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Avoid Sump Pump Failure: Preventive Maintenance Tips
5 min read
A sump pump is an essential part of your home that moves water from your basement and away from your home, sparing you from the stress that comes with indoor flooding.
But like any other system in your house, sump pumps require regular maintenance to continue working correctly. Without regular upkeep, your unit becomes more prone to breakdowns. When they do fail, water can wreak havoc inside your home, creating the need for extensive water damage restoration in Oak Harbor.
Fortunately, paying more attention to preventive maintenance can help keep your home safe and dry. Ensure your sump pump functions properly with these pointers and practices.
6 Sump Pump Maintenance Tips
- Test the Sump Pump
Washington’s wetter season isn’t the best time to learn that your sump pump isn’t working correctly. As such, it’s best to test your unit in early spring to ensure it functions as it should when heavy rain storms come.
To test your sump pump system, slowly pour a bucket of water or use a garden hose to fill the pit with water. There’s nothing to worry about if your unit runs automatically when the water level rises. However, if it doesn’t turn on and move the water to the discharge line, enlist sump pump maintenance services to have it checked as soon as possible.
- Clean the Pump
Keeping your sump pump free of dirt buildup through regular cleaning allows it to run more efficiently. This consequently helps lower your energy bills and prevent malfunctions.
Here’s a brief step-by-step guide to help you get started in sump pump cleaning:
- Disconnect the sump pump from its power source to ensure safety.
- Unplug the discharge pipe to remove the pump from the pit for a more thorough cleaning.
- Use a hose to spray down any dirt and gunk from the pump. A scrub brush can help remove tough debris.
- Next, drain water from the check valve. Disassemble it if possible to clean it better.
- Clean your sump pump pit next by using a wet/dry vac to remove excess water. Wipe away any remaining wet residue using a rag.
- Once everything is clean, assemble the parts, reconnect the discharge pipe, and turn the power back on for testing.
- Clean the Inlet Screen
The inlet screen is a filter allowing water into your sump pump system while keeping dirt out. As such, a debris-blocked inlet screen can cause water to pool in your basement, leading to damage and potentially triggering microbial growth.
Avoid such a messy scenario by cleaning the inlet screen at least every four months. A toothbrush and water can get the job done and prevent any accumulation from becoming a stubborn blockage.
- Check the Sump Pump’s Position
A sump pump’s motor naturally vibrates when it runs. However, these vibrations, along with the water in the unit, can cause the pump to shift positions. Unfortunately, a sump pump no longer sitting on a level surface can run nonstop – or fail to run at all.
Checking that your sump pump is upright, level, and free of obstructions is one way to avoid system failure.
- Inspect the Water Discharge Location
It’s a good idea to check where your pump discharges water outside your home. You don’t want the site near your house’s foundation. Otherwise, the water can return to the sump pump and eventually overwork your unit.
The discharge line should not run into your sewer or septic systems either, as doing so can overwhelm them and lead to damage – and a frustrating mess.
Instead, water should be discharged at least 20 feet from your home’s foundation. Never let it flow onto your driveways and sidewalks, as continued exposure to water can speed up their deterioration.
- Install a Battery-Operated Backup
Since sump pumps run on electricity, installing a battery-operated backup pump is a smart move. Doing so helps ensure your unit will keep running and moving water out of your home, even in a power outage.
Once your backup is installed, test it by unplugging the primary pump and following the tips mentioned in the first item.
Find a Reliable Team for Professional Sump Pump Maintenance and Water Cleanup in Oak Harbor
Your sump pump is critical in keeping your basement dry in case of a leak or weather-related flooding. Also, while it can be prone to issues over time, being diligent with its upkeep goes a long way in ensuring it works correctly when needed.
Restoration 1 of Oak Harbor is a trusted team for sump pump maintenance. We have technicians experienced in cleaning and testing units to keep them running smoothly year-round. Call us anytime to schedule your sump pump maintenance, and we’ll be there to get the job done right.
If a sump pump failure has already occurred, know that we’re also ready to perform water damage restoration in Oak Harbor anytime. Our straightforward process can efficiently clean flooded basements and ensure your home is free of water damage, moisture, or mold. Dealing with basement cleanup is not easy, but our professionals are here to come to your rescue. Contact us today for swift and thorough water damage restoration in Oak Harbor. We are available 24/7 to get your home back to normal in no time.
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