Homes in flood-prone and high water-table regions usually need sump pumps. These systems divert water away from the foundation of the house, which helps maintain dry basements and crawl spaces. Sump pumps, like any other mechanical system, need routine maintenance to keep working in times of crisis.
Benefits of Knowing How to Test Your Sump Pump for Proper Functionality
Maintaining your sump pump is straightforward and fairly simple to do. All you need to do is clean the pump and test it on a regular basis. You may also need to lubricate its moving parts from time to time. Doing so can protect homes from devastating floods and water damage. The procedure requires few tools and is easy to understand. Just fill the sump pit with water and watch the pump turn on. It should start right up and pump water out of the pit through a drainage pipe. A faulty power supply, float switch or broken internal component could be to blame if it fails to activate.
Testing your sump pump before the next big rainfall or snowfall will provide you with peace of mind in knowing it can handle heavy water. By checking for problems periodically, you can catch them before they become major disasters.
Inspecting the Discharge Pipe for Blockages and Leaks
The sump pump’s discharge pipe is an essential part of the system since it carries water away from the house. The accumulation of dirt, debris or even ice during the winter months can clog the pipe. To keep the system running efficiently, you must check the discharge line for leaks and obstructions at regular intervals.
First things first: Find the spot where the water pipe leaves the house. Verify that there is no vegetation, snow or leaves blocking it. If you locate any obvious breaks or leaks along the pipe’s length, you’ll need to fix them or replace the line so water doesn’t back up into the sump pit. If you don’t divert water far enough away from the foundation, it can cause structural damage to your property.
Cleaning the Sump Pit to Prevent Debris Buildup
Many sump pump pits will fill with gravel, dirt and small stones over time. The gradual buildup of these elements can clog the pump, hindering its functionality. To keep this problem from happening, you may need to clean the pit after heavy rainfalls or snowstorms.
To prevent any mishaps, turn off the electricity to the sump pump before you clean the pit. Drain the pit of any remaining water using a bucket or a wet/dry vacuum. After that, use a vacuum or your hands to pick up any visible debris. Before you proceed, double-check that the pump’s intake screen is clear of any debris.
Checking the Sump Pump Power Source and Backup System
Sump pumps that hardwire into your home’s electrical system are very nice to have, but they won’t be able to operate if the electricity goes out. This is why many homeowners choose to equip their sump pumps with backup battery systems. If your sump pump has one, you’ll need to check that the electrical connections are tight and corrosion-free.
You can test the backup battery source by unplugging the sump pump and filling the pit with water. If the sump pump turns on, you know the battery backup is working correctly. Don’t forget to plug the sump back in after testing it. Knowing that the backup battery works is of paramount importance in the event of an emergency.
Evaluating the Float Switch for Unrestricted Movement
An often overlooked but very important component of sump pumps is the float switch. When the water level rises in the pit, this part activates the pump. Nonetheless, flooding could occur if the sump pump fails to start due to the float switch getting stuck or obstructed by debris.
Checking the position of the float switch to make sure it can move freely in the pit can prevent major disasters. You need to remove everything that could interfere with its movement. Changing the switch becomes critical if it looks broken or isn’t working correctly.
Inspecting the Check Valve for Proper Operation
You can’t have a properly functioning sump pump without the check valve. Its function is to stop pumped-out water from reentering the sump pit. Because the pump may have to exert more effort each time to remove the same amount of water, inefficient operation can result from a malfunctioning check valve.
During testing, watch the water flow to inspect the check valve. Replacing the check valve may be necessary if you find water reentering the pit following pumping.
How to Lubricate Sump Pump Components
Lubricating a sump pump from time to time is a good idea because of all the moving parts. These components are prone to stiffness, wear and eventual failure as they age. The motor and bearings, among other parts, can be kept in good operating order by applying lubricant.
Make sure you’re using the right lubricant for your sump pump by checking its handbook before applying any. You might not need to grease some pumps because they have sealed parts. To address this, carefully apply a tiny amount of oil to the designated places, being careful not to over-lubricate. Doing this little thing regularly will keep your pump in good working order and extend its life.
Identifying and Fixing Common Sump Pump Problems
Sump pumps can still break down for a variety of reasons, no matter how often you fix them. Unusual sounds, vibrations or the pump’s continuous operation are all signs of trouble. If you want these problems fixed quickly, you need to find out what’s causing them.
Any unusual vibrations or noises could be signs of a jammed impeller, parts coming loose or foreign objects stuck in the pump. If the machine keeps operating, it could be because of a blocked discharge pipe or a faulty float switch.
How Weather Conditions Impact Sump Pump Maintenance
Conditions outside, particularly severe weather, might affect sump pump functionality and upkeep requirements. Sump pumps are especially susceptible to damage from freezing conditions, snowfall and prolonged periods of heavy rain.
If you want to be sure your sump pump can manage the extra water during rainy seasons, you should test it often. Monitoring the sump pit after a heavy snowfall is also beneficial to ensure the pump is not overwhelmed by the rapid melting.
Discharge pipes can freeze in cold weather, which can cause them to become clogged. One way to avoid this problem is to insulate the discharge pipe. You can be proactive with sump pump maintenance if you know how the weather impacts it.
When to Call a Professional for Sump Pump Maintenance
Homeowners can do most sump pump maintenance tasks on their own, but there are a few that may need the expertise of a professional. You should get in touch with an expert if you notice any ongoing problems, such as a float switch that won’t stay open, strange noises or repeated breakdowns. An expert can also tell you whether your sump pump needs replacing if it’s getting close to the end of its life, which is usually around seven to 10 years.
Splash Plumbing is here to answer any questions you may have about sump pump maintenance. Our number one goal is to make your home safer and more comfortable. We offer a variety of services, including water heater installations, sewer maintenance, drain cleaning, leak detection, property maintenance and more. Contact us today to schedule sump pump maintenance services in Anaheim, CA.
