How To Maintain Your Sump Pump

5/28/2022 (Permalink)

If you have a basement or live in a flood area, a sump pump is a good investment.

How To Care For Your Pump

Keeping your home in Oakdale, MN, from flooding can be a challenge, especially during storm season. Adding a sump pump to your basement is a smart idea. To ensure that it does its job, though, you have to maintain it properly. Here are some tips on how to take care of your pump.

Keep Pump Free of Clogs
An important part of pump maintenance is making sure that nothing obstructs the flow of water through it. There are several places you regularly need to check for clogs:

• Intake screen
  
• Discharge pipe
  
• Sump basin
  
• Float component
  
  

Check for debris periodically, especially if the pump was used recently or if you know a storm is on its way. A clear passage makes it work more efficiently.

Check Sump Pump Power Supply and Backup

No matter how good a shape your pump is in, it won't work if it doesn't have sufficient power. Make sure the cord is intact and that it is plugged into a GFCI outlet. Many pumps have backup batteries, which is helpful if your home loses power during a heavy storm. A battery should last at least two years, but check the manufacturer's instructions to make sure you don't need to change it at different intervals.

Test Pump Frequently
Knowing your pump is working properly gives you peace of mind. To test it, simply pour water into the basin. At a certain level, the rising water should trigger the pump, and that's how you know it's functioning the way it's supposed to. According to flood damage restoration experts, you should clean and test your pump every three or four months. If you recently experienced a flood in your home, though, it certainly doesn't hurt to test it more frequently.
A sump pump is a wise investment for homeowners, particularly if you have a basement or live in a flood plain. A well-maintained pump can prevent a lot of damage.