call a professional immediately to avoid any further damage that may be caused by a blockage or pipe. If you notice any corrosion around the pipes, you may need a new sump pump, which a technician can determine for you.
Visually Inspect the Pump Float
Your sump pump float is especially important to inspect in order to ensure the entire machine is working properly. The sump pump float is designed to detect how much water is in the sump pump tank, and it floats on top of the water so that it can control how much to release through the drainpipes.
Without a working sump pump float, the entire machine will never know how much water to drain, causing your basement to flood much faster during a storm. Due to the importance of this part, it is recommended to check the sump pump float multiple times during storm season to make sure it is still intact.
