Spring is a time for sump pumps.
Winter ice thaws and leaves homes more vulnerable to flooding, as do the
seasonal rains. A reliable sump pump should pump out water as quickly as it
enters the home, but how can you tell if your sump pump is really working as it
should?
Unfortunately, many people don’t find out that their sump pumps are not working until it’s too late. The basement is filled with water and they have to pay to pump it out…along with the cost of a new sump pump. It’s far more cost-effective to test your sump pump and find out if it’s working properly long before this becomes an issue. Learn the steps in the guide below and contact our plumbers for more information.
#1: Checking the Drains
The water your sump pump removes from the basement needs
somewhere to drain. In some instances, sump pumps drain with your sewer lines
to the city’s sewer system. In order to inspect these drains, you’ll need the
help of a professional plumber.
In most cases, the drain has an outlet that leads to the
outdoors. You can access the drain and peer inside with a flashlight for a
better view. If there is any debris accessible to you, scoop it out; if you
need a drain auger or drain snake, you may need to call a plumber. You should
also clean out the drain opening under the pump itself.
#2: A Visual Inspection
Now it’s time for a visual inspection of the components of the
pump and pit. Make it a habit to check on these things for your sump pump
whenever you have the opportunity, whether or not you have time for a complete
test.
- Look
over the sump pump for potential cracks and holes. - If
you have a battery back-up pump, make sure the battery is charging. - Check
for fraying wires and other potential electrical troubles. - Adjust
a pump that has tilted or fallen down.
#3: Testing the Pump
In order to test the sump pump, you’ll need to grab a bucket of
water to pour into the drain. Fill the sump all the way and ensure water drains
out quickly enough.
If you have a battery back-up sump pump, you should take extra
steps to see that the battery is working. Essentially, you’ll need to repeat
the test by unplugging the pump and seeing that the battery backup allows water
to drain just as well.
What to Do If You Notice a Problem
As we’ve mentioned above, there are times when you can make an
adjustment to the pump on your own (such as if it has fallen over during
operation). However, in most cases, we recommend calling in expert plumbers to
handle the situation, particularly if you believe it won’t be able to run the
next time your home floods.
Often, a sump pump replacement is the best option for continued
flood management. A plumbing professional is qualified to pick out the right
unit and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Call Ottagan Plumbing for all your Sump Pump Services
