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When it comes to flooding, your basement is the most vulnerable point in your home. It’s the lowest, making it the prime space for water. That’s why so many homeowners invest in a sump pump. When working right, a sump pump is designed to bring in all that excess water and force it from your home through the discharge line. Of course, that whole setup is reliant on the sump pump working correctly. It’s a plumbing system which means occasional maintenance is a must.

If you want to avoid a flooded basement, now is the time to schedule sump pump cleanup and maintenance. Consider it an investment in your home.

Sump Pump Maintenance is a Must

The most effective way to prevent basement water damage or flooding is via a sump pump. After all, you can’t spend all your time in the basement. It’s unreasonable to think you would catch every leak imaginable.

A sump pump will collect the excess water from around your home and pump it out once the basin fills up. If the sump pump is not in working order, the basin will fill up as usual but won’t stop. All that water will eventually seep over the top of the sump pit and start flooding the basement slowly.

Here are a few sump pump maintenance tips to keep everything in working order.

• Check the Motor – You need to occasionally lift up the cover and pull up the float. If the motor does not activate immediately, ensure it is plugged in and receiving power. If the motor still does not run, you’ll need to schedule a professional.
• Discharge Line – The discharge line must extend away from the home to safely drain water. At times, the line may become clogged with dirt and debris and must be cleaned for continued operation.
• Backup Power – If your sump pump has a backup power source (which it should), you want to ensure the generator is running when needed and working properly.

Preventing a Sump Pump Overflow

It is not uncommon for a sump pump to malfunction. Even a minor malfunction can lead to an overflow, as continued rainfall will accumulate in the sump pit over time.

• Look for Debris – Many objects and chunks of debris may wind up in the basin and damage the float mechanism. Occasionally check for such debris and remove it promptly.
• Check Valve – Inspect the check valve, as it prevents the pumped-out water from re-entering the sump pump through the discharge line. The check valve has an arrow pointing away from the sump pump.
• Clean the Weep Hole – Some types of sump pumps have a weep hole, found between the check valve and pump, that may become clogged with debris. You’ll need to carefully use a toothpick to clear away such debris. Do not let the toothpick break, though.

Trust in your local Restoration 1 for top-rated sump pump cleanup and maintenance. With our expertise, we can prevent basement flooding together.